Mobile X-ray Machine Positioning via 3D Data Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The current positioning and repositioning of mobile x-ray machines in medical settings are time-consuming and expose patients and staff to additional radiation due to the need for iterative manual adjustments to achieve accurate x-ray images.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a 3D data record to align and position an x-ray machine based on preoperative or intraoperative data, allowing for precise alignment of the x-ray source through an aligning module that uses coordinates from a first x-ray image to guide the positioning of a second x-ray image, eliminating the need for iterative manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning and repositioning of the mobile x-ray machine is performed iteratively to achieve accurate x-ray images, then positioning precision is improved, but time consumption and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing a first x-ray image and automatically determining optimal positioning parameters before the actual positioning operation. The control unit calculates the required movement of the C-arm and positioning elements based on the first image, enabling precise positioning in a single attempt rather than through iterative manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first x-ray image to automatically adjust positioning. The control unit analyzes the first image data and uses it as feedback to calculate the exact positioning parameters needed for the second image, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments and reducing both time and radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning and repositioning of the mobile x-ray machine is performed iteratively to achieve accurate x-ray images, then positioning precision is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the first x-ray image to determine optimal positioning parameters before acquiring the second image. This preliminary action ensures that the second image can be acquired with precise positioning in a single attempt, minimizing the number of x-ray exposures needed and thereby reducing radiation exposure to the patient and staff.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses feedback from the first x-ray image to automatically calculate and execute the precise positioning needed for the second image. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for multiple iterative x-ray exposures that would increase radiation exposure, achieving high positioning precision with minimal radiation doses.
3Productivity
If automated positioning based on first x-ray image is implemented, then time efficiency and radiation reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the positioning elements, processes the first x-ray image data, calculates the required positioning adjustments, and executes the movement commands. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, achieving automated positioning without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the first x-ray image and determining its own positioning parameters without external intervention. The control unit independently calculates the optimal positioning for the second image based on the first image data, eliminating the need for manual positioning operations and significantly improving time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided for positioning an x-ray machine having an x-ray source and a detector. A second X-ray image is recorded once an x-ray apparatus has been positioned by using information of an alignment point in a first x-ray image.