CBCT Light Field Indicator for X-ray Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In dental or medical X-ray imaging, particularly in CBCT, achieving precise positioning of anatomy for exposure while minimizing radiation dose and managing the complexity of multi-modal imaging apparatuses is challenging due to the need for accurate alignment of X-ray sources and detectors with anatomy, often resulting in increased weight and complexity, which complicates proper positioning and exposure.
Innovation Solution
A CBCT apparatus with a light field indicator system that projects a visible light field pattern from the same location as the X-ray source during exposure, allowing for precise alignment and adjustment of the X-ray beam to match the light field pattern, using a motorized guiding construction and control system to correlate the dimensions and shapes of both patterns for optimal imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light field indicator system is positioned separately from the X-ray source, then the apparatus can provide positioning guidance, but the alignment accuracy between the light field pattern and X-ray beam deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light field indicator system and the X-ray source into a single integrated assembly. The light field indicator is positioned at the same location as the X-ray source, ensuring that the visible light field pattern and the X-ray beam originate from the identical spatial position. This merging eliminates alignment errors between separate positioning and imaging components, directly resolving the contradiction between providing positioning guidance and maintaining alignment accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional CT apparatus are used for imaging, then comprehensive imaging capabilities are achieved, but the apparatus weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into a mobile CBCT apparatus and a separate fixed traditional CT apparatus. The CBCT unit is designed as a lightweight, movable component that can be repositioned as needed, while the heavy fixed CT provides comprehensive imaging capabilities when required. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility through combination while keeping the mobile component lightweight and easy to reposition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging modalities are integrated into one apparatus, then imaging versatility improves, but the apparatus complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light field indicator system to serve multiple functions: it provides real-time positioning guidance during imaging, validates beam-to-table alignment, and confirms proper anatomical positioning. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves enhanced versatility without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
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 solution enables precise positioning of anatomy for reduced radiation exposure, improves imaging quality by ensuring accurate alignment of X-ray and light field patterns, and simplifies the apparatus design by reducing weight and complexity, facilitating both 2D and 3D radiography while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light field indicator comprising a visible light emitting construction and being configured to project a visible light field pattern
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus applicable for use in the context of dental or medical X-ray imaging includes a support construction 12 to which an X-ray source 14, an X-ray detector and a visible light emitting construction 141′ are mounted. The support construction 12 is configured to enable moving the X-ray source 14 and the visible light emitting construction 141′ such that they can be positioned at a given first and second time at essentially the same location so as to direct, when positioned at that location, a given field pattern in essentially the same direction towards the X-ray detector 15.