Radiation equipment assembly and method for aligning such an assembly - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention provides an X-ray tube (11) for generating a beam of X-rays (12) centered in a main emission direction (13); a planar sensor (14) extending in a plane defined by a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the main X-ray emission direction (13), the sensor intended to receive the X-rays (12); A radiological equipment assembly (10) comprising: it is, a first split emitter (15) that is split into two electromagnetic field-emitting parts; a second split emitter (16) that is split into two electromagnetic field-emitting parts; - so-called planar electromagnetic field emitters (24) - electromagnetic field sensors (29, 30, 31, 32) firmly fixed to the planar sensor (14); processing means (17) intended to determine the alignment angle between the main emission direction (13) and the normal (N1) of the planar sensor (14) and to determine the first and second centering errors; - correction means (171) for correcting the alignment angle by applying a first correction movement to the X-ray tube (11) and for correcting the first and second centering errors by applying the first and / or second correction movements to the X-ray tube (11); The present invention is characterized by comprising:

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation equipment assembly, more precisely, to the alignment adjustment of two elements of a radiation equipment assembly, namely a planar sensor with respect to an X-ray tube. The present invention also relates to a method for aligning and adjusting such a radiation equipment assembly. The present invention relates to the field of radiation equipment (for example, medical or veterinary radiation equipment), but is not limited to this field. The present invention also has applicability in the fields of safety and industrial inspection. The present invention can also be applied to other fields where it is necessary to align a point radiation source with respect to a planar sensor, such as the field of infrared imaging.

Background Art

[0002] In this patent application, the present invention is presented in the case of being applied to a radiation equipment assembly. However, the present invention can also be applied to other fields where it is necessary to accurately position two elements relative to each other.

[0003] A radiation equipment assembly consists of two elements, namely an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam and a planar sensor for a radiation image. The assembly is mainly intended to create a radiation image of a patient in a hospital. The patient whose radiation image is to be taken is positioned between the X-ray and the planar sensor. Therefore, the two elements must be correctly positioned relative to each other such that all the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube are captured by the planar sensor. Then, it is said that these two elements are accurately aligned. The alignment adjustment must be performed before the X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube. The purpose is to obtain good image quality while preventing over-irradiation of the patient by X-rays not captured by the sensor.

[0004] Generally, the X-ray tube is manually aligned by the operator to face the plane sensor. Alignment is performed using translational and rotational motion. Alignment is generally performed when the patient is positioned in place, i.e., between the X-ray tube and the plane sensor. There are many specific cases in which the plane sensor is shielded. For example, the plane sensor may be placed under the patient's body for X-ray imaging of the abdomen or pelvis. Another example is when the plane sensor is under a sheet, under a stretcher, or even inside an incubator. In these cases, it is extremely difficult for the operator to align the X-ray tube with respect to the plane sensor.

[0005] Furthermore, there can be several types of environments for planar sensors. These environments may include hospital beds or stretchers with metal frames, or incubators for premature infants. Therefore, the sensor environment can pose further obstacles to accurately positioning the X-ray tube relative to the planar sensor.

[0006] The alignment adjustment of the first element with respect to the second element includes correction of several defects, namely, centering errors (the X-ray beam does not pass through the center of the planar sensor), azimuthal errors (the X-ray beam is not correctly oriented with respect to the plane of the planar sensor), and perpendicularity errors (the X-ray beam does not incident perpendicularly to the planar sensor). Perpendicularity errors are particularly important when a scatter-prevention grid is used for image generation. In this case, the grid is placed on the planar sensor. The X-rays must be incident perpendicularly to the planar sensor in order to be detectable by the sensor. The angular error regarding perpendicularity is small (only a few degrees).

[0007] There are two methods for adjusting the alignment of two elements. First, there is optical alignment, in which the two elements are aligned by a light beam that measures the relative position of one element with respect to the other. Optical alignment cannot be used in the field of radiographic imaging because the planar sensor is often partially shielded by bed sheets or the patient themselves.

[0008] Alignment adjustment can also be achieved by a beam of sound waves. However, since alignment adjustment is performed when a patient is present, the patient's body may obstruct all or part of the plane sensor. In addition, the presence of a patient can cause local attenuation of the sound waves, and therefore, the measurement of the distance between the plane sensor and the X-ray tube may become inaccurate.

[0009] Alignment adjustment of two elements can also be performed based on the measurement of electromagnetic wave propagation time. Measuring wave propagation time makes it possible to determine the distance between the two elements. Trigonometry makes it possible to determine the relative positions of the two elements. However, this alignment adjustment method is not well used in the case of applications to radiographic imaging because the electromagnetic wave propagation time can vary depending on the patient's position between the two elements (X-ray tube and planar sensor). In addition, multiple echoes can be generated by the environment (bed, stretcher, etc.), and these echoes may have a higher signal level than the main signal.

[0010] Based on the same principle, there are alignment adjustment techniques that measure the distance between two elements based on the measurement of electromagnetic signal attenuation. However, in applications to radiographic imaging, this alignment adjustment technique is unsuitable because the patient's body locally attenuates electromagnetic waves, and therefore measurements can be inaccurate.

[0011] Furthermore, U.S. Patent No. 1,0080542 describes a method for providing information for aligning an X-ray tube and a detector of a mobile X-ray apparatus using sensors to detect the orientation of the absolute position of the X-ray tube and detector. A single magnetic field is generated in the X-ray tube along an axis crossing the X-ray tube and detector for evaluation by the sensor at the detector. Relative orientation information with respect to rotation is calculated from the difference between the absolute orientations of the X-ray tube and detector. Relative positioning with respect to translation is performed by comparing the measured magnetic field component values ​​with pre-registered values. Since this information is obtained for six degrees of freedom of movement, the use of a single magnetic field appears insufficient in terms of robustness if a measurement error occurs in that single magnetic field. In addition, the use of a single magnetic field involves the use of complex formulas to determine the six degrees of freedom of movement, and therefore the alignment algorithm becomes even more complex.

