Cephalometric X-Ray Imaging with Switchable One-Shot and Scanning Modes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Cephalometric X-ray imaging systems face challenges with high costs due to large sensors in one-shot imaging and image artifacts from patient movements in scanning imaging, leading to the need for complex corrections and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A versatile X-ray imaging system that supports both one-shot and scanning operations, utilizing a controller to select and control X-ray emission and reception, along with primary and secondary collimators to optimize sensor size and movement, enabling efficient and cost-effective image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large sensor area is used in one-shot imaging to capture the whole imaging area at once, then the imaging speed is improved, but the cost of the sensor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple sequential scans rather than capturing the entire area at once. The sensor remains small while the collimator divides the imaging area into sections that are captured sequentially during scanning operations, eliminating the need for an expensive large-area sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic scanning movements of the collimator and sensor assembly to capture the entire imaging area over time. This transforms a static large-area requirement into a dynamic sequential capture process, maintaining small sensor size while achieving full-area imaging.
2Ease of manufacture
If scanning imaging operation is used with a narrow sensor to reduce cost, then the sensor cost is reduced, but the imaging time increases and patient movement artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning operation maintains continuous X-ray emission and continuous sensor movement throughout the imaging process. This continuous action minimizes gaps between sequential captures, reducing total imaging time and minimizing patient movement during the procedure compared to intermittent or stepwise scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator serves as an intermediary that moves with the sensor to dynamically define the imaging field. This coordinated movement allows the narrow sensor to effectively track and capture the entire imaging area without requiring the sensor itself to be large or the imaging time to be extended.
3Ease of manufacture
If scanning imaging operation is used to reduce sensor size, then the sensor cost is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to patient movement artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous scanning process minimizes the time window during which patient movement can occur, reducing motion artifacts. The coordinated movement of the collimator and sensor ensures that the entire imaging area is captured in a single continuous sequence, maintaining image quality consistency across the full field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the scanning process in real-time, ensuring proper synchronization between collimator movement and sensor capture. This feedback control maintains precise geometric relationships throughout the scanning operation, preserving image accuracy and quality.
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
The system provides high-quality, cost-optimized imaging by minimizing sensor size and patient movement artifacts, enhancing image accuracy and reducing the need for complex corrections.
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
AI summary
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.