Mobile X-ray Apparatus Automatic Operator Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile X-ray apparatuses require operators to hold handles, limiting their ability to carry items and creating a burden due to obstructed views, as they need to manually control the device while moving.
Innovation Solution
A mobile X-ray apparatus equipped with a carriage, drive wheels, a label detector, and a label tracking controller that automatically tracks an operator wearing a label, allowing hands-free operation and preventing collisions by stopping when obstacles or stairs are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls the mobile X-ray apparatus by holding the operating handles, then the apparatus can be moved to the patient's bedroom, but the operator cannot carry charts and the large apparatus obstructs the operator's front view
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile X-ray apparatus is equipped with automatic tracking functionality that enables it to follow the operator autonomously without manual control. The label detector detects the label on the operator's clothing, and the label tracking controller automatically adjusts the drive wheels to maintain tracking, allowing the operator to move freely and carry items without holding operating handles
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system (operating handles with pressure sensors) is replaced with an automatic optical detection and control system. The label detector uses optical fields to detect the label, and the label tracking controller processes this information to automatically control the drive wheels, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated sensor-based control
2Reliability
If the operator follows the X-ray apparatus from behind while manually controlling it, then the apparatus can be positioned correctly, but the large apparatus partially obstructs the operator's front view and places a large burden on operation
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-positioning by automatically tracking the operator's movements. The label detector continuously detects the label position, and the label tracking controller automatically adjusts the apparatus position to follow the operator, eliminating the need for manual positioning control while maintaining accurate tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback control where the label detector monitors the operator's position in real-time, and the label tracking controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the drive wheels and maintain proper tracking distance and position
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 efficient and safe operation with reduced operator burden, allowing for unobstructed views and automatic prevention of collisions with obstructions or entering no-entry areas.
Implementation Method 1
a label detector that detects the label
Data Source
AI summary
With a mobile X-ray apparatus disclosed, an operator is able to go rounds without contacting to the mobile X-ray apparatus while the mobile X-ray apparatus traveling automatically tracks the operator. Since the operator controls the mobile X-ray apparatus without contacting to the mobile X-ray apparatus, the operator is able to carry more items necessary for patient diagnosis with an operator's free hand. In addition, the mobile X-ray apparatus automatically travels while tracking the operator from behind. Accordingly, an operator's view is not obstructed, ensuring prevention of the mobile X-ray apparatus from contacting to the obstructions. Moreover, when the operator enters into a no-entry area for the mobile X-ray apparatus, it is detected that the mobile X-ray apparatus is now ready to enter into the no-entry area, and accordingly, the mobile X-ray apparatus stops its automatic tracking function. With the above configuration, the mobile X-ray apparatus allows automatic travelling while tracking the operator, and also allows automatic prevention of the mobile X-ray apparatus from entering into the no-entry area. As a result, rounds with the mobile X-ray apparatus are performable in a safer manner.