Radiation protection equipment placement assessment

Abstract

This invention relates to a system (100) and method for evaluating the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging examinations. The system according to the invention includes: an optical sensor (132) configured to acquire optical images; a processor (140) communicating with the optical sensor and configured to determine a desired X-ray image in response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object in the optical image relative to an X-ray imaging system; and to determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to X-ray imaging and radiation protection equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In daily work, and especially under high-stress conditions, radiation protection can be performed inappropriately, such as forgetting to wear protective equipment or misplacing it. A 2010 study by Silva et al., "The Use and Relevance of Gonad Protection Shields in Children during Hips Radiography," investigated pediatric examinations and found that 40% of patients were completely unprotected, and in 80% of cases where gonad protection shields were used, they were misplaced. This significantly reduces the effectiveness of protective equipment, and in the worst case, if improperly placed equipment obscures important anatomical structures, it can even lead to duplicate examinations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to assist in radiation protection of objects subjected to radiation during X-ray imaging.

[0004] This invention is defined by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a system for evaluating the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging examinations is disclosed, the system comprising:

[0006] An optical sensor, configured as follows:

[0007] Acquire optical images, wherein the optical images include at least:

[0008] object,

[0009] The position of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system

[0010] Radiation protection equipment, and

[0011] The position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system; and

[0012] A processor that communicates with the optical sensor, the processor being configured to:

[0013] In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object relative to the X-ray imaging system, a desired X-ray image is determined; and

[0014] Determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection device relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0015] In this way, the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment can be tested, and the results can be transmitted to the operator of the X-ray imaging system. For example, if the protection is determined to be insufficient, a warning may be issued, requiring the radiation protection equipment to be repositioned. Alternatively or additionally, the X-ray imaging system may only allow the acquisition of radiation images after the radiation protection equipment has been determined to be of satisfactory effectiveness.

[0016] In the example, the effectiveness of the radiation protection equipment placement is based on the predetermined ideal placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0017] In the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0018] Determine placement recommendations for the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image, wherein the effectiveness of the placement recommendations is higher than that of the initially determined placement.

[0019] In the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0020] Determine placement guidance for the desired X-ray image to achieve the recommended placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system; and

[0021] The system also includes:

[0022] At least one first output device for outputting placement guidance for the desired X-ray image, for achieving a placement recommendation of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system, wherein the at least one output device includes any one or a combination of the following:

[0023] At least one visual output device,

[0024] At least one audible output device, and

[0025] At least one tactile output device.

[0026] In this way, radiology technicians can be assisted in repositioning items such as gonadal shields or lead aprons.

[0027] In the example, the output device is installed on the radiation protection equipment.

[0028] In this way, information on the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment and / or instructions to improve its effectiveness can be conveyed to radiation technicians more quickly and intuitively. For example, if placed correctly, a lead apron may immediately display several green LEDs, providing immediate feedback after placement. Alternatively, if placed incorrectly, the LEDs on the lead apron can be color-coded red, visually and immediately providing feedback to the radiologist that the apron's placement is ineffective. Furthermore, if the LEDs are positioned at the edge of the apron, by turning some LEDs green and others red, the radiation technician can immediately receive instructions to move the apron in one or the other direction.

[0029] In the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0030] Determine the validity of the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0031] In the example, the validity of the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image is based on a predetermined ideal position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0032] In the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0033] Determine a position and / or orientation suggestion for the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image, wherein the effectiveness of the position and / or orientation suggestion is higher than that of the initially determined position and / or orientation.

[0034] In the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0035] Determine positioning guidance for the desired X-ray image to achieve a suggested position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system; and

[0036] The system also includes:

[0037] At least one second output device for outputting positioning guidance for the desired X-ray image, for achieving the proposed position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, wherein the at least one output device comprises any one or a combination of the following:

[0038] At least one visual output device,

[0039] At least one audible output device, and

[0040] At least one tactile output device.

