Gantry Automation for Radiological Imaging Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiological imaging systems require manual operation to position the radiation source and image receptor, occupying the operator's hands and limiting their ability to perform other tasks during the acquisition of multiple views of radiological images.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a controller with a validation pedal and processor to automatically move the gantry and radiation source/image receptor to pre-programmed positions, allowing the operator to select sequences without manual intervention, enabling hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to position the radiation source and image receptor, then the operator can control the positioning process, but the operator's hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the gantry automatically positions the radiation source and image receptor at pre-programmed positions without requiring manual intervention. The controller executes the positioning sequences autonomously based on selected imaging protocols, freeing the operator from manual positioning tasks while maintaining operational control through automated means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning control with an automated control system. The controller uses electronic signals to drive the gantry movement, substituting the operator's manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system that follows pre-programmed sequences for positioning the radiation source and image receptor.
2Productivity
If automated positioning is implemented, then the operator's hands are freed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs preliminary action by pre-programming the positioning sequences and imaging parameters before actual operation. The controller stores multiple pre-configured sequences for different imaging protocols, allowing the system to automatically execute complex positioning and imaging sequences without requiring real-time manual intervention or complex on-the-fly calculations during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle various imaging protocols and positioning sequences. It can store and execute multiple pre-programmed sequences for different imaging modes (e.g., cranio-caudal, lateral, medio-lateral oblique), making the system universally applicable to various radiological imaging tasks without requiring separate specialized control mechanisms for each protocol.
3Measurement precision
If multiple views of radiological images are acquired manually, then each view can be positioned precisely, but the acquisition time and operator fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous automated positioning and image acquisition through pre-programmed sequences. The controller automatically moves the gantry between pre-defined positions, executes radiation transmission and image capture operations in sequence, and prepares for the next positioning without interruption. This continuous automated operation maintains positioning precision while significantly reducing the time required to acquire multiple views compared to manual repeated positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to acquire radiological images of an imaged subject is provided. A gantry moves a radiation source and image receptor to multiple positions in relation to an imaged subject. A controller comprises program instructions that include correlating sequence selectors with sequences of acquired images acquired at multiple positions of the gantry, detecting actuation of a first selector correlated to a first sequence, instructing the gantry to position the radiation source and receptor at a first position to acquire a first image in the first sequence, moving the radiation source and receptor while simultaneously detecting actuation of the validation pedal until reaching the first position, acquiring the first image, automatically instructing the gantry to move the radiation source and receptor to a second position to acquire a second image in the first sequence, repeating these steps to acquire the remainder of the images in the first sequence.