Mobile X-ray Alignment via Independent Sensor Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile radiography/fluoroscopic imaging systems are cumbersome and expensive, lacking the ability to continuously determine the spatial location of the detector relative to the X-ray source, which is crucial for maintaining alignment and ensuring accurate imaging, especially for fragile or immobile subjects.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiography/fluoroscopic imaging system with a portable radiation source and detector that can move independently in all degrees of freedom, equipped with a radiation source collimator positioning plate and multi-axis motion sensors, and a computer system that aligns the X-ray source to the detector using small alignment radiation beams, preventing radiation emission until alignment within predetermined tolerances is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed mechanical C-arm is used to connect the radiation source and detector, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging components into independent portable units (radiation source and detector) that can be separately positioned and moved, eliminating the need for a fixed mechanical C-arm connection while maintaining alignment through software-based tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical C-arm connection system with an electronic/software-based alignment system using multi-axis motion sensors and computer processing to maintain spatial relationships between components
2Measurement precision
If the detector spatial location is not continuously determined, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the spatial location of the detector and radiation source using multi-axis motion sensors, providing real-time feedback to the computer system to calculate and maintain proper alignment within predetermined tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with electronic sensing and computer-based calculation systems that determine spatial location and maintain alignment through software processing
3Measurement precision
If multiple radiation exposures are taken to achieve alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but radiation dose to patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs alignment using small alignment radiation beams and motion sensor data before the main radiation exposure, ensuring proper positioning is achieved in advance to minimize the number of full-dose exposures required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses small alignment radiation beams (partial action) for positioning purposes rather than full diagnostic beams, achieving necessary alignment precision with minimal radiation dose
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 solution allows for precise alignment of the X-ray source and detector, reducing the number of radiation exposures required and ensuring accurate imaging while minimizing radiation dose to the patient, thus improving the efficiency and safety of portable imaging procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The surface of the detector converts the radiation to light photons, which are sensed. The detector is divided into an array of discrete picture elements or pixels, and encodes output signals based upon the quantity or intensity of the radiation impacting each pixel region.
Implementation Method 2
radiation from a source is directed toward a subject, typically a patient in a medical diagnostic application, and a portion of the radiation passes through the subject and impacts a detector
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radiography imaging system comprising a portable radiation source adapted to move in all degrees of freedom; a portable detector operable to detect the radiation from the radiation source, wherein the detector is adapted to move independently of the radiation source in all degrees of freedom; and wherein the radiation source and the detector each includes an alignment sensor in communication with a computer; wherein the computer is in communication with the radiation source and the detector; and wherein the position and orientation of the radiation source and the detector are established by the computer, and wherein the computer sends an activation signal to the radiation source to indicate when radiation may be emitted. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source is prevented from emission of radiation until the detector and the radiation source have achieved predetermined alignment conditions.