[0012] Finally, the dental radiography system (French Patent No. 2 899 349) uses multiple electromagnetic field emitters or two electromagnetic field receivers capable of receiving electromagnetic fields emitted by emitters, all located in the same plane. The use of two receivers makes it possible to determine the angular orientation of the sensor, but it does not provide any indication of the angle of one element relative to the other (relative to the plane sensor of the X-ray tube). In addition, when the emitters are located in the same plane, the position of the plane sensor relative to the X-ray tube is not indicated with high precision. It will be noted that in dental radiography, the distance between the X-ray tube and the sensor is relatively short (20-30 cm) compared to the distance between the X-ray tube and the sensor in the field of medical radiography (approximately 1-2 m). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0013] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10080542 [Patent Document 2] French Patent No. 2899349 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The present invention aims to alleviate all or part of the above-mentioned problems by providing a radiation equipment assembly having multiple electromagnetic field emitters securely fixed to an X-ray tube and positioned in separate planes, and multiple electromagnetic field sensors positioned on a plane sensor and receiving X-rays. This assembly makes it possible to clearly determine the spatial position of the plane sensor and therefore its position relative to the X-ray tube, and thus align and position the X-ray tube with respect to the plane sensor. More specifically, the present invention is based on vertical alignment adjustment of the plane sensor with respect to the X-ray tube, followed by centering around the main X-ray emission direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] For this reason, one of the main points of the present invention is, - An X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam centered on the main emission direction, - A planar sensor extending in a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the main X-ray emission direction, the sensor being intended to receive X-rays, Radiation equipment assembly including last, That is, -A first split emitter divided into two electromagnetic field emission parts, the first split emitter being arranged to emit a first electromagnetic field in a principal direction substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction, each of the two emission parts of the split emitter being located on each side of the X-ray beam, -A second split emitter divided into two electromagnetic field emission parts, the second electromagnetic field being positioned to emit in a principal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction and is the secant of the principal direction of the first electromagnetic field, wherein each of the two parts of the split emitter is positioned on each side of the X-ray beam, - A so-called planar electromagnetic field emitter, which is a coil composed of windings, arranged to emit a third electromagnetic field in a main direction substantially parallel to the main emission direction of the X-ray beam, and the windings are passed through by the main emission direction, a so-called planar emitter, - Firmly fixed to a planar sensor, detecting the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields alternately emitted in their main directions by the first emitter, the second emitter, and the so-called planar emitter, and capable of generating first, second, and third electrical signals according to the detected electromagnetic fields, an electromagnetic field sensor, - Processing means for processing the first, second, and third electrical signals, intended to identify the alignment angle between the main emission direction and the normal of the planar sensor, identify the first centering error between the main emission direction of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction of the planar sensor, and identify the second centering error between the main emission direction of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction of the planar sensor, - Correction means for correcting the alignment angle by applying a first correction movement to the X-ray tube, and correcting the first and second centering errors by applying the first correction movement and / or a second correction movement to the X-ray tube, characterized by including the above.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the processing means includes means for distinguishing the generated electrical signals.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the processing means for processing the first, second, and third electrical signals includes an estimator for estimating the azimuth angle between the main direction of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction of the planar sensor.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, each of the two emission portions of the first and second split emitters includes at least one winding, and the main emission direction of the X-ray beam is positioned between at least one winding of the first and second split emitters.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the so-called planar emitter includes at least one winding through which the main emission direction of the X-ray beam passes.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the so-called planar emitter, which is the two emitting parts of the first and second split emitters, is a planar coil.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first correction movement is the rotation of the X-ray tube in one of the main directions and / or the rotation of the X-ray tube in the main emission direction, and the second correction movement is the translation of the X-ray tube in one of the main directions.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the planar sensor includes at least one inclinometer.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the processing means and the correction means are mechanically connected to the planar sensor.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the processing means and the correction means are mechanically connected to the X-ray tube.

[0025] [[ID=Z3]]The present invention also relates to a method for aligning and adjusting a radiation equipment assembly, which includes: - emitting a first electromagnetic field in a main direction substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction by a first split emitter; - emitting a second electromagnetic field in a main direction substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction by a second emitter; - emitting a third electromagnetic field in a main direction substantially parallel to the main emission direction by a so-called planar emitter; - detecting, by a sensor, the electromagnetic fields alternately emitted in their main directions by the first emitter, the second emitter, and the so-called planar emitter; - generating, by the sensor, first, second, and third electrical signals according to the first, second, and third detected electromagnetic fields; - evaluating the alignment angle between the main emission direction and the normal of the planar sensor; - correcting the alignment angle between the main emission direction and the normal of the planar sensor by applying a first correction movement; - A step of evaluating a first centering error between the main emission direction of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction of the planar sensor, and a second centering error between the main emission direction of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction of the planar sensor, - A step of correcting the first and second centering errors by applying a second corrective movement, -Optionally, the above steps are repeated until the alignment angle becomes smaller than a predetermined alignment angle threshold, and / or until the first centering error and the second centering error become smaller than a predetermined first centering error threshold and a predetermined second centering error threshold, respectively. It is characterized by including.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, the method includes a calibration step in which an electrical signal is intended to be calibrated in advance according to predetermined positions of the X-ray tube and the planar sensor.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, the step of an emitter emitting an electromagnetic field includes the step of supplying power to the emitter, wherein the emitter is supplied with power at different moments in time, or simultaneously at different frequencies, or simultaneously in a phase-shifted state, such that different electromagnetic fields are emitted.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, the method includes, after the step of correcting a centering error, the step of evaluating the azimuth angle between the principal direction of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction of the plane sensor, and after the step of evaluating the azimuth angle, the step of correcting the azimuth angle between the principal direction of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction of the plane sensor.

