X-Ray Imaging Control With Contactless Optical Foot Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging devices face challenges with foot switches that are difficult to carry, pose hygiene issues, and are prone to cable disconnection during examinations.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging device with a laser light projector/receiver system that projects a foot switch on the floor, allowing operators to operate it without physical contact, and a pressure sensor to detect operator input, along with a camera and marker for precise detection, ensuring accurate control of X-ray irradiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foot switch is moved during examination, then the operator can operate from different positions, but the cable may disconnect or hygiene issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot switch with a cable connection to an optical sensor system. The optical sensor detects the operator's foot position and gestures without physical contact, eliminating the mechanical cable connection that prone to disconnection while maintaining operator mobility throughout the examination room.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the operator and the X-ray control system. Instead of direct mechanical contact through a foot switch, the operator's foot gestures are captured by the optical sensor and converted into control signals, providing contactless operation that improves hygiene and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a foot switch is handled by hand during movement, then the foot switch can be repositioned, but hygiene is compromised and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot switch that requires manual handling with an optical sensor system. The operator controls X-ray operations through foot gestures detected by the optical sensor, eliminating the need to physically hold or move any control device, thereby maintaining hygiene while enabling easy repositioning through system relocation rather than device handling.
3Extent of automation
If a traditional foot switch is used, then X-ray irradiation can be controlled, but the device is difficult to carry and operate hygienically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the portable mechanical foot switch with a fixed optical sensor system that provides contactless control. The optical sensor detects foot gestures and converts them into automated control signals for X-ray irradiation, maintaining high automation while eliminating the portability and hygiene issues of handheld or movable foot switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that enables automated X-ray control through contactless detection of operator gestures. This eliminates the need for the operator to physically carry or handle a foot switch, providing automated control through hygienic, gesture-based operation.
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 solution provides a hygienic, reliable, and efficient method for controlling X-ray irradiation by eliminating the need for physical handling of the foot switch and reducing cable disconnection, enhancing user convenience and device operation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light projector/receiver system that projects a foot switch on the floor
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor to detect operator input
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an X-ray imaging device includes an irradiator, an exposure switch device, and a control device. The irradiator irradiates a subject placed on a bed with X-rays. The exposure switch device receives an operation of an operator related to X-ray irradiation. The control device controls the X-ray irradiation based on the X-rays. The exposure switch device includes a switch and an output. The switch is set on the basis of a position of the operator and detects the operation of the operator. The output outputs an operation signal based on the operation of the operator to the control device when the operation of the operator has been detected by the switch.