Mobile X-Ray Exposure Control with Scout-Based Misalignment Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray apparatuses lack the automation functions such as automatic source-detector alignment and auto-exposure control due to the absence of Bucky, leading to challenges in maintaining image quality and alignment accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray apparatus employs scout imaging followed by main imaging, where a first exposure time is used for scout imaging to generate data, and a second exposure time is determined based on this data to perform main imaging, enabling auto-exposure control in mobile environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile X-ray apparatus is used without Bucky, then portability and flexibility are improved, but automation functions such as auto-exposure control and source-detector alignment cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Bucky system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using physical grids and mechanical alignment mechanisms, the invention uses software-based algorithms to detect anatomical structures, determine exposure parameters, and guide imaging procedures digitally, thereby achieving automation without mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control device as an intermediary between the X-ray generator and detector. This control device receives scout imaging data, processes it to determine optimal exposure parameters, and automatically controls the main imaging process, serving as a digital mediator that enables automation functions in the absence of mechanical Bucky systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If exposure time is extended to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but patient radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs scout imaging before main imaging to preliminarily assess the patient's anatomy and determine optimal exposure parameters. By acquiring preliminary data about the body part's density and thickness, the system can calculate and set appropriate exposure times that achieve diagnostic quality images while minimizing radiation dose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the scout imaging data as feedback to automatically adjust exposure parameters for main imaging. The control device analyzes the scout image quality and patient anatomy, then feeds this information back to determine the optimal exposure time, creating a closed-loop system that optimizes image quality while minimizing radiation exposure.
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 method stabilizes AEC operations even with misalignment, excludes distorted regions, and ensures uniform X-ray images by dynamically adjusting exposure times, enhancing image quality in mobile X-ray apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiation module configured to output an X-ray
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray output from the X-ray irradiation module
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray apparatus may include an X-ray irradiation module for outputting an X-ray; an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray output from the X-ray irradiation module; memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor configured to execute the at least one instruction, wherein the at least one processor may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to control the X-ray irradiation module to output an X-ray for a first exposure time to perform scout imaging, read out X-ray detection values from a plurality of sampling pixels corresponding to some of a plurality of pixels of the X-ray detector for the first exposure time to generate scout imaging data corresponding to the scout imaging, control the X-ray irradiation module to output an X-ray for a second exposure time determined based on the scout imaging data to perform main imaging, and read out X-ray detection values from the plurality of pixels of the X-ray detector for the second exposure time to generate a main imaging image.