[0029] The present invention will be better understood by reading the detailed description of one embodiment shown as an example, and other advantages will also become clear, which is illustrated by the accompanying drawings below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1]One embodiment of the radiation equipment assembly according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] An example of the arrangement of an electromagnetic field emitter according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] An example of an electromagnetic field emitter holder is shown. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the radiation equipment assembly according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] The steps of the alignment adjustment method according to the present invention are shown diagrammatically. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] For clarity, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals in various drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 shows one example of a radiation equipment assembly 10 according to the present invention. The radiation equipment assembly 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, which generates a beam of X-rays 12 centered on a principal emission direction 13. The radiation equipment assembly 10 includes a plane sensor 14 extending in a plane defined by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, which are substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction 13. The plane sensor 14 is intended to receive X-rays 12. According to the present invention, the radiation equipment assembly includes a first split emitter 15 divided into two electromagnetic field emission portions 20, 21, and arranged to emit a first electromagnetic field in a principal direction 18 substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction 13, with each of the two emission portions 20, 21 of the split emitter 15 positioned on the respective sides of the X-ray beam 12. Advantageously, the split emitter 15 is firmly fixed to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12. In this configuration, the position of the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12 can be inferred from the main direction of the electromagnetic field emitted by the split emitter 15.

[0033] Similarly, the radiation equipment assembly also includes a second split emitter 16, which is divided into two electromagnetic field emission sections 22 and 23, and is positioned to emit the second electromagnetic field substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction 13 and in the main direction which is the secant of the main direction of the first electromagnetic field, with each of the two emission sections 22 and 23 of the split emitter 16 positioned on the respective sides of the X-ray beam 12.

[0034] In other words, each segmented emitter (e.g., 15) can be considered as a pair of emitters 20, 21 whose principal planes are parallel to each other, with each emitter positioned on each side of the X-ray 12 beam. The pair of emitters 20, 21 (and similarly for 22, 23) is equivalent to a virtual emitter positioned between the two elements 20, 21 in the X-ray 12 beam. When considering one segmented emitter (i.e., one pair of emitters), the emitted electromagnetic field is equivalent to the electromagnetic field that would be emitted by the equivalent virtual emitter. This arrangement has the advantage of not shielding the X-rays because the pair of emitters is positioned on each side of the X-ray 12 beam and not in the beam itself. Furthermore, this arrangement of emitters also has the advantage of not damaging the emitters. Specifically, an equivalent emitter placed in the X-ray beam would be damaged by the X-rays during its use. In the present invention, the emitter is not subjected to X-ray irradiation and is therefore protected from the viewpoint of material resistance.

[0035] The radiation equipment assembly 10 may further include a so-called planar electromagnetic field emitter 24, which is arranged to emit a third electromagnetic field in a principal direction 9 substantially parallel to the principal emission direction 13. The so-called planar emitter 24 makes it possible to have an electromagnetic field parallel to the principal emission direction 13.

[0036] The emitter configuration shown in Figure 1 allows for electromagnetic fields along three distinct axes, each with a principal direction perpendicular to the other. Since the emitter is firmly fixed to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12, the electromagnetic fields along the three axes allow for the identification of specific angular information, enabling comparison of different positions of the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14. Note that the three axes are not necessarily perpendicular to each other. Directions 18 and 19 are secant and can form any angle (between them and with respect to the principal emission direction 13). The relative position of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the plane sensor 14 can also be identified.

[0037] There are two constraints on the frequencies of the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields: - Because the span and power used in the split emitters 15 and 16 and the planar emitter 14 are relatively small, it is necessary to use sufficiently high frequencies to extract signals from noise while obtaining a wide range of emissions for the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields, -However, if metallic objects are present in the environment of the radiation equipment assembly 100, a low frequency must be used.

[0038] For example, the frequencies of the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields may be between 10 Hz and 10 kHz.

[0039] In addition, the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields are emitted continuously in constant, distinct directions to avoid obtaining a rotating electromagnetic field and to avoid any interaction between the first, second, and third electromagnetic fields. Preferably, the three vertical directions are corresponded to electromagnetic fields of constant frequency, direction, and amplitude, each individually and continuously over a predetermined period.

[0040] The radiation equipment assembly 10 includes four electromagnetic field sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32. The four sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 can be integrated into a planar sensor 14. The sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 are intended to detect electromagnetic fields emitted by split emitters 15 and 16 and by a so-called planar emitter 24, and to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the detected electromagnetic field. It should be noted that the radiation equipment assembly may include fewer than four or more electromagnetic field sensors.

[0041] Sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 are integrated into the planar sensor 14. They are mounted in a manner that does not interfere with the acquisition of radiation images. For example, they are positioned behind the elements for detecting radiation images with respect to the X-ray incident plane. They can be in any position on the planar sensor 14. In this case, the correction means needs to determine the relative position of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the planar sensor 14. If they are positioned perfectly symmetrically with respect to the center of the planar sensor, and if sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 have perfectly balanced signals, then perfect centering with respect to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12 can be obtained.

[0042] The radiation equipment assembly 10 includes processing means 17 for processing first, second, and third electrical signals. Furthermore, the processing means 17 includes a computer capable of determining the alignment angle between the main emission direction 13 and the normal N1 of the plane sensor 14. The processing means 17 also includes a computer capable of determining a first centering error between the main emission direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14, and a second centering error between the main direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14. A special feature of the radiation equipment assembly according to the present invention lies in its alignment mode. Rather than considering the absolute position of the plane sensor as done in the prior art, the present invention performs alignment adjustment between the normal N1 of the plane sensor and the main emission direction 13 of the X-rays, and centers the plane sensor around the normal N1, and therefore together with the main emission direction 13 of the X-rays.

[0043] The processing means 17 also includes an estimator for estimating the azimuth angle between the principal direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14.

[0044] Furthermore, in order to ensure the robustness of the radiation equipment assembly 10, the processing means 17 includes means for distinguishing the generated electrical signals. Specifically, since each generated electrical signal induces a correction, it is necessary to correctly identify which electrical signals are to be captured by the sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 of the planar sensor 14.

[0045] The radiation equipment assembly 10 also includes a correction means 171 for correcting the alignment angle and first and second centering errors. More specifically, when the correction means 171 receives the alignment angle and first and second centering errors from the processing means 17, it operates by a first correction movement on the X-ray tube 11 in the case of correcting the alignment angle, and by a first correction movement and / or a second correction movement on the X-ray tube 11 in the case of correcting the first and / or second centering errors.

