Mobile X-ray Tomography Positioning via Visual Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray tomography devices face challenges in accurately positioning the X-ray source and maintaining constant velocity during tomography acquisition sequences, leading to potential errors and suboptimal image reconstruction due to obstacles, floor irregularities, and the complexity of achieving linear motion.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves visual guidance using a camera attached to the X-ray source to adjust the starting position of the mobile X-ray device, ensuring the acquisition trajectory is aligned with the region of interest, and allowing for interactive adjustment by the operator to achieve a constant speed and full exposure of the digital imaging detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile X-ray device is used to perform tomography acquisition, then the device can be positioned flexibly and accessed easily, but the positioning accuracy of the X-ray source and the consistency of motion velocity deteriorate due to obstacles, floor irregularities, and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback through a camera mounted on the X-ray source that continuously captures images of the region of interest. These images are displayed on a monitor to provide visual feedback to the operator, enabling continuous adjustment of the starting position and trajectory parameters to achieve accurate positioning despite the mobile nature of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the actual tomography acquisition begins, the system performs preliminary actions including calculating the acquisition trajectory based on the selected region of interest, displaying the projected trajectory to the operator, and allowing adjustment of the starting position. This preliminary setup ensures that when acquisition begins, the positioning is already optimized for accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually positions the mobile X-ray device, then the device can be easily moved and repositioned, but the acquisition trajectory alignment with the region of interest becomes imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer that translates the operator's simple positioning actions into precise trajectory calculations. The processor calculates the optimal acquisition trajectory based on the region of interest and current device position, and the camera system acts as an intermediary to provide visual verification, bridging the gap between manual positioning and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with a software-based trajectory calculation and visualization system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical guides or automated positioning systems, the invention uses computational geometry to calculate trajectories and visual feedback from cameras to guide manual positioning, substituting mechanical precision requirements with software-based solutions.
3Productivity
If the X-ray source moves during acquisition, then tomography images can be captured from multiple angles, but maintaining constant velocity becomes difficult due to manual operation and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time visual feedback from the camera mounted on the X-ray source to monitor the motion during acquisition. This feedback allows the operator to maintain constant velocity by observing the progression of the region of interest in the camera images, ensuring consistent image spacing and quality throughout the acquisition sequence.
4Measurement precision
If visual guidance is implemented using a camera, then the positioning accuracy and trajectory alignment improve, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounted on the X-ray source serves multiple functions: it provides visual guidance during positioning, monitors the acquisition trajectory in real-time, and verifies the alignment with the region of interest. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guidance systems and minimizes additional complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is related to a method to adjust the starting position of an acquisition trajectory of a mobile X-ray device that is to perform a portable X-ray tomography acquisition sequence. The invention supports an operator in positioning a mobile X-ray device such that it can subsequently successfully and autonomously perform a digital tomosynthesis exam. Alternatively may an operator provide visual input on a camera image on where he desires the tomosynthesis acquisition to be performed, allowing the mobile X-ray device to adjust its initial starting position autonomously.