Mobile X-Ray Alignment Using 3D Camera and Transceiver Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise alignment between a source assembly and a detector in mobile medical imaging devices is challenging, affecting image quality and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging device with a detector controller, transceivers, and a main controller that uses alignment information, 3D cameras, and distance measurements to align the source assembly and detector, ensuring accurate positioning and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used between source assembly and detector, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transceivers as intermediary devices that facilitate communication and coordinate alignment between the source assembly and detector. These transceivers act as mediators that enable precise positioning through signal exchange without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms between the imaging components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated system using transceivers and controllers that use electromagnetic signals to determine positions and calculate alignment information, substituting mechanical adjustment with electronic control and calculation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple transceivers are deployed for alignment, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transceivers are designed to perform multiple functions: they serve as position markers, communication devices for signal exchange, and reference points for alignment calculations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the transceivers themselves as both the measuring instruments and the reference objects. The transceivers on the source assembly and detector mutually determine each other's positions through signal exchange, eliminating the need for external measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If alignment checking is performed manually, then ease of operation is maintained, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by having the controller receive position information from transceivers, calculate alignment status, and provide guidance for adjustment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high alignment accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated guidance rather than requiring manual measurement expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment verification process is performed automatically by the system itself through the transceivers and controller, which self-assess the alignment status and provide correction guidance, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enhances user convenience and improves medical image quality by facilitating rapid and precise alignment, reducing radiation exposure for users.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The source assembly of the medical imaging device may further include a 3D camera for obtaining a 3D camera image
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging device includes a detector including a detector controller and a first transceiver, a source assembly including a second transceiver disposed on a front surface and a 3D camera, and a main controller. 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 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.