Mobile Fluoroscopy Alignment via Laser Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile x-ray imaging systems face challenges in aligning the x-ray source and digital radiographic (DR) detector due to the lack of rigid attachment, requiring manual adjustment and visual assessment, which can lead to inaccuracies in source-to-image distance and tilt angle, especially when the patient is not in a horizontal position.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining the source-to-image distance and angle by capturing a scout image and using inclinometers to ensure parallel alignment between the x-ray source and DR detector, with the system adjusting the collimator aperture to fit the radiation field within the detector borders, allowing for flexible patient positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual positioning of the x-ray source and DR detector is used in mobile imaging systems, then flexibility and mobility are improved, but alignment precision and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual assessment and mechanical alignment methods with an optical measurement system. A laser beam is projected from the x-ray source through the collimator aperture to create a visible reference line on the DR detector, enabling precise alignment measurement without rigid mechanical attachment. This substitution allows flexible positioning while achieving accurate alignment measurements through optical triangulation calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary element between the x-ray source and DR detector. The laser provides a visible reference line that mediates the alignment process, allowing the operator to accurately determine the spatial relationship between the x-ray source and detector. This intermediary enables precise measurement of source-to-image distance and tilt angle without requiring direct visual contact with the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the DR detector is positioned underneath or behind the patient for mobile imaging, then patient accessibility is improved, but visual alignment capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient accessibilityVSAvoidvisual alignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam serves as an intermediary that bridges the visibility gap when the DR detector is positioned underneath or behind the patient. The laser reference line is visible along the path from the x-ray source through the collimator, allowing the operator to align the components accurately even when the detector itself cannot be directly seen. This resolves the contradiction by providing visual alignment capability without requiring the detector to be in a visually accessible position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable source-to-image distance is allowed in portable imaging systems, then imaging versatility is improved, but alignment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging versatilityVSAvoidalignment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical measurement and computational methods. The laser-based reference line system works with any source-to-image distance, and the alignment calculations are performed automatically based on laser position measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for pre-configured fixed distances or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining variable distance capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enables accurate alignment and adjustment of the x-ray source and DR detector, ensuring proper imaging even when the patient is positioned at various angles, improving the quality and reliability of radiographic images in mobile imaging settings.

Implementation Method 1

an x-ray source and two-dimensional DR detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

project a light beam from the radiation source to the DR detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11103205B2Bedside dynamic imaging

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 CARESTREAM HEALTH INC

AI summary

A method of operating a mobile fluoroscopic imaging system includes positioning an x-ray source and a DR detector about a patient. Data defining a spatial configuration of the x-ray source and the collimator is stored in the system. The system is configured to determine a source-to-image distance of the x-ray source and the DR detector including by activating the x-ray source and capturing a scout image in the DR detector. Dimensions of the scout image are calculated and the source-to-image distance is determined based on the data defining the spatial configuration of the x-ray source and the collimator and on the dimensions of the scout image.