Laser-Line Optical Alignment for X-Ray Patient Position and Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems fail to ensure optimal patient positioning, rotation, and inhalation during imaging, leading to image quality issues and the need for retakes, which increase patient exposure and staff burden.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement using a laser source and detector to emit and detect a horizontal laser line, determining patient position and rotation, and providing feedback for correction before image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual observation by medical staff is used during X-ray imaging, then patient positioning can be monitored, but it is not sufficient to prevent quality loss and requires additional time and human resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation by medical staff with an automated optical measurement system using laser lines and cameras. The system automatically captures patient position data through optical fields and processes it computationally, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and reducing human error in positioning assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of patient positioning by providing real-time visual feedback to patients through displayed laser alignment lines. Patients can independently adjust their position based on the feedback, reducing reliance on constant staff intervention and enabling continuous self-correction during the imaging process.
2Measurement precision
If real-time optical monitoring is implemented, then patient positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical monitoring system is divided into separate functional modules: laser line generation units, camera detection units, and computational analysis units. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for independent optimization, easier maintenance, and modular integration into existing X-ray systems without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement is designed to monitor multiple positioning parameters simultaneously (patient position, rotation, and inhalation) using a unified system architecture. The same laser-camera-computation framework handles different measurement tasks, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each parameter.
3Productivity
If automated feedback control is implemented, then retake rate is reduced, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously comparing measured patient position data against optimal positioning criteria and providing immediate corrective feedback through visual displays. This closed-loop control enables dynamic adjustment during the imaging process, ensuring quality standards are met without requiring complex post-processing or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning verification and correction before the actual X-ray exposure. By validating patient position and providing correction opportunities in advance, the system prevents quality issues before they occur, eliminating the need for retakes and improving overall workflow efficiency.
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 real-time assessment of patient positioning, rotation, and inhalation, reducing the need for retakes and improving image quality by ensuring proper alignment and breath control.
Implementation Method 1
The laser source is configured for emitting a horizontal laser line onto the patient
Implementation Method 2
the detector is configured for detecting a course of the laser line emitted onto the patient
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an optical arrangement for an X-ray system for determining a patient position and/or a patient rotation of a patient to be X-rayed by the X-ray system, an X-ray system comprising such optical arrangement, a system for controlling and a method for determining a patient position and/or a patient rotation. The optical arrangement comprises a laser source, and a detector vertically spaced apart from each other. The laser source is configured for emitting a horizontal laser line onto the patient, the detector is configured for detecting a course of the laser line emitted onto the patient. An analysing unit configured for determining the patient position and/or the patient rotation of the patient, based on an analysis of the detected course of the laser line. The analysing unit is configured for validating whether the determined patient position and/or patient rotation of the patient corresponds to a predetermined reference parameter, and wherein the analysing unit is configured for generating a feedback signal based on a result of the validation.