Automated X-ray Imaging System with Multi-Step C-Arm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems for peripheral angiography of lower limbs require numerous user interactions and manual adjustments of collimators and filters, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automated X-ray imaging system that determines the necessary steps for the movement of the X-ray device and adjusts radiation attenuation filters automatically, streamlining the imaging process by using a computation processor to calculate incremental distances and control the movement of the X-ray detector and emitter combination, as well as adjusting filters to optimize image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of collimators and filters is performed for each imaging step, then image quality can be optimized for individual steps, but the imaging process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates the optimal collimator and filter settings for each imaging step before the actual imaging process begins. The computation processor determines all necessary adjustments in advance based on the imaging protocol and anatomy being scanned, allowing the technologist to simply initiate the automated sequence without manual intervention during the imaging acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system performs self-adjustment of collimators and filters through automated motorized mechanisms. The system independently modifies its own configuration parameters during the imaging sequence without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining optimal image quality while eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple imaging passes and steps are performed manually, then complete coverage of the anatomy can be achieved, but user interaction and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated imaging system integrates multiple imaging functions into a single unified protocol. The system can perform sequential imaging passes, adjust collimators, modify filter settings, and position the C-arm automatically within one coordinated sequence, replacing multiple separate manual operations with a single multi-functional automated process that achieves complete anatomical coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with automated computer-controlled mechanisms. Motorized components drive the collimator plates, filter wheels, and C-arm positioning, substituting the need for manual mechanical adjustment with electronic actuation systems that execute pre-programmed imaging sequences automatically.
3Productivity
If automated movement and filter adjustment are implemented, then user interaction is reduced and efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple control functions into a single integrated automated protocol. The computation processor unifies the calculation of collimator positions, filter selections, C-arm movement trajectories, and timing parameters into one coordinated control sequence, managing system complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This automation significantly reduces user interaction, improves image quality by optimizing X-ray radiation, and simplifies the imaging process by minimizing manual adjustments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of peripheral angiography.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray imaging system performs automated multi-step imaging of patient anatomy
Implementation Method 2
automatically adjusting an X-ray radiation attenuation filter
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system performs automated multi-step imaging of patient anatomy and includes an X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging device supports automated movement of an X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to patient anatomy in a series of pre-programmed steps. A multi-step programming interface enables a user to select, (a) a start position for X-ray imaging at a first location of a portion of patient anatomy and (b) an end position for X-ray imaging at a second location of a portion of patient anatomy. A computation processor automatically determines a series of pre-programmed steps comprising multiple incremental distances to be moved by the X-ray detector and X-ray emitter combination relative to the portion of patient anatomy in response to predetermined data including, (i) the selected start and end positions, (ii) the length of the portion of patient anatomy imaged in an individual step and (iii) the amount of overlap desired between successive X-ray images. An imaging controller initiates automated multi-step imaging of the portion of patient anatomy by the X-ray imaging device in response to data representing the determined series of pre-programmed steps and user command.