Lung-Field Radiography Posture Detection With Elbow Distance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiography of the lung field, the reflection of scapula in the image due to inadequate elbow protrusion can necessitate re-imaging, increasing the burden on radiologists and radiation exposure, as current posture determination relies on human experience.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus using optical and distance sensors to determine the positions of elbows and shoulders, calculating distances, and comparing them with threshold values to assess the subject's posture, ensuring appropriate elbow protrusion for lung field imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated posture determination is implemented, then imaging accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate information processing apparatus that acts as a mediator between the radiography system and the radiologist. This apparatus automatically determines posture by processing images and calculating distances, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring the radiologist to directly perform complex manual assessments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual assessment method with an automated information processing system. Instead of relying on the radiologist's visual inspection and experience, the system uses computational methods to calculate distances between anatomical landmarks and automatically determine posture, thus reducing device complexity from a human-expert system to an automated system.
2Productivity
If manual posture determination by radiologist is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity decreases due to re-imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary posture determination before the actual radiography imaging process. By automatically assessing whether the subject is in the correct posture using image processing and distance calculations prior to imaging, the system prevents unnecessary re-imaging and improves productivity by ensuring first-time imaging success.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the radiologist about whether the subject's posture is appropriate for imaging. This feedback mechanism allows for quick correction of posture issues before imaging begins, reducing the need for re-imaging and thereby improving imaging efficiency and productivity.
3Reliability
If re-imaging is performed due to inadequate elbow protrusion, then imaging quality is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of elbow protrusion and posture correctness before imaging. By calculating distances between anatomical landmarks and comparing them against threshold values in advance, the system ensures that imaging is performed only when posture requirements are met, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-imaging and ensuring imaging quality on the first attempt.
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
Automated posture determination reduces the need for re-imaging and minimizes radiation exposure by ensuring correct positioning during lung field radiography.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor that has captured light in a case in which the subject is imaged by using radiation
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor that has measured a distance to the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an information processing apparatus, a radiography system, an information processing method, and a program that can support posture determination of a subject during radiography targeting a lung field. The information processing apparatus includes at least one processor configured to specify positions of left and right elbows of a subject and a position of a reference point on a back surface of the subject by using an optical image obtained by imaging the subject from a back; derive distances to the specified positions of the left and right elbows and a distance to the position of the reference point by using a distance image obtained by imaging the subject from the back; and perform a first determination on a posture of the subject based on the derived distances to the positions of the left and right elbows and the derived distance to the position of the reference point.