[0046] More specifically, the first correction movement is rotation of the X-ray tube 11 toward one of the main directions 18 and 19 of the first and second electromagnetic fields, or rotation of the X-ray tube 11 toward the main emission direction 13. The second correction movement is translation of the X-ray tube 11 toward one of the main directions 18 and 19 of the first and second electromagnetic fields. The first correction movement, like the second correction movement, may be performed manually or automated in conjunction with the correction means 171.

[0047] Furthermore, similarly, the correction means 171 can correct the azimuth angle between the principal direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14 by applying the first correction movement to the X-ray tube 11.

[0048] However, the evaluation and correction of the azimuth angle remains optional with respect to the evaluation and correction of the alignment angle and centering error. Specifically, if the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 for generating the X-ray beam 12 are correctly aligned, i.e., the alignment angle is close to zero, and if the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 for generating the X-ray beam 12 are correctly centered, i.e., the centering error is close to zero, then the azimuth angle will therefore inevitably be close to zero. Thus, this azimuth angle is a measure that allows us to confirm that the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 for generating the X-ray beam 12 are correctly aligned and correctly centered.

[0049] Finally, in one preferred embodiment, the processing means 17 and the correction means 171 are mechanically connected to the plane sensor 14. However, the processing means 17 and the correction means 171 can also be mechanically connected to the X-ray tube 11.

[0050] When used in radiation equipment systems, the typical operating distance is the moment of the electromagnetic field measured by the receiver (i.e., the planar sensor 14 in this application).

number

[0051] In a Z-axis polar coordinate system where the origin coincides with the center of the emitter block, the component B of the magnetic field is measured at point M in spherical coordinates (ρ, θ, φ) within the reference frame defined by the emission source (X-ray tube 11 in this application). γ B θ , and B φ Therefore,

number

[0052] Therefore, it is measured at point M,

number

number

[0053] magnetic field

number

number

[0054] The simplification and estimation made possible in the alignment adjustment method allow for the estimation of the alignment deviation, and the accuracy increases as the deviation decreases. This deviation corresponds to the relative rotational position between the emitter and the detector. This is corrected by a first correction movement, which applies rotation relative to the main emission direction 13 to the detector (planar sensor 14), or rotation in the opposite direction to the main emission direction 13 to the emission source (X-ray tube 11 in this application). This simplification also has the advantage that the calculations are relatively simple and therefore do not cost much in terms of computation time and power.

[0055] There is a first interaction between the translation of the first electromagnetic field in the principal direction 18 and the rotation of the second electromagnetic field in the principal direction 19, and a similar second interaction between the translation of the second electromagnetic field in the principal direction 19 and the rotation of the first electromagnetic field in the principal direction 18. The first interaction is described as the translation of the first electromagnetic field in the principal direction 18 between the detector (planar sensor 14) and the source (X-ray tube 11) being similar to the application of the rotation of the second electromagnetic field in the principal direction 19 between the detector (planar sensor 14) and the source (X-ray tube 11), but in the opposite direction, including the rotation of the magnetic field measured by the detector (planar sensor 14).

[0056] This interaction is resolved by using an inclinometer in the detector (planar sensor 14) to evaluate the alignment with respect to the emission source (X-ray tube 11). Knowing the alignment angle makes it possible to apply relative rotation between the detector (planar sensor 14) and the emission source (X-ray tube 11) to obtain the alignment between the planar sensor 14 and the X-ray tube 11.

[0057] When the horizontal plane of the detector (the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14) and the horizontal plane of the emission source (the plane formed by the main directions 18 and 19 of the X-ray tube 11) are aligned, the angles measured in the electromagnetic field arise only from the displacements related to the first centering error in the main direction 18 and the second centering error in the main direction 19, respectively. Through calculations and estimations similar to those described above, it is also possible to measure the rotation of the electromagnetic field in the main directions 18 and 19 and estimate the correction values ​​for the first and second centering errors from there, which define the position of the emission source of the radiation detector.

[0058] The positioning of the detector (planar sensor 14) relative to the emission source (X-ray tube 11), specifically the distance to the main emission direction 13, is not a measure that is fixed to a precise value when the two are aligned. This distance simply must be within the minimum and maximum range characteristic of the anti-scatter grid. This value can still be estimated by a measure of the electromagnetic field module at the center of the detector (planar sensor 14) by taking the average of the values ​​measured by sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 and correlating it with the calibration of the induction module according to the distance between the detector (planar sensor 14) and the emission source (X-ray tube 11).

[0059] All of these formulas become very simple as the alignment of the plane sensor 14 and the X-ray tube 11 approaches, making it possible to calculate the position and angle with increasing accuracy as the detector (plane sensor 14) gets closer to the target position. These approximations allow for obtaining sufficient local accuracy, on the other hand, attempting to obtain this same accuracy over the entire electromagnetic field used would make solving the inverse problem very complex, requiring reliance on methods and algorithms such as Kalman filters, which would also be costly in terms of computation time and therefore disadvantageous in terms of system response time or computer complexity.

[0060] Figure 2 shows an example of the arrangement of electromagnetic field emitters 15 and 16 according to the present invention. In Figure 2, the radiation equipment assembly includes two split emitters 15 and 16, which are divided into two electromagnetic field emission portions 20, 21 and 22, 23. The first split emitter 15 is divided into two electromagnetic field emission portions 20 and 21 and is arranged to emit a first electromagnetic field in a principal direction 18 substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction 13. Each of the two emission portions 20 and 21 of the split emitter 15 is positioned on the respective sides of the X-ray beam 12. Similarly, the second split emitter 16 is divided into two electromagnetic field emission portions 22 and 23 and is arranged to emit a second electromagnetic field in a principal direction 19 substantially perpendicular to the principal emission direction 13 and substantially perpendicular to the principal direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field. Each of the two emission portions 22 and 23 of the split emitter 16 is positioned on the respective sides of the X-ray 12.

