Mobile X-ray Positioning Control via Automated Geometry Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting mobile X-ray imaging systems in rural or home settings is challenging due to the complexity of maintaining correct distances and angles between the X-ray tube and detector, making it difficult to acquire useful images efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processing unit and status detector that acquires geometry and type data of the mobile patient support unit and X-ray image acquisition device, determining corrected positions and orientations to provide an image acquisition protocol, simplifying the adjustment process by transmitting status signals and receiving region of interest data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile X-ray imaging system is used to provide flexibility in rural or home settings, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of adjusting component positions and orientations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning and self-alignment through automated control. The control unit receives status signals from detectors about component positions and orientations, automatically calculates the required adjustments, and controls the drive units to position components correctly without requiring operator expertise in geometric arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. Instead of operators physically moving components based on geometric knowledge, electronic sensors detect positions, the control unit processes this information, and automated drive units make positioning adjustments, substituting mechanical operator intervention with an automated control loop.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of mobile X-ray components is performed to achieve correct imaging geometry, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the time required for image acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual positions and orientations of X-ray components using status detectors, compares these measurements against the desired geometric configuration, and automatically makes corrections through the control unit and drive units. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate positioning without manual intervention time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit pre-calculates the required component positions and orientations based on the detected region of interest and patient anatomy, preparing the imaging geometry in advance before actual image acquisition begins, thereby eliminating adjustment time during the imaging process.
3Ease of operation
If automated positioning systems are implemented to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives status signals from various detectors, processes positioning and orientation data, calculates optimal component arrangements, controls multiple drive units, and manages the overall imaging process. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single intelligent controller rather than distributing it across multiple specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for determining positioning data for an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on a mobile patient support unit (3), the device comprising: a processing unit (10); and a status detector (11); wherein the status detector (11) is configured to acquire geometry data and type data of a mobile patient support unit (3) and of an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on the mobile patient support unit (3), and to transmit a status signal comprising the geometry data and the type data; wherein the processing unit (10) is configured to receive the status signal and data about region of interest position on the patient; and wherein, based on the status signal and the region of interest position, the processing unit (10) is configured to determine positioning and alignment data for an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on the mobile patient support unit (3), and to provide an image acquisition protocol for the X-ray image acquisition device (2). The device (1) may provide an X-ray image acquisition system having a simple and easy to operate construction.