Mobile X-Ray Alignment Using 3D Camera and Transceiver Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise alignment between a source assembly and a detector in mobile medical imaging devices is crucial for obtaining high-quality images while minimizing radiation exposure, but existing methods are inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device equipped with a detector controller, transceivers, and a main controller that uses alignment information, 3D camera images, and distance measurements to align the source assembly and detector accurately, ensuring proper positioning and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual alignment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transceivers as intermediary devices between the source assembly and detector. These transceivers emit and receive signals to enable automatic distance measurement and alignment, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement tools while achieving precise alignment. The transceivers act as mediators that automatically determine the source-to-detector distance and guide positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated electronic system. Instead of relying on physical measurement tools and manual adjustment, the system uses transceivers to emit electromagnetic signals for automatic distance calculation, substituting mechanical operations with electronic automation to achieve both precision and reduced complexity.
2Ease of operation
If alignment procedures are simplified, then ease of operation improves, but alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system performs self-service by automatically measuring the source-to-detector distance using transceivers and calculating the required alignment without external intervention. The system self-calibrates and self-adjusts, making the alignment process as easy as placing the components while maintaining high precision through automated electronic measurement and calculation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transceivers are used for precise alignment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into separate modular components by using multiple transceivers positioned at different locations on the source assembly and detector. Each transceiver pair independently measures a specific distance, and the system combines these measurements to achieve comprehensive alignment. This segmentation allows precise measurement through multiple simple units rather than one complex system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical imaging device of the present disclosure includes a detector including a detector controller for controlling an operation of the detector and a first transceiver disposed at a predetermined position, a source assembly including a second transceiver disposed on a front surface and a 3D camera, and a main controller controlling an operation of the medical imaging device. When an intensity of a signal from the first transceiver that is received by the second transceiver is higher than a predetermined threshold signal intensity, the main controller activates the medical imaging device, obtains a 3D camera image of at least one of a subject and the detector based on the 3D camera, displays a radiation irradiation region in the 3D camera image based on state information of the source assembly, displays a region of the detector in the 3D camera image, outputs a message that guides to adjust the irradiation region and the region of the detector, and when the region of the detector and the irradiation region coincide, transmits a radiation irradiation ready signal to the first transceiver using the second transceiver.