CT Scanner Opening Visualization for Upright Patient Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Examination technicians experience physical strain when aligning the imaging section of an upright X-ray CT apparatus by checking laser light projected on a subject from below the scanner opening, which is conventionally required for proper positioning.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray CT apparatus includes a camera to capture an inner image of the scanner opening, generating a visualized image displayed on a monitor, allowing technicians to align the imaging section intuitively without needing to kneel down and reducing physical load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the examination technician checks the laser light projected on the subject from below the scanner opening to align the imaging section, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the physical load on the technician increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the scanner opening interior using a camera and image processing system. The captured image is then processed to generate a virtual view that replicates the perspective of looking into the opening from a comfortable standing position. This virtual copy allows technicians to check laser light alignment and subject positioning without physically positioning themselves in the strained kneeling posture, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while eliminating the physical load.
2Manufacturing precision
If the technician kneels down to check the laser light alignment, then the imaging section can be properly positioned, but the operational comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the technician and the scanner opening. Instead of directly observing the laser light alignment from a kneeling position, the technician interacts with a virtual image displayed on a monitor. This intermediary system transmits the alignment information from the difficult-to-reach interior of the scanner to a comfortable viewing position, maintaining alignment precision while dramatically improving operational comfort.
3Ease of operation
If a camera and image processing system are added to enable virtual viewing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera and image processing functions into the existing scanner system, making the imaging and virtual display capabilities multi-functional components. The camera serves both as a safety monitoring device and as a positioning assistance tool. The image processing system handles multiple tasks including capturing the opening interior, generating virtual views, and displaying alignment information. This multi-functionality approach adds necessary capabilities while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity by reusing existing infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a scanner, a stand, and a processing circuit. The scanner has an opening into which a subject is inserted. The stand supports the scanner so as to enable the scanner to move in a vertical direction. The processing circuit acquires an inner image captured by imaging an inside of the opening from a camera. The processing circuit generates a visualized image by visualizing the inside of the opening viewed from a visual line direction toward the inside of the opening based on the inner image. The processing circuit causes a display unit to display the visualized image.