[0041] In the example, the at least one visual output device includes any one or a combination of the following:

[0042] At least one display

[0043] At least one lamp, and

[0044] At least one projector.

[0045] In the example, the at least one projector is configured to project:

[0046] The contour of the placement guide for achieving the placement recommendation of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system, based on the desired X-ray image, or

[0047] The positioning guide contour for the desired X-ray image, used to suggest the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system.

[0048] In the example, the radiation protection equipment also includes a sensor configured to help determine the effectiveness of the position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0049] In one aspect of the invention, a radiation protection device is disclosed, the radiation protection device comprising at least one output device disclosed herein and / or at least one sensor disclosed herein.

[0050] In one aspect of the present invention, a computer-implemented method is disclosed, the method comprising:

[0051] Receive optical images, the optical images including: an object, the position of the object relative to an X-ray imaging system, radiation protection equipment, and the position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system;

[0052] In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object relative to the X-ray imaging system, a desired X-ray image is determined; and

[0053] Determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

[0054] In one aspect of the invention, a computer program product or non-transient medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform all steps of the method according to any of the methods described herein.

[0055] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system and object for positioning for X-ray imaging examination according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 2 An X-ray image including a gonad protector is shown.

[0058] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of radiation protection equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 4 A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 5 A processor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0061] This invention relates to evaluating the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging. The inventors recognized that radiation protection equipment is often improperly placed, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure during X-ray imaging examinations and, in some cases, even requiring re-enhancing the image because the equipment may obscure features of interest. Therefore, evaluating the placement of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging can provide significant assistance to personnel placing the equipment. Thus, the system according to the invention determines the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment placement and can communicate this effectiveness to, for example, a radiology technician.

[0062] According to the present invention, Figure 1 A system 100 is disclosed that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging examinations, the system comprising:

[0063] Optical sensor 132 is configured as follows:

[0064] Acquire optical images, wherein the optical images include at least:

[0065] Relative to object 110 of the X-ray imaging system, and

[0066] Radiation protection equipment 115 relative to the object and / or X-ray imaging system; and

[0067] A processor 140 communicating with the optical sensor, the processor being configured to:

[0068] In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, an X-ray imaging examination is determined; and

[0069] Determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for a given X-ray imaging examination.

[0070] In this way, if it is determined that the placement of radiation protection equipment is ineffective, a warning can be issued to the radiation technician.

[0071] The optical sensor 132 can be any suitable optical sensor, including but not limited to the imaging sensor in a digital or analog camera and a thermal imaging camera. The optical image can accordingly be, for example, a natural image like a photograph, or a thermal image. Preferably, the optical image shows an object relative to the X-ray imaging sensor (source and / or detector). For example, the optical image can show an object lying on the X-ray imaging system table. In another example, the optical image can show an object standing against the detector or light source of the X-ray imaging system. The optical image is also configured to include radiation protection equipment 115, such as a lead apron. An X-ray imaging examination according to this specification includes at least a desired X-ray image. For example, a determined lung X-ray imaging examination may include one or more desired lung X-ray images, possibly from different angles.

[0072] Radiation protection equipment 115 can be any suitable radiation protection equipment, but the most common is a lead apron, used to shield specific areas of an object from radiation. Other radiation protection equipment known to technicians includes: lead glasses (for protecting the eyes of a person or object), lead gloves (for protecting the hands of a person or object), thyroid shields (for protecting the thyroid gland), and lead caps (for protecting the head). While lead is the most commonly used material, radiation protection equipment made from bismuth-based materials, tungsten and tungsten alloys, composite materials, ceramic-based materials, and even biodegradable materials is also known.

