DXA Scan FOV Adjustment via X-ray Image Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) systems require iterative alignment processes, leading to increased x-ray dosage and scanning time due to manual adjustments for proper patient positioning, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automated image alignment system that reviews initial scans, determines misalignment, and adjusts the x-ray source to align subsequent scans with a reference, eliminating the need for iterative patient repositioning and reducing scanning time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual iterative alignment process is used to ensure proper patient positioning, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but x-ray dosage and scanning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary alignment scan first to determine the actual patient position, then uses this information to adjust the field of view for subsequent scans. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple iterative scans with high radiation dosage, as the alignment is determined once and then applied to optimize subsequent imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of field of view positioning based on the alignment information obtained from the preliminary scan. By adjusting the FOV parameters according to the actual patient position, the system achieves accurate alignment without requiring multiple high-dosage scans, thus reducing overall x-ray exposure while maintaining alignment precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual iterative alignment process is used to ensure proper patient positioning, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a quick preliminary alignment scan to determine patient position, then uses this information to configure subsequent scans. This preliminary action is much faster than multiple iterative alignment attempts, significantly reducing total scanning time while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the preliminary scan to automatically adjust field of view positioning for subsequent scans. This closed-loop approach eliminates the need for manual iterative adjustments, reducing scanning time while ensuring accurate alignment through automated real-time positioning adjustments.
3Productivity
If automated image alignment system is implemented, then scanning time and x-ray dosage are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically determining patient position from the preliminary scan and adjusting its own field of view parameters accordingly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual intervention systems while achieving accurate alignment, balancing automation benefits with manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated image processing and computational algorithms. By substituting the mechanical manual alignment process with software-based automated positioning, the system reduces overall complexity while improving scanning efficiency and reducing radiation exposure.
4Measurement precision
If multiple iterative scans are performed for alignment, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a single preliminary alignment scan to establish accurate patient positioning information, then applies this alignment to subsequent scans. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple iterative alignment scans, achieving the same alignment precision in one step rather than through repeated iterations, thus dramatically reducing alignment time.
Solution Approach 2:
Once alignment is determined from the preliminary scan, the system continuously applies this alignment information to all subsequent scans without interruption or re-alignment. This continuous use of the established alignment eliminates repeated alignment operations, maintaining high alignment precision while minimizing the time spent on alignment procedures throughout the entire scanning process.
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 automated system significantly reduces the iterative alignment process, minimizing x-ray exposure and scanning time while ensuring accurate image alignment, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of DEXA imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source that emits a collimated beam of dual-energy x-rays to image an object/patient
Implementation Method 2
Measurements of the x-ray absorption by the imaged object at two different x-ray energies
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing a scan of internal structures of an object/patient is provided. The system includes a radiation source operative to emit a radiation beam, a radiation detector operative to receive the radiation beam and generate an output signal based at least in part on the received radiation beam, and a controller in electronic communication with the radiation source and the radiation detector and operative to generate at least one image of the object/patient. The controller is further operative to determine an offset of the at least one image relative to an image reference and to employ the offset to automatically align the at least one image with the image reference without the need for stopping the operation of the radiation source and detector to reposition the object/patient being scanned.