Interlocked X-ray Imaging Control for Table and C-Arm Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses require operators to separately control tables and C-arms, leading to increased operational burden and difficulty in imaging specific parts from desired angular directions, especially when automatic operation results in independent and difficult-to-coordinate movements.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a control unit that interlocks the movement of the X-ray irradiation and detection units with the table's position, allowing the X-ray imaging direction to be controlled based on the table's relative position or operator input, thereby simplifying the operation and adjusting the imaging direction without separate manipulation of the X-ray units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator operates the table and C-arm separately to change imaging direction, then the imaging direction can be changed, but the operation burden on the operator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of table movement and C-arm rotation into a single integrated control system. The control unit coordinates both movements simultaneously based on a single operator input, merging two separate control operations into one unified operation, thereby reducing operation burden while maintaining functional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both table movement and C-arm rotation, and can operate in multiple modes (automatic interlocking mode and manual control mode). This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If the table and C-arm are driven automatically independently, then automation is improved, but the operation timing coordination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback mechanisms where the actual positions of the table and C-arm are continuously monitored and fed back to the control system. This allows the controller to adjust timing and coordination in real-time, ensuring synchronized operation while maintaining automatic driving benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes interlocking control programs and timing sequences before operation begins. The control unit is programmed with predetermined coordination patterns for table and C-arm movements, allowing automatic execution of synchronized sequences without real-time manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate control of table and C-arm is maintained, then operational flexibility is preserved, but imaging specific parts from specific angular directions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides dynamic control capabilities where the interlocking relationship between table and C-arm can be adjusted based on imaging requirements. The system can switch between fixed interlocking patterns and flexible manual control, adapting to different imaging scenarios while maintaining precise positioning capability
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray tube (1), an FPD (2), a holding unit (4) that holds the X-ray tube and the FPD, which face each other, a table (3) on which a subject is placed, and a control unit (5) that controls the movement of the holding unit so as to control an X-ray irradiation direction of the X-ray tube and an X-ray detection direction of the FPD in an interlocking response with a relative position of the table to the X-ray tube and the FPD or based on an operation during X-ray imaging, when the X-ray imaging apparatus performs the X-ray imaging while relatively moving the table with respect to the X-ray tube and the FPD.