[0073] The X-ray imaging system can be any suitable X-ray imaging system, for example, including an X-ray source 122 (from which radiation can be emitted) and a detector 124 (for detecting the radiation). The detector may also be a separate detector, not part of the X-ray imaging system. Typically, when taking an X-ray image, the object is positioned between the radiation source and the detector. Although in Figure 1 In the illustration, the source and detector are shown as being perpendicular to each other, but this disclosure also envisions horizontal alignment or any other diagonal alignment. Figure 2 A representative X-ray image of a pelvic examination, including radiation protection equipment 115, is shown. Therefore, the position of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system can refer to the position of the object relative to the X-ray radiation source 122.

[0074] The processor 140 of system 100 can be any suitable processor that communicates with the optical sensor 132 via wired or wireless means. For example, the processor can be part of an X-ray imaging system, or it can be a separate processor located near (e.g., in the same room) or far from the X-ray imaging system. Therefore, the processing performed by processor 140 can be executed, for example, in the cloud.

[0075] The processor 140 can be configured to determine an X-ray imaging examination in response to user input. For example, a user can input a lung X-ray examination request via the input interface of the X-ray imaging system, and the input will be communicated to the processor 140.

[0076] The processor 140 may additionally or alternatively be configured to determine an X-ray imaging examination based on the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system. For example, based on the object's position determined from an optical image, and the position and configuration of the X-ray source and detector, the processor may determine that the configuration represents a specific X-ray imaging examination. For instance, when the object is lying or sitting on an examination table and the X-ray source is positioned above the knee, the processor may determine that the configuration corresponds to the configuration for taking an X-ray image of the knee. Similarly, when the X-ray source and detector are positioned relative to the chest of the object to be examined, the processor may determine that a chest X-ray imaging examination should be performed.

[0077] The determination of the object's position and / or orientation relative to the X-ray imaging system by the processor 140 can be performed according to the predefined rules described above, or may include a trained machine learning model. For example, the neural network can be trained using an input image similar to the optical image described above and a ground truth image representing the corresponding X-ray imaging examination. The optical image may include views of the source and / or detector. Alternatively or additionally, the positions of the source and / or detector may be transmitted separately to the processor so as to be included in the determination of the object's position and / or orientation relative to the X-ray imaging system. A suitable algorithm for determining the object's position and / or orientation relative to the X-ray imaging system is the regression model by Sénégas et al.: 2018, "Evaluation of Collimation Prediction Based on Depth Images and Automated Landmark Detection for Routine Clinical Chest X-Ray Exams".

[0078] According to the invention, processor 140 is further configured to determine the effectiveness of the placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the subject and / or the X-ray imaging system in the determined X-ray imaging examination. For example, in the previous step of determining the type of X-ray imaging examination, the processor may have already determined that a pelvic examination will be performed. In this step, processor 140 can further identify radiation protection equipment covering the subject's reproductive organs and can generate a measurement of the effectiveness of that placement.

[0079] Radiation protection equipment can be identified in optical images using any known method. For example, segmentation algorithms, such as model-based segmentation algorithms, convolutional neural network segmentation algorithms, etc., can be used. In a preferred embodiment, a convolutional neural network with a "one-time determination" (YOLO) architecture is employed to detect radiation protection equipment.

[0080] According to the example, the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment placement is based on: for a given X-ray imaging examination, the radiation protection equipment's predetermined ideal placement relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system. For example, for the aforementioned given pelvic examination, the ideal placement of the lead apron (i.e., gonadal protection) can be known, and it can be compared with the placement identified in the optical image. Based on any such comparison, the effectiveness of the current placement is derived. Thus, the measure of effectiveness can be determined, for example, by the overlap between the current placement and the ideal placement, where complete overlap will produce 100% effectiveness, partial overlap will produce effectiveness between 0% and 100%, and no overlap will produce 0% effectiveness. Therefore, it can be determined that effectiveness above 95% is considered good, for example, generating a green indicator; effectiveness between 85% and 95% can be considered sufficient, for example, generating a yellow indicator; and effectiveness below 85% can be considered insufficient, for example, generating a red indicator, where the indicator can be displayed on a monitor or an indicator light, as will be described in detail below.

