Compact X-Ray Imaging Apparatus for Partial Volume Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computed tomography apparatus are large, expensive, and not designed for specific anatomies, making them impractical for hospital emergency rooms and limiting the Field of View due to detector size, requiring multiple re-positionings for imaging partial volumes.
Innovation Solution
A compact x-ray imaging apparatus with a ring-shaped arm and integrated camera system that allows for precise positioning of anatomy by displaying camera images on a screen, enabling the combination of partial volumes without the need for scout x-ray images and facilitating faster image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If conventional computed tomography apparatus are used to image entire anatomy volumes, then complete volume imaging is achieved, but the apparatus become large, expensive, and impractical for hospital emergency rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into multiple partial volume acquisitions instead of attempting to image the entire anatomy volume in a single scan. The imaging apparatus acquires images of different partial volumes sequentially, and these are later combined through image processing to reconstruct the complete anatomy volume. This segmentation approach allows the use of a compact imaging apparatus with limited field of view while still achieving comprehensive volume imaging.
2Weight of stationary object
If the imaging detector size is reduced to make the apparatus compact, then the apparatus becomes smaller and less expensive, but the Field of View is limited requiring multiple re-positionings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a camera system that captures real-time images of the anatomy during positioning. These camera images are displayed on a monitor to provide visual feedback to the operator, enabling precise positioning of the anatomy relative to the imaging apparatus. The feedback mechanism allows accurate alignment without requiring the operator to mentally track complex spatial relationships, thereby simplifying the operation despite multiple positioning steps being necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to create a visual copy or representation of the anatomy's position and orientation. This optical copy is displayed on a monitor to guide the positioning process, replacing the need for direct visual inspection or complex mechanical measurement systems. The camera image serves as a surrogate for the actual anatomy, making positioning more intuitive and accurate.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple partial volumes are imaged by re-positioning the anatomy, then complete volume coverage is achieved, but the positioning precision and alignment accuracy become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system provides real-time visual feedback during the positioning of each partial volume, allowing the operator to achieve precise alignment before each acquisition. The feedback loop enables continuous adjustment and verification of positioning accuracy, ensuring that consecutive partial volumes are captured with the correct spatial relationships for accurate later combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and verification using camera images before each partial volume acquisition. The operator uses the visual feedback from the camera system to pre-align the anatomy in the correct position and orientation before initiating the imaging sequence. This preliminary action ensures that each partial volume is captured with accurate spatial positioning, facilitating precise combination later.
4Manufacturing precision
If scout x-ray images are used for positioning purposes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces scout x-ray images with camera images for positioning purposes. The optical camera system creates visual copies of the anatomy's position and orientation without exposing the patient to additional radiation. This substitution eliminates the need for preliminary radiation-based positioning while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy through real-time visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical camera system as an intermediary between the operator and the anatomy for positioning purposes. Instead of using ionizing radiation (x-rays) to visualize the anatomy for positioning, the camera provides a non-ionizing optical intermediary that achieves the same positioning guidance function without the harmful radiation exposure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to positioning of partial volumes of an anatomy in connection with an imaging process. According to the invention, a photograph is taken of an object arranged in an imaging station by a camera arranged in connection with the imaging station, which image of the anatomy is presented on a display but as transferred into a new position with respect to the imaging station. When this image and a substantially real time image taken of the imaging station are presented on a display one upon another, it is possible to follow on the display how the object being imaged positions in relation to said image taken of the anatomy transferred into the new position.