[0061] The split emitters 15 and 16 and the so-called planar emitter 24 may be, for example, coils or solenoids. More specifically, each of the two emission portions 20 and 21 of the split emitter 15 and each of the two emission portions 22 and 23 of the split emitter 16 includes at least one winding through which current can flow. Similarly, the so-called planar emitter 24 includes at least one winding through which current can flow.

[0062] Considering the surfaces represented by the respective windings of each emission portion 20, 21 and 22, 23, it can be seen that the surface 120 of emission portion 20 is substantially parallel to the surface 121 of emission portion 21. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field emitted by the split emitter 15 has a principal direction 18 perpendicular to surfaces 120 and 121. By the same principle, the surface 122 of emission portion 22 is substantially parallel to the surface 123 of emission portion 23. Furthermore, the electromagnetic field emitted by the split emitter 16 has a principal direction 19 perpendicular to surfaces 122 and 123. In an advantageous configuration, surfaces 120 and 121 are perpendicular to surfaces 122 and 123. In addition to being secant, the principal directions 18 and 19 are then self-perpendicular to each other. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12 has a square-shaped emission flux. Thus, the flux of the X-rays 12 is emitted in the main emission direction 13 between surfaces 120, 121, 122, and 123. At this time, the emitters 15 and 16 are not in the flux of the X-rays 12, so the flux does not intersect with the emitters 15 and 16 (and therefore does not damage them), nor is it shielded.

[0063] This configuration of the split emitters 15 and 16 makes it possible to position the main emission direction 13 of the X-ray beam 12 between at least one winding of the split emitters 15 and 16, and ensures that each pair of emitters 20, 21 and 22, 23, whose respective surfaces 120, 121 and 122, 123 are parallel to each other, is equivalent to a virtual emitter positioned at the center of surfaces 120, 121, 122, 123 of emitters 15 and 16 at the same level as the main emission direction 13 of the X-rays, whereas it is not possible to place a single emitter at the center because the X-ray beam passes through there. Therefore, the emitters can emit an electromagnetic field equivalent to the electromagnetic field emitted at the center position at a position offset from the center, without shielding the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11. In addition, at least one winding of the split emitters 15 and 16 and the so-called planar emitter 24 may be square, rectangular, or circular in shape.

[0064] Similarly, the surface represented by the windings of the so-called planar emitter 24 can be interpreted as the surface 124 of the so-called planar emitter 24. This surface 124 of the so-called planar emitter 24 is substantially perpendicular to surfaces 120, 121, 122, and 123. Unlike the segmented emitters 15 and 16, the flux of X-rays 12 can pass through the so-called planar emitter 24 in the windings. The flux of X-rays 12 is not shielded by the so-called planar emitter 24 because it flows through one or more windings.

[0065] The emitter arrangement shown in Figure 2 allows for electromagnetic fields on three different axes whose main directions are mutually perpendicular. Since the split emitters 15 and 16 and the so-called planar emitter 24 are firmly fixed to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12, the electromagnetic fields on the three axes make it possible to determine specific angular information such as the alignment angle, first and second centering errors, or azimuth angle with respect to the planar sensor 14 of the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12.

[0066] It will be apparent that the three axes are not necessarily perpendicular to each other. Directions 18 and 19 are secant and can form any angle (between them and with respect to the main emission direction 13). In a broader sense, the electromagnetic fields on the three axes make it possible to pinpoint the position of the planar sensor 14 of the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-ray beam 12.

[0067] In Figure 2, there are three emitters (15, 16, and 24, i.e., four emission parts 20, 21, 22, and 23 and one emitter 24), positioned to form a rectangular prism. However, it is entirely conceivable that there are more than three emitters, in which case each would be positioned on one face of a polyhedron, the number of faces of which corresponds to the number of emission parts and emitters used. Increasing the number of emitters improves the accuracy of evaluating the azimuth angle of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the planar sensor 14, through alignment angles, first and second centering errors, and optional adjustments. However, such an increase in number increases manufacturing costs and makes signal processing more complex. As shown in Figure 2, having three emitters provides a very good balance between the accuracy of angle information evaluation and the complexity of signal processing.

[0068] Figure 3 shows an example of an electromagnetic field emitter holder 39. Corresponding to the configuration in Figure 2, the holder 39 has surfaces 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44, which are substantially perpendicular to each other. Surface 42 has a groove 45 that can receive the emitter 22. Similarly, surface 44 has a groove 46 that can receive the emitter 24. The same is true for each of the surfaces. The holder 39 includes an intermediate element 47, which is substantially perpendicular to surfaces 40, 41, 42, and 43 and substantially parallel to surface 44. The intermediate element 47 is a fixing means that allows the holder 39 (and therefore the emitters 15, 16, and 24) to be firmly fixed to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the beam of X-rays 12.

[0069] When configured with multiple other emitters, the holder 39 has other three-dimensional geometric shapes with flat surfaces, each flat surface having a groove arranged to accommodate one emitter. Other arrangements are also possible, particularly when the emitters are fabricated on a printed circuit board. In this case, the planar coil can be fixed to the surface of the collimator and function as a rigid, movable frame structure for the X-ray tube 11 for generating the beam of X-rays 12. Thus, the two emission portions 20, 21 and 22, 23 of the first and second split emitters 15 and 16, as well as the so-called planar emitter 24, are planar coils, and therefore the overall size of the system is reduced.

[0070] It is conceivable that the planar coil could be replaced by a collimator surface, or even directly incorporated into the collimator.

[0071] The shapes shown in Figures 2 and 3, with pairs of mutually parallel surfaces (120 and 121, 122 and 123) and the arrangement of the emitter in grooves provided for this purpose, mean that the left and right windows (of surfaces 42 and 43) and / or the front and rear windings (of surfaces 40 and 41) have high symmetry, thereby allowing for a magnetic field perfectly centered at the center of the geometric shape, and the X-ray path is not obstructed. There is no need to have multiple windings in the side grooves; the bottom winding, i.e., that of surface 44 in groove 46, is sufficient to provide symmetry.