[0081] According to the example, the processor is also configured to determine a new placement (i.e., placement recommendation) of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system in the determined imaging inspection, wherein the effectiveness of the new placement is better than that of the original placement.

[0082] According to the example, the processor is also configured to determine instructions (i.e., placement guidance) for achieving a new placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for a given X-ray imaging inspection; and

[0083] The system further includes at least one first output device for outputting instructions for achieving a new placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for a defined X-ray imaging examination, wherein the at least one output device includes any one or a combination of the following:

[0084] At least one visual output device,

[0085] At least one audible output device, and

[0086] At least one tactile output device.

[0087] According to the example, the at least one visual output device includes any one or a combination of the following:

[0088] At least one display

[0089] At least one lamp, and

[0090] At least one projector.

[0091] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a display showing an image, or, for privacy reasons, a model of an object, and a predetermined ideal and / or current position of the radiation protection equipment. The display may also show other optical guidance elements, such as arrows or color-coded lights (e.g., red for incorrectly positioned objects and green for correctly positioned objects), to indicate movement of the radiation protection equipment. The display may additionally or alternatively display sequences (e.g., animations whose outlines move from the current position to the ideal position, such as GIFs) to indicate movement of the radiation protection equipment from the current position to the ideal position. It should be understood that throughout this specification, "light" includes a light source.

[0092] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a light whose color changes according to the effect of the radiation protection equipment placement.

[0093] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a projector that projects instructions onto the object and / or radiation protection equipment. For example, the projector may display the ideal placement of the radiation protection equipment, thereby guiding the placement. Additionally or alternatively, the projector may also display guiding elements, including arrows or image sequences, wherein the image sequence includes suggested movements of the radiation protection equipment from its current placement to the ideal placement.

[0094] According to the example, the projector is configured to project an outline that indicates a new placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for a determined X-ray imaging inspection.

[0095] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a speaker through which voice commands can be conveyed to the personnel responsible for placing radiation protection equipment.

[0096] At least one first output device may include a tactile device. For example, a device worn by a person placing radiation protection equipment may therefore vibrate to indicate whether the radiation protection equipment is in place effectively or ineffectively.

[0097] According to the example, the output device is mounted on the radiation protection equipment. In other words, the radiation protection equipment may include a signaling device for conveying information to the personnel responsible for placing the radiation protection equipment.

[0098] Therefore, at least one first output device may include one or more displays mounted on the radiation protection equipment for displaying information. For example, arrows showing how to move a specific edge of the radiation protection equipment. For example, colors may be displayed to indicate effective (e.g., green) and / or ineffective (e.g., red) placement, or general placement (e.g., yellow). It should be understood that lights and arrows may also be displayed using a light source such as an LED.

[0099] Figure 3 An exemplary apron, as radiation protection equipment, is shown, featuring LED 310 for indicating placement effectiveness via signal. According to... Figure 3 The apron was moved from time 1 to time 3 to improve the effectiveness of apron placement.

[0100] exist Figure 3 At the top, at time 1, the apron is not effectively positioned on the horizontal axis, but it is effectively positioned on the vertical axis. Therefore, LEDs 312 and 316 are shown in green, LED 314 in yellow, and LED 318 in red. This generates a command to move the apron to the left. To further emphasize this command, LED 318 may blink.

[0101] exist Figure 3 In the middle of the process, at time 2, the horizontal position of the apron is improved, causing the color of LED 318 to switch to yellow. Nevertheless, LED 318 may continue to flash to maintain the instruction to move in that direction. Therefore, the operator is informed that he / she is moving the apron in the correct direction and, since the current position is close to the ideal placement, can now reduce the speed of movement.

[0102] exist Figure 3 At the bottom, at time 3, the placement of the apron may have been determined to be ideal. Therefore, all LEDs will show green.

[0103] It will be obvious to skilled personnel that these teachings can be used to implement other signaling methods, including but not limited to changing light intensity, flashing, light color, and displays (instead of LEDs), without deviating from the creativity of smart radiation protection equipment.

