Chest X-ray Camera Chin Reference Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many medical institutions lack the necessary position-guiding equipment for accurate X-ray imaging, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased radiation exposure due to human error and external factors like patient movement, necessitating a more reliable method for positioning patients during X-ray procedures.
Innovation Solution
A chest X-ray system comprising a camera, X-ray imaging head, detector, and a controller that uses the chin as a reference point to accurately position the camera and X-ray head for chest imaging, providing instructions to patients to adjust their head and body orientation for optimal imaging alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning by medical staff is used, then the system is simple to operate, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to human error and lack of experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic image processing and computer vision algorithms to identify anatomical landmarks (chin, chest) and calculate positioning parameters without requiring manual measurement or expert judgment. The camera captures images, the processor automatically identifies features and determines positioning instructions, making the system self-sufficient in achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an automated optical measurement system. Instead of relying on medical staff to physically position equipment based on experience, the system uses camera imaging, computer vision, and automatic calculation to determine precise positioning parameters, substituting human skill with automated technological processes.
2Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray doses are taken to ensure correct positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but radiation exposure to patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using visible light camera imaging before the actual X-ray exposure. By capturing images with the camera, automatically identifying anatomical landmarks, and calculating the correct positioning parameters in advance, the system ensures that the subsequent X-ray is taken at the correct position on the first attempt, eliminating the need for repeat exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera-based optical measurement system as an intermediary between the patient and the X-ray imaging process. This intermediary system uses non-ionizing visible light to establish accurate positioning, allowing the X-ray to be performed correctly the first time without requiring additional radiation exposure for positioning adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If experienced doctors perform positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the system becomes dependent on staff expertise and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs positioning calculations and generates positioning instructions automatically without requiring the medical staff to have specialized positioning skills. The camera captures images, the processor automatically identifies anatomical landmarks, calculates positioning parameters, and provides instructions, making the process independent of operator expertise while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the positioning task from a skill-dependent manual process into an automated parameter-based system. By using computer vision to detect anatomical landmarks and automatically calculating positioning parameters (angles, distances, directions), the system converts expert knowledge into algorithmic parameter determination, achieving consistent accuracy regardless of operator experience level.
Data Source
AI summary
A chest X-ray system comprises a camera for capturing video of the patient to be imaged and an X-ray imaging head and X-ray detector. The camera, the X-ray imaging head and the X-ray detector can be translated. The head of the patient is first identified and the chin of the head is identified. The chin is then used as a reference point for translating the camera to a position for chest X-ray imaging.