C-Arm X-Ray Imaging System for Non-Centric 3D Reconstruction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-arm systems are limited in their ability to perform three-dimensional imaging of areas that cannot be centrally positioned within the circular path of the X-ray source, leading to collisions and truncated images due to the fixed size and orientation of the X-ray beam cone.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system with an arched support that allows the X-ray source and detector to be moved on a circular path with additional rotational adjustments to ensure the central ray of the X-ray beam passes through the area of interest, even if it is non-centrically located, using a manipulator arm like a robot to guide the X-ray focus and detector, and merging image data from multiple scans to enhance image quality and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the C-arm is rotated on a circular path around the desired imaging area, then three-dimensional imaging can be obtained, but collisions occur between the C-arm and the patient, patient support or instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the X-ray source rotates around a focus point that is offset from the center of the C-arm structure. This asymmetric configuration allows the imaging system to access non-centric areas of interest without the C-arm colliding with the patient or support structures, thereby resolving the contradiction between imaging capability and collision avoidance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an additional degree of freedom by allowing the X-ray source to move not only in the circular path but also in radial direction to adjust the focus position. This dimensional expansion enables the system to image areas that would otherwise be inaccessible due to C-arm collision constraints
2Area of stationary object
If the area of interest is positioned non-centrically, then larger imaging areas can be targeted, but the X-ray beam cone cannot fully cover the area at all rotation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the X-ray beam cone angle and focus position during rotation based on the detected area of interest. By making the beam parameters variable rather than fixed, the system ensures complete coverage of non-centric areas while maintaining high image quality, resolving the contradiction between imaging area size and image completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the system detects the area of interest and automatically adjusts the X-ray beam parameters and focus position to ensure complete coverage. This closed-loop control eliminates image truncation artifacts by continuously optimizing the beam configuration based on the actual imaging requirements
3Area of stationary object
If the X-ray beam cone size is increased to cover larger areas, then more of the examination object can be imaged, but the patient dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality optimization by adjusting the X-ray beam cone angle and collimation settings specifically for the detected area of interest rather than using a fixed large beam. This localized approach minimizes patient dose by limiting radiation exposure only to the necessary imaging area while maintaining complete coverage of the target region
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
Enables flexible three-dimensional imaging of non-centric areas without truncation, reduces patient dose through collimation, and improves image quality by merging data from scans with varying X-ray doses, avoiding artifacts and allowing for larger imaging areas with high-quality results.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray beam emitted from an X-ray focus at the X-ray source strikes the X-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method using an X-ray imaging unit, which has an arched support for the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. In the method, in a scan carried out by moving the support around an examination object a plurality of X-ray images of an area of interest are recorded using different projection angles, from which a three-dimensional image of the area of interest can be reconstructed. In this case the X-ray focus of the X-ray source is guided on a segment of a circular path of at least 180° around the examination object. In the case of a non-centric location of the area of interest, the support is rotated in such a manner prior to each of the X-ray imaging processes around an axis of rotation passing through the X-ray focus that the central ray of the X-ray beam for the X-ray imaging processes passes through the center of the area of interest.