[0072] In other words, each segmented emitter (15, 16) is divided into two electromagnetic field emitting portions (20, 21 and 22, 23), which are configured to generate an electromagnetic field perfectly centered between the two surfaces formed by the emitting portion. Each of the two emitting portions has a surface, and these two surfaces are parallel to each other.

[0073] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the radiation equipment assembly 10 according to the present invention. As previously mentioned with respect to Figure 1, sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 are incorporated into the planar sensor 14. They are mounted so as not to interfere with the acquisition of radiation images. They are, for example, positioned behind the elements for detecting radiation images with respect to the X-ray incident plane.

[0074] The electromagnetic field sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 may be, for example, coils, magnetometers, magnetoresistives, anisotropic magnetoresistives, magnetic transistors, magnetic diodes, fluxgates, or Hall effect sensors. Furthermore, the plane sensor 14 and the X-ray tube 11 for generating X-rays 12 include at least one inclinometer. Specifically, inclinometers installed on the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 make it possible to evaluate the gravitational acceleration on the emitting portion, i.e., on the X-ray tube 11, and on the receiving portion, i.e., on the plane sensor 14. This acceleration represents an absolute vector and is usually the same for the emitting and receiving portions, and must be projected differently depending on the observable deviation of the alignment, centering, and orientation of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the plane sensor.

[0075] If the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 are parallel, that is, if the plane formed by the main directions 15 and 16 of the X-ray tube 11 is parallel to the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14, then the absolute vector of the X-ray tube 11 will be collinear with the absolute vector of the plane sensor 14.

[0076] Otherwise, the angle formed between the absolute vector of the X-ray tube 11 and the absolute vector of the plane sensor 14 corresponds to the inclination between the plane formed by the main directions 15 and 16 of the X-ray tube 11 and the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14, and therefore to the misalignment between the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14.

[0077] Each of the electromagnetic field sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 may include amplification and filtering electronic circuits (not shown) intended to process the electrical signals generated by each of the sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32. Each sensor 29, 30, 31, and 32 detects an electromagnetic field and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the amplitude of the detected electromagnetic field. The generated electrical signals are processed by the amplification and filtering electronic circuits.

[0078] Depending on the type of sensor used, each sensor 29, 30, 31, and 32 may generate one or more pieces of information at any given time. If the sensor is single-axis, it generates one piece of information. If the sensor is Tajik, it generates multiple pieces of information. The use of multi-axis sensors makes it possible to know the amplitude and direction of the electromagnetic field.

[0079] In the configuration of this invention, if the sensor is a single-axis sensor, 12 pieces of information are generated for a certain position of the planar sensor 14. If the sensor is a three-axis sensor, 36 signals are generated.

[0080] The detected signals are digitized and sent to the computer of the processing unit 17 shown in Figure 1, which processes angular information such as the tilt angle, the first and second centering errors, or the azimuth angle relative to the X-ray tube 11 for generating the X-rays 12 from the plane sensor 14. The information from sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 is then transmitted in digital form. This information can therefore be transmitted via either a wire link or a wireless link.

[0081] Figure 5 schematically illustrates the steps of the alignment adjustment method according to the present invention. The alignment adjustment method for the radiation equipment assembly 10 according to the present invention includes the following steps: -The first split emitter 15 emits in a main direction 18 that is substantially perpendicular to the first main electromagnetic field emission direction 13 (step 100). -The second emitter emits a second electromagnetic field in the main direction 19 which is substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction 13 (step 101). -A so-called planar emitter emits a third electromagnetic field in the main direction 9 which is substantially parallel to the main emission direction 13 (step 102). -The sensor detects electromagnetic waves alternately emitted in their respective principal directions by the first emitter 15, the second emitter 16, and the so-called planar emitter 24 (step 110). -Sensors 29, 30, 31, and 32 generate first, second, and third electrical signals according to the first, second, and third detected electromagnetic fields (step 120). - Evaluate the alignment angle between the main emission direction 13 and the normal of the plane sensor 14 (step 130). -By applying the first correction movement, the alignment angle between the main emission direction 13 and the normal N1 of the plane sensor 14 is corrected (step 131). -Evaluate the first centering error between the main emission direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14, and the second centering error between the main emission direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14 (step 140). - The first and second centering errors are corrected by applying the first and / or second correction movement (step 141).

[0082] The above steps are optionally repeated until the alignment angle becomes smaller than a predetermined alignment angle threshold, and / or until the first centering error and the second centering error become smaller than a predetermined first centering error threshold and a predetermined second centering error threshold.

[0083] Specifically, if the radiation equipment assembly 10 includes a plurality of emitters 15, 16, 24, the processing means 17 must include means for distinguishing electrical signals generated in response to the detected first, second, and third magnetic fields.

[0084] Step 130, which evaluates the alignment angle between the main emission direction 13 and the normal of the plane sensor 14, is performed, for example, by processing the first, second, and third electrical signals with the aforementioned amplification and filtering electronic circuits. Therefore, the alignment angle is evaluated and analyzed by a computer to better understand the difference in alignment between the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14. Specifically, the alignment angle makes it possible to determine the parallelism between the plane formed by the main directions 18 and 19 of the first and second electromagnetic fields in the X-ray tube 11 and the plane formed by the first and second directions D1 and D2 of the plane sensor 14.

[0085] Therefore, the alignment angle correction step 131 makes it possible to achieve parallelism between the plane of the X-ray tube 11 perpendicular to the X-ray beam 13 and the plane of the plane sensor 14. To do this, a first correction movement is applied to obtain a rotation to one of the principal directions 18, 19 of the first or second electromagnetic field. In this way, it is ensured that the X-ray beam 12 is correctly aligned facing the plane sensor 14 and that irradiation of the outside of the plane sensor 14 is avoided.

[0086] Similarly, step 140, which evaluates the first centering error between the main emission direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the planar sensor 14, and the second centering error between the main emission direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction D2 of the planar sensor 14, is performed, for example, by processing the first, second, and third electrical signals with the aforementioned amplification and filtering electronic circuits. Evaluation and analysis of the first and second centering errors makes it possible to reveal the possibility of a lack of centering between the X-ray tube 11 and the planar sensor 14. As a result, the beam of X-rays 12 is irradiated outside the area of ​​the planar sensor 14, which is not optimal.

