Emitter Camera Positioning X-ray Detector Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiology systems face challenges in efficiently positioning X-ray emitters and detectors, particularly in setups where obstacles like patient tables obstruct marker detection, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple CCD cameras.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the position and orientation of the detector relative to the emitter using markers and sensors, allowing for concurrent or subsequent adjustment of the emitter's position based on measured data from the detector, utilizing sensors like cameras and measuring means like gyroscopes, to maintain optimal positioning and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CCD cameras are used to detect markers on the detector, then the position and orientation can be determined, but objects like patient tables may obstruct the detection and multiple cameras are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing cameras in the examination room to detect markers on the detector, the patent inverts the approach by placing a camera on the emitter to detect markers on the detector. This reversal eliminates obstruction issues caused by patient tables and other objects in the examination room, as the camera on the emitter has a direct line of sight to the detector markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as intermediaries that facilitate the positioning process. These markers are placed on the detector and can be detected by the camera on the emitter, serving as a reliable reference for determining the detector's position and orientation without requiring multiple CCD cameras in the examination room.
2Productivity
If the detector is positioned underneath the patient table for optimal imaging, then image capture is improved, but the patient table obstructs marker detection by external cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the camera placement from external cameras in the examination room to a camera mounted on the emitter. This inversion allows the detector to be positioned underneath the patient table for optimal imaging while the camera on the emitter maintains an unobstructed view of the markers on the detector from above.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of camera placement from the horizontal plane (cameras in the examination room at the same level as the patient table) to the vertical dimension (camera on the emitter above the patient table). This dimensional change allows the detector to be positioned underneath the table while maintaining marker detection capability.
3Reliability
If multiple CCD cameras are arranged in the treatment room to overcome obstruction, then marker detection reliability improves, but the expense and device complexity increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more cameras in the examination room to overcome obstruction, the patent inverts the approach by placing a single camera on the emitter. This single camera has an unobstructed view of the detector markers, achieving reliable detection without requiring multiple expensive cameras in the treatment room.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter equips itself with a camera to detect markers on the detector, making the system self-sufficient for positioning tasks. This eliminates the need for additional external cameras and reduces system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective positioning of X-ray emitters relative to detectors, reducing the need for extensive camera setups and minimizing obstruction-related inefficiencies, while ensuring accurate alignment for image capture.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor (e.g. a camera) for the detection of the at least one marker can be provided on the emitter
Implementation Method 2
The measuring means can be, for example, a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, a compass
Implementation Method 3
The measuring means can be, for example, a gyroscope, an acceleration sensor, a compass
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning an emitter relative to a detector includes determining the position of the detector relative to the emitter, changing the position of the detector and measuring the change in position using a measuring device located in the detector. Data related to the change in position of the detector is then supplied to a device for positioning the emitter, and the position of the emitter is changed in accordance with the data. An image capture device is also provided.