Lung Field Radiography Posture Detection with Optical and Distance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiography of the lung field, the scapula often reflects in the image due to inadequate protrusion of elbows, necessitating re-imaging and increased radiation exposure, as current posture determination relies on radiologist experience.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus using optical and distance sensors to determine elbow and shoulder positions, calculating distances, and comparing them with threshold values to assess posture appropriateness, with adjustable thresholds based on subject physique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiography is performed without automated posture determination, then the radiologist can perform imaging, but inappropriate posture leads to scapula reflection in lung field and requires re-imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment of posture by radiologists with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses optical images and distance images to automatically calculate elbow positions and distances, substituting human judgment with automated computational analysis to determine posture appropriateness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information processing apparatus that acts as a mediator between the imaging system and the radiologist. This apparatus processes optical and distance images, calculates elbow positions and distances, and provides automated posture determination results, thereby reducing direct reliance on radiologist experience while maintaining system integration.
2Productivity
If manual posture determination by radiologist is used, then the system is simple to operate, but there are cases of inappropriate imaging increasing re-imaging frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary posture verification before radiography by automatically analyzing optical images and distance images to determine elbow positions and distances. This preliminary automated assessment ensures appropriate posture is confirmed before radiation exposure, preventing inappropriate imaging and reducing the need for re-imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing apparatus provides automated posture determination results to guide whether imaging should proceed. The system calculates elbow distances, compares them against appropriate ranges, and provides feedback on posture appropriateness, enabling real-time correction before radiation exposure occurs.
3Extent of automation
If optical and distance sensors are integrated, then automated posture determination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical imaging functionality and distance measurement functionality into an integrated system. The information processing apparatus receives and processes both optical images and distance images, combining multiple sensing modalities to achieve comprehensive automated posture determination while managing system complexity through unified processing.
Data Source
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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. The processor is 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.