Radiation Detector Optical Alignment for Automatic Orientation Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging systems require frequent manual alignment and calibration, increasing user effort and time, especially for accurately deriving the orientation of radiation imaging apparatuses relative to radiation sources.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detection system that includes a radiation source, a radiation detection apparatus with an optical image capturing unit, and controllers to automatically derive orientation information based on sensor data, reducing the need for manual alignment and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and calibration are performed frequently to accurately derive orientation information, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures images of the radiation detection apparatus using an optical image capturing unit, extracts orientation information through image processing, and updates calibration data without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously performs the alignment and calibration process, eliminating the need for user involvement in positioning and reference setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an optical imaging system. Instead of physically adjusting and manually verifying orientation, the system uses cameras to capture the apparatus position and computationally determines orientation through image analysis, substituting mechanical operations with optical and computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If manual calibration processing is performed to set reference orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing its own image through the optical image capturing unit, extracting feature points and orientation information through image processing, and updating the reference calibration data without requiring user guidance or manual positioning during the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical image capturing unit serves as an intermediary between the radiation detection apparatus and the control system. It captures visual information about the apparatus position and orientation, which the controller then processes to automatically determine and update calibration parameters, eliminating the need for direct user interaction with calibration controls.
3Reliability
If frequent reference orientation setting is performed to maintain accuracy, then reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures images of the radiation detection apparatus and automatically updates orientation information without interruption to the imaging workflow. This continuous automatic updating eliminates the need to stop imaging operations for periodic manual calibration, maintaining both accuracy and productivity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated calibration system operates independently of the imaging process, continuously monitoring and updating orientation data without requiring the imaging system to pause or slow down. The self-service calibration runs in parallel with imaging operations, ensuring reliability without compromising productivity.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient alignment of radiation imaging apparatuses with radiation sources by automating the derivation of orientation and position changes, minimizing user intervention and time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical image capturing unit configured to obtain an optical image by capturing an image of the radiation detection apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detection system including a radiation source for irradiating radiation and a radiation detection apparatus for detecting the radiation includes an optical image capturing unit for obtaining an optical image by capturing an image of the radiation detection apparatus, and one or more controllers configured to obtain information about an orientation angle change and/or information about a position change output from a sensor unit included in the radiation detection apparatus, obtain information about a reference orientation angle and/or information about a reference position of the radiation detection apparatus based on the optical image, and obtain information about an orientation angle at a predetermined timing based on the information about the reference orientation angle and the information about the orientation angle change and/or information about a position at a predetermined timing based on the information about the reference position and the information about the position change.