Optical Scapula Positioning Feedback for Chest X-Ray Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In chest X-ray imaging, improper positioning of the scapula can lead to partial occlusion of the lung field, necessitating repeated imaging and increased radiation exposure, which is inconvenient and reduces diagnostic quality.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using optical imaging to determine scapula positioning relative to the lung field, providing feedback to operators for correct alignment, thereby ensuring the scapula is rotated outside the lung field without radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed manual instructions are provided to the operator for scapula positioning, then positioning accuracy may improve, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically analyzing the optical image of the subject's back, determining scapula positioning status, and providing feedback without requiring manual measurement or complex operator intervention. The computer automatically processes the image and generates positioning guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and mechanical positioning techniques with an optical imaging system and automated computer analysis. The optical image signal captures scapula position, and computer algorithms automatically evaluate and guide positioning, substituting human expertise with automated image processing.
2Measurement precision
If repeated image acquisitions are performed to achieve proper scapula positioning, then image quality improves, but radiation dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of scapula positioning using optical imaging before the actual X-ray acquisition. By evaluating the optical image and providing positioning feedback in advance, the system ensures correct positioning before radiation exposure, preventing the need for repeated X-ray shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical imaging system that acts as a mediator between the subject and the X-ray device. This optical intermediary allows assessment and correction of positioning without radiation, serving as a safe preliminary step before the actual diagnostic imaging.
3Measurement precision
If the scapula is positioned outside the lung field, then lung field visibility improves, but subject positioning becomes more inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback based on optical image analysis to guide the subject and operator in achieving proper scapula positioning. The feedback indicates whether the scapula overlaps the lung field and provides directional guidance for adjustment, making the inconvenient positioning process more intuitive and easier to execute.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to assisting scapula positioning in chest X-ray imaging. Provided is a system and related method for assisting subject positioning in chest X-ray imaging, wherein the system comprises an optical detection device (110), a user interface (130), and a processor (120), connected to the optical detection device (110) and the user interface (130). Thereby, the processor (120) is configured to receive an optical image signal of a rear view of the subject(S), determine a current positioning of a scapula of the subject(S) based on the optical image signal, wherein the current positioning of the scapula is assessed as to whether and/or to which extent it would overlap or would not overlap a lung field of the subject to be imaged and determine a feedback for positioning the subject(S) and/or its scapula based on the determined current positioning of the scapula. The user interface (130) is configured to provide the feedback for positioning the subject.