[0087] Step 141, which corrects the first and second centering errors, makes it possible to refocus the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the plane sensor 14. To do this, by applying the first corrective movement, the X-ray tube 11 is rotated in the main emission direction 13 so that the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field of the X-ray tube 11 becomes parallel to the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14, and the main direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field becomes parallel to the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14. Thus, the plane formed by the main directions 18 and 19 of the first and second electromagnetic fields in the X-ray tube 11 and the plane formed by the first and second directions D1 and D2 of the plane sensor 14 become collinear.

[0088] Subsequently, by applying a second correction movement, the X-ray tube 11 is translated to the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and / or the main direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field, so that the projection of the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the main direction 19 of the second electromagnetic field onto the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14 corresponds to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 of the plane sensor 14, respectively. In this way, the X-ray tube 11 is aligned with the plane sensor 14, thereby optimizing the irradiation.

[0089] The alignment adjustment method according to the present invention may include a calibration step 150 in which the electrical signals are intended to be calibrated in advance according to predetermined positions of the X-ray tube 11 and the planar sensor 14. During this step, the aforementioned angular information is stored and then used to identify correction conditions to be considered in subsequent steps.

[0090] The alignment adjustment method according to the present invention may include a step after step 141 in which the first, second, and third electrical signals are processed, for example, by the aforementioned amplification and filtering electronic circuit, to evaluate the azimuth angle between the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14. This step makes it possible to confirm the correct parallelism between the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14. Specifically, this parallelism is verified during step 141, but further verification is possible by evaluating the azimuth angle, thereby improving the accuracy and robustness of the alignment adjustment method according to the present invention.

[0091] Therefore, the processing means 17 for processing the first, second, and third electrical signals of the radiation equipment assembly 10 shown in Figure 1 may optionally include an estimator for estimating the azimuth angle, in addition to estimating the alignment angle of the first and second centering errors of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the planar sensor 14.

[0092] In addition, following this step of evaluating the azimuth angle, an additional step of correcting the azimuth angle may be incorporated, applying a first corrective movement to the main emission direction 13 to correct the parallelism between the main direction 18 of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction D1 of the plane sensor 14. Therefore, although this step of evaluating and correcting the azimuth angle is optional, it improves the robustness and accuracy of the alignment adjustment method.

[0093] Furthermore, the alignment adjustment method may include a step following step 131 to verify the alignment of the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14. This step of verifying the alignment makes it possible to determine the correct alignment of the two elements mentioned above. To do this, the alignment angle corrected in step 131 is compared with an alignment angle threshold, which may be, for example, 1° to 2°. In this way, if the alignment verification is not conclusive, i.e., if the alignment angle corrected in step 131 is still greater than the alignment angle threshold, the alignment angle between the main emission direction 13 and the normal N1 of the plane sensor 14 can be newly corrected by applying an additional first correction movement to the alignment angle (step 131).

[0094] Similarly, the alignment adjustment method may include a step of checking the X-ray tube 11 and the plane sensor 14 following step 141. This step of checking centering makes it possible to determine the correct centering of the two elements described above. To do this, the first and second centering errors corrected in step 141 are compared with the first and second centering error thresholds, respectively, which may be, for example, about 2 to 5 centimeters. In this way, if the centering check is not conclusive, i.e., if the first and second centering errors corrected in step 141 are still higher than the first and second centering error thresholds, the first and second centering errors may be further corrected (in step 141, by applying the first and / or second corrective movements).

[0095] Therefore, the above steps can be repeated until the alignment angle becomes smaller than the alignment angle threshold, and / or until the first centering error and the second centering error become smaller than the first centering error threshold and the second centering error threshold, respectively.

[0096] Finally, emitters 15, 16, and 24 are powered by electrical signals at different times or simultaneously, at different frequencies, or simultaneously in phase-shifted states, so that different electromagnetic fields are emitted.

[0097] In other words, the first split emitter 15 and the second split emitter 16 may be powered at different times, simultaneously, at different frequencies, or in phase-shifted states. Powering the split emitters at different times, simultaneously, at different frequencies, or in phase-shifted states is one way to distinguish the generated electrical signals.

[0098] Similarly, the so-called planar emitter 24 and the first and second split emitters 15 and 16 can be powered at different times, simultaneously, at different frequencies, or in phase-shifted states.

[0099] The present invention described above has several advantages compared to existing solutions: -By a combination of low-frequency magnetic receiver assemblies associated with source / synchronization detection, for example, --Electromagnetic interference including the Earth's magnetic field, --The presence of an object between the source and the receiver that is impermeable to high-frequency radiation, including light. This can reduce the sensitivity of the alignment adjustment system to external interferences such as those mentioned above. -By using a principle of localized detection and calculation, this solution can solve the magnetic inversion problem in fields where alignment accuracy is required, rather than uniform positioning accuracy at all locations, which is unnecessary and more costly in terms of computation time and power. - Alignment searching allows operation even over long distances between the source and receiver. - The system can operate within buildings in environments susceptible to interference. - The present invention can be easily implemented by adding an emission system securely fixed to the X-ray source and its collimator, and by adding a small sensor incorporated into the electronic components of the detector. - The calculated information can be easily transferred to the radiation equipment system to automatically adjust the alignment of the tube and detector.

[0100] The main innovation is a method that allows the alignment adjustment problem between the source and receiver to be easily solved in an iterative manner, without relying on complex calculations, estimations, and algorithms.

[0101] This delicious, - The second of the three-axis measurements of electromagnetic fields emitted in three orthogonal directions is updated at a lower speed. - A simple method for calculating position and orientation, which becomes more accurate the closer the axis is to alignment, and a method that enables solving the magnetic inversion problem through simple calculations that do not require complex algorithms or high computing power. - The initial magnetic information can be combined with information provided by inertial sensors to potentially improve the accuracy of the correction. - Possibility of using calculation results to facilitate manual alignment adjustments or to send control signals to an automatic alignment adjustment device. Based on.

