Automated Radiographic Imaging via Optical Camera Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiographic imaging methods face inaccuracies in adjusting operational parameters due to variations in patient anatomy, leading to suboptimal image quality and discomfort, with existing systems relying heavily on manual interaction and subjective evaluations.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and apparatus that use biometric data from anatomical features to adjust operational parameters such as radiation intensity and exposure time, utilizing optical cameras and pattern analysis to ensure accurate and comfortable patient positioning without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning and subjective evaluation are used to adjust operational parameters, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of parameter adjustment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated vision-based system. Optical cameras capture images of the patient's anatomy, and computer algorithms automatically identify anatomical features and calculate optimal positioning parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and subjective evaluation by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting anatomical landmarks from captured images and computing the optimal positioning parameters without requiring operator intervention. The computer system independently completes the entire process from image capture to parameter determination.
2Extent of automation
If head support with mechanical sensors is used to determine exposure values, then automated parameter setting is achieved, but patient comfort and positioning accuracy worsen due to inaccuracy from age, sex and height differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the basis for parameter setting from fixed mechanical support geometries to dynamically calculated parameters derived from actual patient anatomy. By analyzing unique anatomical features captured in images, the system adapts positioning and exposure parameters to each patient's specific characteristics rather than relying on standardized support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical head support system with a digital imaging and computation system. Instead of using physical sensors and mechanical positioning aids that require the patient to fit into predefined geometries, the system uses optical cameras and computer algorithms to automatically determine optimal positioning based on the patient's actual anatomical features.
3Extent of automation
If constant factor modulation of radiation dose is applied by AEC system, then automated exposure control is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to lack of adaptation to specific patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different radiation exposure parameters to different regions of the patient's anatomy based on local characteristics. By identifying specific anatomical features and their positions, the system modulates the radiation dose locally rather than applying a uniform constant factor across the entire exposure area, thereby optimizing image quality for each specific anatomical region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes radiation exposure parameters based on real-time analysis of patient anatomy from captured images. Rather than using a fixed modulation factor, the computer calculates optimal exposure parameters specific to each patient's anatomical structure, allowing precise adaptation of radiation dose to the actual patient being imaged.
4Productivity
If predefined exposure profiles are used for different head sizes, then quick parameter selection is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for individual anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual selection from predefined profiles with an automated computer-based system that calculates optimal parameters from captured images. The system rapidly processes the images, identifies anatomical features, and computes positioning and exposure parameters automatically, achieving both speed and precision without requiring the operator to manually select from standardized categories.
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiographic X-ray apparatus is equipped with multiple devices for the acquisition of anatomical data, in particular cameras (10). These devices are used to facilitate and automate the imaging process, providing: - before exposure the automated identification of the specific anatomical features of the patient (4) and the optimized presetting of the exposure technique factors and projection geometry, tailored on the actual anatomy of the patient (4); - during exposure the optimized X-ray dose modulation, either automatically or selected by the operator, in order to correctly expose the various regions of interest, and accordingly impart reduced dose to other body parts, according to the actual anatomy of the patient (4) and imaging requirements; - after exposure the possibility to complement the radiographic image with additional information about the internal and external anatomy, providing valuable tools for the medical analysis and diagnosis.