[0104] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a projector that projects instructions onto the edge of the radiation protection equipment. For example, a projector on the edge of the radiation protection equipment may project the outline, arrows, or color-coded lights of the radiation protection equipment onto the object's body or inspection table to guide placement. It should be understood that this projection function can also be achieved using a light source such as an LED.

[0105] Therefore, at least one first output device may include a speaker through which guidance can be conveyed to the personnel responsible for placing the radiation protection equipment. This guidance may be analogous to the beeping sound of a car parking. For example, speakers located at multiple edges may beep if not placed correctly. Alternatively, individual speakers may beep when correctly placed. It should be understood that the individual speakers can operate independently, allowing for individual placement guidance at each edge of the radiation protection equipment.

[0106] A similar effect to the beeping sound of a radiation protection device at parking distance can be achieved through multiple tactile devices on the edge of the device, where the edge may vibrate when placed effectively or ineffectively.

[0107] Radiation protection equipment with the output device described herein may also be referred to as intelligent radiation protection equipment. This intelligent radiation protection equipment can communicate with the processor 140, thereby providing placement guidance in an intuitive manner without requiring the person responsible for placing the radiation protection equipment to look up at a monitor during placement. This could potentially reduce the workload of, for example, radiation technicians.

[0108] According to the example, the processor is also configured to determine the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the validity of the determined X-ray imaging examination.

[0109] According to the example, for a determined X-ray imaging examination, the validity of the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system is based on the ideal position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the determined X-ray imaging examination.

[0110] According to the example, the processor is also configured to determine a new position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the determined X-ray imaging examination, i.e., a position and / or orientation suggestion, wherein the new position and / or orientation has a higher validity than the validity of the original position and / or orientation.

[0111] For example, when determining the effectiveness or guidance of positioning and / or pose, processor 140 may implement rule-based methods, statistical methods, or machine learning models to determine effectiveness and / or any guidance to improve said effectiveness. For example, a video stream of the positioning (including pose) of an object in a specific X-ray examination may be used to train the machine learning model.

[0112] According to the example, the processor is also configured to:

[0113] Determine the instructions used to achieve a new position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the determined X-ray imaging examination, i.e., positioning guidance; and

[0114] The system also includes:

[0115] At least one second output device is configured to output instructions for achieving a new position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for a determined X-ray imaging examination, wherein the at least one output device comprises any one or a combination of the following:

[0116] At least one visual output device,

[0117] At least one audible output device, and

[0118] At least one tactile output device.

[0119] The first and second output devices can be the same output device or different output devices.

[0120] According to the example, the at least one visual output device includes any one or a combination of the following:

[0121] At least one display

[0122] At least one lamp, and

[0123] At least one projector.

[0124] Therefore, the validity of an object's position and / or orientation, and / or guidance for improving the validity of the object's position and / or orientation, can be communicated to the responsible person or object via a display showing an image (or a model of the object for privacy reasons) and the object's ideal and / or current position and / or orientation. The display may also show other optical guidance components, such as arrows or color-coded lights (e.g., red for incorrect positioning and green for correct positioning) to indicate the object's movement. The display may also, or alternatively, show sequences (e.g., a GIF showing the outline of the object's movement from its current position and / or orientation to its ideal position and / or orientation) to indicate the object's motion from its current position and / or orientation to its ideal position and / or orientation.

[0125] Therefore, the effectiveness of object position and / or posture, and / or guidance on improving the effectiveness of object position and / or posture, can be communicated to the responsible personnel or the object through lights whose colors change according to the effectiveness of object position and / or posture.

[0126] According to the example, at least one projector is configured to project an instruction profile indicating that an object has reached a new position and / or orientation relative to the X-ray imaging system for a defined X-ray imaging inspection.

