Mobile X-Ray Positioning Guidance for Knee Joint Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face inefficiencies in capturing accurately positioned X-ray images, particularly for diagnosing diseases around the knee joint, due to difficulties in aligning the outer edges of the femur condyles, which requires repeated adjustments by operators, even experienced ones, leading to increased exposure dose and imaging time.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system that includes a mobile terminal displaying imaging assistance information based on pre-captured X-ray images, allowing operators to adjust the X-ray irradiator position more efficiently without checking external displays, using learned models to align the medial and lateral condyles of the femur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the display is arranged outside the imaging room, then the operator can view X-ray images, but the efficiency of the operator's imaging work deteriorates due to repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile terminal to display a copy of the X-ray image directly in the imaging room, eliminating the need for the operator to go to an external display. The mobile terminal shows the captured X-ray image immediately, allowing the operator to adjust the X-ray tube position based on real-time feedback without leaving the imaging room, thus resolving the contradiction between image viewing capability and imaging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary device between the X-ray imaging system and the operator. It receives the captured X-ray image data and presents it to the operator in a convenient location (imaging room), serving as a mediator that enables efficient image viewing and position adjustment without requiring external displays.
2Manufacturing precision
If repeated adjustment of the X-ray tube position is made, then the accuracy of X-ray image positioning can be improved, but the number of operations increases and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile terminal displays the captured X-ray image immediately after acquisition, allowing the operator to see the actual positioning result and adjust the X-ray tube position accordingly. This real-time feedback enables the operator to achieve accurate positioning with fewer trial-and-error adjustments, reducing imaging time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures a preliminary X-ray image first, then uses this image to determine the necessary position adjustment. By acquiring the initial image and immediately analyzing it to guide subsequent positioning adjustments, the system avoids unnecessary repeated adjustments and optimizes the total imaging time while ensuring accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the display is arranged outside the imaging room, then the imaging equipment can be simplified, but the operator cannot efficiently capture accurately positioned X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal is a universal device that can be used by any operator regardless of experience level. It provides image viewing, positioning guidance, and communication functions in a single portable device, simplifying the overall system architecture while enhancing operational ease. The mobile terminal serves multiple functions: displaying X-ray images, providing positioning feedback, and enabling operator communication, thereby resolving the contradiction between equipment simplicity and operational efficiency.
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
Enables experienced and inexperienced operators to capture accurate X-ray images efficiently by providing real-time positional guidance, reducing exposure dose and imaging time, and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiator irradiating a subject with X-rays and an X-ray detector detecting X-rays with which the subject is irradiated from the X-ray irradiator and that pass through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging method according to this invention includes acquiring, in a mobile terminal 4, a pre-captured X-ray image Gx1 captured through X-rays with which a subject Pa is irradiated from an X-ray irradiator 11 and that pass through the subject; acquiring, in the mobile terminal 4, imaging assistance information J for assistance in capturing a main captured X-ray image Gx2 captured through X-rays with which the subject is irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 11 based on the pre-captured X-ray image Gx1 after capturing the pre-captured X-ray image Gx1; and displaying the imaging assistance information J on a display 44 of the mobile terminal 4 before capturing the main captured X-ray image Gx2.