Mobile Radiography Alignment via Optical Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile digital radiography systems face challenges in aligning the x-ray tube and detector, leading to suboptimal image quality due to artifacts from anti-scatter grids, and existing solutions either suffer from low precision and high cost or require additional X-ray exposure.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiography system with orientation sensors and a positioning device, including a camera, to determine the angular difference and position of the detector relative to the x-ray tube, allowing for precise alignment using visual or vocal instructions, enabling the use of anti-scatter grids without increased X-ray dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of x-ray tube and detector is used in mobile DR systems, then the system is portable and adaptable, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical alignment system. A camera captures images of alignment markers on the detector, and a processor automatically calculates angular differences and generates adjustment instructions, eliminating the need for operator manual positioning while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual copying of the detector's alignment markers through a camera to determine position and orientation. The camera captures an optical copy of the marker pattern, which is then processed to extract angular and positional information without requiring direct physical measurement.
2Extent of automation
If magnetic field technology is used for alignment, then automated alignment is achieved, but cost increases and precision remains low due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes magnetic field sensing with optical sensing using a camera and image processing. This replaces the magnetic field-based automated alignment system with an optical-based system that is not susceptible to environmental magnetic interference while maintaining automation through computer vision algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If additional X-ray exposure is used for alignment verification, then alignment accuracy is improved, but patient radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs alignment verification using visible light imaging of markers on the detector before administering X-ray exposure. The camera captures the marker positions and angular orientations in advance, allowing alignment to be confirmed and adjusted without requiring additional diagnostic X-ray shots, thus preventing unnecessary radiation exposure.
4Reliability
If anti-scatter grids are used to improve image quality, then contrast-to-noise ratio improves, but alignment requirements become more stringent increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual alignment procedures with automated optical sensing and image processing. The system automatically detects marker positions, calculates angular deviations, and provides precise adjustment instructions, making the stringent alignment requirements necessary for anti-scatter grid usage achievable without increasing operational complexity.
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
Improves image quality by ensuring accurate alignment of the x-ray tube and detector, reducing the need for retakes and enhancing workflow efficiency while allowing the use of anti-scatter grids with minimal X-ray exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The detector comprises at least two spacedly apart markers with LED respectively
Implementation Method 2
The positioning device comprises a camera
Implementation Method 3
two orientation sensors mounted on the radiation source and the detector respectively for determining the angular difference between the radiation source and the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radiography system is disclosed, which includes a radiation source for radiating a plurality of beams; a detector for detecting the plurality of beams from the radiation source; a controller for determining an angular difference between the radiation source and the detector; and a positioning device mounted with the radiation source for recognizing a position of the detector relative to the radiation source based on the angular difference between the radiation source and the detector to align the radiation source to the detector. A method of aligning a mobile radiography system including a radiation source and a detector is also disclosed.