[0127] Therefore, instructions can be projected onto the object and / or inspection table via a projector, thereby conveying guidance on the effectiveness of the object's position and / or orientation, and / or improving the effectiveness of the object's position and / or orientation, to the responsible personnel or the object. For example, the projector can display the outline of the ideal object position and / or orientation on the inspection table, thereby guiding placement. Additionally or alternatively, the projector can also display guiding elements, including arrows or image sequences, wherein the image sequence includes suggested movements to guide the object to the ideal position and / or orientation, starting from the current position and / or orientation.

[0128] Therefore, the effectiveness of the object's position and / or orientation and guidance information for improving the effectiveness of the object's position and / or orientation can be conveyed to the responsible personnel or the object through a loudspeaker, and voice commands can also be conveyed through a loudspeaker.

[0129] Therefore, the validity of an object's position and / or orientation, and / or guidance information to improve the validity of the object's position and / or orientation, can be conveyed to the responsible personnel or the object via a tactile device. For example, a device worn by the person responsible for locating the object or the object itself. Additionally or alternatively, for example, an inspection table may include a tactile device configured to vibrate when the object's position and / or placement is determined to be invalid, or to emit a single vibration when an valid object position and / or orientation is achieved.

[0130] It should be understood that output devices responsible for conveying the effectiveness of an object's position and / or attitude and / or guiding it to improve the effectiveness of the object's position and / or attitude can also be implemented on radiation protection equipment. In this case, displays, light sources, projectors, speakers, or tactile devices mounted on the radiation protection equipment can display the guidance described herein.

[0131] According to an example, the radiation protection equipment also includes sensors configured to help determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for a given X-ray imaging examination. For example, the processor 140 may use sensors on the radiation protection equipment to further determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment and / or guide improvements to that effectiveness. For example, the radiation protection equipment may include an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer, and / or an optical camera, which can be used to determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment.

[0132] According to an embodiment, a radiation protection device is provided, which includes at least one output device and / or at least one sensor, as disclosed herein. For example, a lead apron with LEDs included at its edge may be provided to indicate whether its placement is effective.

[0133] According to an embodiment, a method 400 is disclosed, comprising:

[0134] Receive 420 optical images, the optical images including: an object, the position of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, radiation protection equipment, and the position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system;

[0135] In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object relative to the X-ray imaging system, a 440° X-ray imaging examination, e.g., a desired X-ray image, is determined; and

[0136] Determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the specified X-ray imaging examination; and

[0137] 480 is an optional step to achieve instructions for the new placement of radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the determined X-ray imaging inspection.

[0138] According to an embodiment, a computer program product or non-transient medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods described herein.

[0139] According to an embodiment, a processor is provided to perform any of the methods or steps described herein. This processor may be a standalone processor or, as in [example], a [processor name]. Figure 1 Part of the X-ray imaging system shown.

[0140] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of a processor circuit 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the processor circuit 500 may include a processor 506, a memory 503, and a communication module 508. These components may communicate directly or indirectly with each other, for example, via one or more buses.

[0141] The processor 506 contemplated in this disclosure may include a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), controller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device, other hardware device, firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein. The processor 506 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. The processor 506 may also implement various deep learning networks, which may include hardware or software implementations. The processor 506 may also include a hardware or software-implemented preprocessor.

[0142] The memory 503 contemplated in this disclosure can be any suitable storage device, such as cache memory (e.g., the cache memory of processor 506), random access memory (RAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, solid-state memory devices, hard disk drives, other forms of volatile and non-volatile memory, or combinations of different types of memory. The memory can be distributed across multiple memory devices and / or remotely located relative to processor circuitry. In one embodiment, memory 503 can store instructions 505. Instructions 505 can include instructions that, when executed by processor 506, cause processor 506 to perform the operations described herein.

