Iso Center Tracking in Iso-Centric X-Ray Imaging Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In iso-centric X-ray imaging systems, dynamically shifting the iso center to a new area of interest is not possible, requiring operators to exit Incidence Keeping mode, manually reposition the gantry and table, and return to the mode, resulting in excessive X-ray exposure and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow dynamic calculation and tracking of the iso center point during axis motion, enabling continuous Incidence Keeping by unlocking specific axes for manual adjustment and calculating the new iso center based on relative motion and position changes, using a processor with a tracking and fixing module to maintain iso center constancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all axes are locked during Incidence Keeping mode to maintain iso center constancy, then the iso center remains constant, but the operator cannot dynamically shift the area of interest without exiting the mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts axis lock status based on operational needs. During Incidence Keeping mode, axes are locked to maintain iso center constancy. When area of interest shifting is required, the system temporarily unlocks relevant axes, allows repositioning, then re-locks them while updating the iso center calculation to the new position. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction between maintaining constancy and enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the axes from locked to unlocked state and back. By changing the lock status parameter dynamically, the system enables the operator to shift the area of interest when needed, then restores the locked state to maintain iso center constancy for the new area, effectively resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the operator exits Incidence Keeping mode to reposition the gantry and table to a new area of interest, then the area of interest can be changed, but excessive X-ray exposure and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous Incidence Keeping mode operation while enabling area of interest transitions. By keeping the mode active and only temporarily unlocking axes for repositioning, the system avoids the time-consuming exit and re-entry cycle. The iso center tracking continues uninterrupted, and the new area is acquired faster, reducing both time and X-ray exposure while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator manually repositions the table and gantry to change the area of interest, then the new area can be accessed, but excessive effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically tracking and recalculating the iso center after the operator repositions the table or gantry. Instead of requiring the operator to manually calculate new positions or perform complex adjustments, the system handles the computational aspects automatically, reducing operator effort and time while maintaining full accessibility to different areas of interest.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system 100 or maintaining iso center constant while dynamically changing the area of interest during an imaging procedure is disclosed herewith. The method comprises: allowing a user to move from an initial area of interest to new area of interest by allowing permissible axes motions, permissible axes including gantry axes, table axes and tilt movement of patient table 140; and dynamically calculating the iso center point while moving from an initial area of interest to a new area of interest as a function of relative distance between the areas of interest and as a function of parameters indicating relative motion of permissible axes. The method further comprises: identifying the area of interest by using at least one permissible axis motion; and calculating the iso center point at the new area of interest after locking all the permissible axes motions except table tilt axis movement.