Portable X-ray Image Compression for Wireless Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional medical X-ray imaging equipment, especially C-arm systems, are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to move and position in operating rooms, and they lack the capability for portable, real-time image compression and wireless transmission, which is essential for efficient and high-quality image handling in portable or hand-held systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable X-ray imaging device with an internal power source and processor for real-time image compression and wireless transmission, allowing for high-frame-rate fluoroscopy without compromising image quality, featuring a support arm with an X-ray source and detector, and a removable power source that enables 60 or more images per charge, facilitating easy handling and positioning during medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional C-arm X-ray systems are used, then image quality and diagnostic capability are maintained, but the equipment becomes heavy and cumbersome, reducing portability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the X-ray imaging system into separate functional modules: a portable handheld unit containing the X-ray source and detector, and a separate computing device for image processing and display. This segmentation allows the imaging component to be lightweight and portable while maintaining full diagnostic capability through the separate processing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heavy processing and display components from the X-ray imaging unit itself, placing them in a separate computing device. This extraction allows the handheld X-ray device to be lightweight and portable while still providing high-quality image output through the external system.
2Productivity
If real-time image processing and wireless transmission are implemented in portable devices, then image handling efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial processing in the portable device - performing initial image capture and basic processing locally, then selectively transmitting only necessary image data to the external computing device for further processing. This partial action approach maintains real-time imaging capability while reducing overall power consumption compared to performing all processing in the portable unit.
3Speed
If high frame rate fluoroscopy is achieved, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but data transmission requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy data processing burden from the portable device by implementing compression algorithms and selective data transmission. Only essential image data is transmitted to the external system, reducing the data volume burden while maintaining high frame rate fluoroscopy capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes data transmission parameters by implementing compression algorithms that reduce the volume of transmitted data. This allows high frame rate imaging to be achieved without proportionally increasing transmission data volume, as the compression ratio adjusts the effective data quantity being transmitted.
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
Enables efficient, high-quality, real-time imaging and video sequences at a frame rate of over 8 frames per second, improving medical decision-making and patient outcomes by providing a lightweight, wireless, and easily maneuverable imaging solution that maintains image quality and extends battery life.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source and an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray detector is often an image intensifier or even a flat panel digital detector
Data Source
AI summary
Image compression techniques and image handling and display methods that can be used with imaging devices, including X-ray devices, are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a real-time imaging method by providing a portable x-ray imaging device containing an internal power source and an internal power supply, capturing a first x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the first x-ray image using a compression process performed by a processor located within the portable x-ray imaging device and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed first x-ray image to a display device, capturing a second x-ray image using the x-ray imaging device, compressing the second x-ray image using the processor and then wirelessly transmitting the compressed second x-ray image to the display device; and then displaying the first and second x-ray images on the display device at a frame rate of more than about 8 frames per second.