[0143] Instruction 505 can also be referred to as code. The terms "instruction" and "code" should be interpreted broadly to include any type of computer-readable statement(s). For example, the terms "instruction" and "code" can refer to one or more programs, routines, subroutines, functions, procedures, etc. "Instruction" and "code" can include a single computer-readable statement or multiple computer-readable statements. Instruction 505 can be in the form of an executable computer program or script. For example, routines, subroutines, and / or functions can be defined in programming languages, including but not limited to Python, C, C++, C#, Pascal, BASIC, API calls, HTML, XHTML, XML, ASP scripts, JavaScript, FORTRAN, COBOL, Perl, Java, ADA, .NET, etc. Instructions may also include machine learning and / or deep learning instructions.

[0144] The communication module 608 may include any electronic and / or logic circuitry to facilitate direct or indirect data communication between the processor circuitry 500 and, for example, an external display (not shown) and / or imaging equipment or systems (such as X-ray imaging systems). In this regard, the communication module 608 may be an input / output (I / O) device. Communication can be performed via any suitable means. For example, the communication means may be a wired link, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) link or an Ethernet link. Alternatively, the communication means may be a wireless link, such as an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) link, an IEEE 802.11 wireless network link, or a Bluetooth link.

[0145] It should be noted that the embodiments mentioned above are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art can devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference numerals placed in parentheses in the claims should not constitute a limitation of the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements, and / or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In device-type claims that enumerate several devices, several of these devices may be implemented by the same item of hardware. Measures recited in mutually different dependent claims can be advantageously combined.

Claims

1. A system (100) for evaluating the effectiveness of radiation protection equipment in X-ray imaging examinations, the system comprising: An optical sensor (132) is configured as follows: Acquire optical images, wherein the optical images include at least: Object (110); The position of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, and Radiation protection equipment (115); and The position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system; and A processor (140) communicating with the optical sensor, the processor being configured to: In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object relative to the X-ray imaging system, a desired X-ray image is determined; and Determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection device relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment is based on a predetermined ideal placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Determine placement recommendations for the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image, wherein the effectiveness of the placement recommendations is greater than that of the initially determined placement.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Determine placement guidance for the desired X-ray image to achieve the placement recommendation of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system; and The system also includes: At least one first output device for outputting placement guidance for the desired X-ray image, for achieving the placement recommendation of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system, wherein the at least one output device includes any one or a combination of the following: At least one visual output device, At least one audible output device, and At least one tactile output device.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The output device is installed on the radiation protection equipment.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Determine the validity of the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein, The validity of the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image is based on a predetermined ideal position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Determine a position and / or orientation suggestion for the object relative to the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image, wherein the effectiveness of the position and / or orientation suggestion is higher than that of the initially determined position and / or orientation.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein, The processor is also configured to: Determine positioning guidance for the desired X-ray image to achieve a position and / or orientation suggestion of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system; and The system also includes: At least one second output device for outputting positioning guidance for the desired X-ray image, for achieving the proposed position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, wherein the at least one output device comprises any one or a combination of the following: At least one visual output device, At least one audible output device, and At least one tactile output device.

10. The system of claim 4 or 9, wherein, The at least one visual output device includes any one or a combination of the following: At least one display At least one lamp, and At least one projector.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The at least one projector is configured to project the following: The contour of the placement guide for achieving the placement recommendation of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system, based on the desired X-ray image, or The positioning guide contour for the desired X-ray image, used to suggest the position and / or orientation of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The radiation protection equipment also includes sensors configured to help determine the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

13. A radiation protection device comprising at least one output device according to claim 5 and / or at least one sensor according to claim 12.

14. A computer-implemented method (400), the method comprising: Receive (420) an optical image, the optical image including: an object, the position of the object relative to the X-ray imaging system, radiation protection equipment, and the position of the radiation protection equipment relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system; In response to user input or based on the position and / or orientation of an object relative to the X-ray imaging system, a desired X-ray image is determined (440); and Determine (460) the effectiveness of the placement of the radiation protection device relative to the object and / or the X-ray imaging system for the desired X-ray image.

15. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor (140), cause the processor to perform all the steps of the method according to claim 14.

Images