Cephalometric X-Ray Collimation for Fast Low-Cost Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Cephalometric X-ray imaging systems face challenges with expensive large sensors in one-shot imaging and prolonged scanning operations leading to image artifacts and reduced quality due to patient movement.
Innovation Solution
A versatile X-ray imaging system that can perform both one-shot and scanning operations using a primary collimator with adjustable apertures and a secondary collimator, allowing for cost-effective imaging with reduced patient movement artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large sensor is used to capture the whole imaging area at once in one-shot imaging, then the imaging speed is improved, but the cost of the sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple sequential scanning steps instead of capturing the entire image at once. The sensor remains small and captures only a portion of the imaging area at each step, while the collimator and sensor move together to scan across the full field of view. This segmentation allows using an inexpensive small sensor to achieve full-view imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collimator as an intermediary component between the X-ray source and the sensor. The collimator is configured to define and control the X-ray beam path, allowing the sensor to capture only the necessary portion of the imaging area at each step. This intermediary enables precise control of the imaging field and facilitates the scanning operation with a small sensor.
2Ease of manufacture
If a scanning imaging operation is used to reduce sensor size and cost, then the sensor cost is reduced, but the imaging time increases leading to patient movement artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning motion where the collimator and sensor move together synchronously through the imaging area. The X-ray emission, detection, and beam collimation occur continuously during the scan rather than in discrete steps. This continuous operation minimizes idle time and reduces the total imaging duration, thereby reducing patient movement artifacts while maintaining the benefits of a small sensor.
3Manufacturing precision
If the secondary collimator is positioned closer to the object than the emitter, then the collimation precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secondary collimator with the positioner system, integrating the collimation function into the existing positioning mechanism. The secondary collimator is positioned on or near the positioner that already controls sensor and collimator movement. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity while achieving precise collimation close to the object for improved imaging precision.
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 high-quality, cost-optimized Cephalometric imaging by minimizing sensor size and movement-related artifacts through adaptable collimation and positioning techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emitter for emitting X-rays
Implementation Method 2
primary and secondary collimators for collimating the X-rays
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray receiver for receiving the X-rays from the emitter
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
The application relates to an X-ray imaging system (100) for a Cephalometric dentomaxillofacial X-ray imaging operation. The imaging system comprises a controller (132), an X-ray emitter (104) for emitting X-rays (106), primary and secondary collimators (108, 110) for collimating the X-rays, an X-ray receiver (124) for receiving the X-rays from the emitter, and a positioner (120) for positioning an object (102) to be imaged. The controller is configured to select (264) one of one-shot and scanning Cephalometric imaging operations and to control the emitter to emit X-ray radiation (106) and the receiver to receive the emitted radiation in order to acquire (266) an X-ray image data (ID) in the selected imaging operation.