Auto-positioning X-ray Source for Radiography Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiography setup methods are cumbersome and costly, requiring extensive manual configuration for each exam type and patient size, failing to adapt effectively to varying patient heights and physical characteristics, and lacking automation for efficient positioning of x-ray sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
An auto-positioning apparatus for x-ray imaging systems that includes a transport apparatus and a computer processor to automatically position the x-ray source relative to a detector based on exam type and patient data, such as height, allowing for customized positioning without the need for extensive setup procedures for every exam type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual positioning methods are used for each exam type, then the equipment can be positioned accurately for specific exams, but the setup process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal positioning parameters for the x-ray source and detector based on patient height and exam type before actual imaging. This preliminary preparation allows the system to automatically retrieve and apply pre-determined positions, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts positioning parameters based on patient height and exam type by retrieving pre-stored calibration data corresponding to different patient size categories. This parameter-based approach enables automatic adaptation to various exam conditions without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment is individually programmed at each site with site-specific coordinates, then the positioning can be adapted to specific room configurations, but the setup process must be repeated at every location and cannot be transferred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system where calibration data is stored relative to the radiography apparatus itself rather than room coordinates. This universal reference frame allows the same equipment and calibration data to be used across multiple sites with different room configurations, eliminating the need for site-specific programming while maintaining adaptability through patient-height-based adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies calibration data between different installation sites by using apparatus-relative coordinates rather than room-fixed coordinates. This copying approach allows proven positioning parameters to be transferred to new locations without repeating the entire setup process, significantly reducing installation complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional setup methods are used, then equipment can be positioned for average-sized patients, but additional manual adjustment is required for patients who are shorter or taller than average
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts positioning parameters based on patient height by categorizing patients into size groups and retrieving corresponding calibration data. This dynamic adaptation allows the equipment to automatically accommodate patients of varying sizes without manual intervention, enhancing both ease of operation and patient size adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates positioning parameters for different patient height categories and stores them in advance. When imaging begins, the appropriate pre-calculated positions are automatically retrieved based on the patient's height, eliminating the need for manual adjustments during the imaging process.
4Reliability
If extensive manual configuration is performed for each exam type, then comprehensive setup can be achieved, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically retrieving and applying positioning parameters based on patient height and exam type. The apparatus configures itself without requiring extensive manual setup, maintaining reliability through pre-calculated parameters while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual configuration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary positioning parameters are pre-calculated and stored for various exam types and patient sizes before clinical use. This preliminary preparation ensures setup completeness is maintained while allowing the system to operate efficiently without repeated manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
An auto-positioning apparatus for an x-ray imaging system has a transport apparatus that is configured to position an x-ray source relative to a detector. A processor is configured to receive exam data that indicates an exam type and patient data that is indicative of patient height. The processor determines the present position of the first transport apparatus and determines an imaging position according to the exam data and patient data. The processor provides a positioning signal to the transport apparatus to move the x-ray source to the imaging position.