[0102] By prioritizing alignment over precise positioning at every point in space, the required computation time and power can be reduced. Therefore, delay time can be minimized, and measurements can be updated at a higher frequency. As a result, displacement becomes more accurate and smoother.

Claims

1. an X-ray tube (11) for generating a beam of X-rays (12) centered on a main direction of emission (13); a planar sensor (14) extending in a plane defined by a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the main X-ray emission direction (13), the sensor intended to receive the X-rays (12); A radiological equipment assembly (10) comprising: a first split emitter (15) divided into two electromagnetic field emitting portions (20, 21) and arranged to emit a first electromagnetic field in a main direction (18) substantially perpendicular to said main emission direction (13), said two emitting portions (20, 21) of said split emitter (15) being each positioned on a respective side of said beam of X-rays (12); a second split emitter (16) split into two electromagnetic field emitting portions (22, 23) and arranged to emit a second electromagnetic field in a main direction (19) that is substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction (13) and that is secant of the main direction (18) of the first electromagnetic field, each of the two portions (22, 23) of the split emitter (16) being positioned on either side of the beam of X-rays (12); a so-called planar electromagnetic field emitter (24), which is a coil made of windings and is arranged to emit a third electromagnetic field in a main direction (9) substantially parallel to the main emission direction (13) of the beam of X-rays, said main emission direction (13) passing through said windings; - electromagnetic field sensors (29, 30, 31, 32) firmly fixed to the planar sensor (14) and capable of detecting the first, second and third electromagnetic fields emitted alternately in their main directions by the first emitter (15), the second emitter (16) and the so-called planar emitter (24), and generating first, second and third electrical signals in response to the detected electromagnetic fields; processing means (17) for processing said first, second and third electrical signals intended to determine an alignment angle between said main emission direction (13) and the normal (N1) of said planar sensor (14), to determine a first centering error between said main emission direction (18) of said first electromagnetic field and said first direction (D1) of said planar sensor (14), and to determine a second centering error between said main emission direction (19) of said second electromagnetic field and said second direction (D2) of said planar sensor (14); - correction means (171) for correcting the alignment angle by applying a first correction movement to the X-ray tube (11) and for correcting first and second centering errors by applying the first and / or second correction movement to the X-ray tube (11); A radiological equipment assembly (10) comprising:

2. 2. The radiological equipment assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein said processing means (17) includes means for distinguishing said generated electrical signals.

3. 2. The radiological equipment assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the processing means (17) for processing the first, second, and third electrical signals includes an estimator for estimating an azimuth angle between the main direction (18) of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction (D1) of the planar sensor (14).

4. 4. The radiation equipment assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein each of the two emission portions (20, 21; 22, 23) of the first and second split emitters (15, 16) comprises at least one winding, and the main emission direction (13) of the beam of X-rays (12) is located between the at least one winding of the first and second split emitters (15, 16).

5. The radiological equipment assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the so-called planar emitter (24) comprises at least one winding through which the main emission direction (13) of the beam of X-rays (12) passes.

6. The radiological equipment assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the two emitting portions (20, 21; 22, 23) of the first and second split emitters (15, 16) and the so-called planar emitter (24) are planar coils.

7. 6. The radiological equipment assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first corrective movement is a rotation of the X-ray tube (11) in one of the main directions (18, 19) and / or a rotation of the X-ray tube (11) in the main emission direction (13), and the second corrective movement is a translation of the X-ray tube (11) in one of the main directions (18, 19).

8. The radiological equipment assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the planar sensor (14) comprises at least one inclinometer.

9. Radiation equipment assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said processing means (17) and said correction means (171) are mechanically coupled to said planar sensor (14).

10. The radiological equipment assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said processing means (17) and said correction means (171) are mechanically coupled to said X-ray tube (11).

11. A method for aligning a radiological equipment assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: - emitting (step 100) by the first split emitter (15) the first electromagnetic field in the main direction (18) substantially perpendicular to the main emission direction (13); - emitting, by said second emitter, said second electromagnetic field in said main direction (19) substantially perpendicular to said main emission direction (13); - emitting, by means of said so-called planar emitter, a third electromagnetic field in a main direction (9) substantially parallel to said main emission direction (13); - detecting (step 110) by means of said sensor the electromagnetic fields emitted alternately by said first emitter (15, 16), said second emitter (15, 16) and said so-called planar emitter (24) in their main directions; generating (step 120) said first, second and third electrical signals by said sensors (29, 30, 31, 32) in response to said first, second and third detected electromagnetic fields; - evaluating the alignment angle between the main direction of emission (13) and the normal of the planar sensor (14); - correcting the alignment angle between the main emission direction (13) and the normal of the planar sensor (14) by applying the first corrective movement; - evaluating the first centering error between the main direction of emission (18) of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction (D1) of the planar sensor (14) and the second centering error between the main direction of emission (19) of the second electromagnetic field and the second direction (D2) of the planar sensor (14); - correcting said first and said second centering errors by applying said second corrective movement; - optionally repeating the above steps until the alignment angle is smaller than a predetermined alignment angle threshold and / or until the first and second centering errors are smaller than a predetermined first and second centering error threshold; An alignment adjustment method comprising:

12. 12. The alignment method according to claim 11, further comprising a calibration step (150) intended to calibrate beforehand said electrical signals as a function of predetermined positions of said X-ray tube (11) and of said planar sensor (14).

13. 13. The alignment method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the step of emitting the electromagnetic fields by the emitters comprises the step of supplying power to the emitters (15, 16, 24), the emitters being supplied with power at different instants or at different frequencies simultaneously or simultaneously out of phase so that the emitted electromagnetic fields are different.

14. 14. The alignment adjustment method according to claim 11, further comprising, after the step of correcting the centering error, a step of evaluating the azimuth angle between the main direction (18) of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction (D1) of the planar sensor (14), and, after the step of evaluating the azimuth angle, a step of correcting the azimuth angle between the main direction (18) of the first electromagnetic field and the first direction (D1) of the planar sensor (14).

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