Radiation Imaging Orientation Setup for Detector-Generator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses require user intervention to set reference orientations, complicating the setup process and making it difficult to determine the correct orientation of radiation generators and detectors, especially in hygienic environments where visual determination is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus that automatically sets reference orientations for radiation detectors and generators without user intervention, using orientation measuring units and a setting unit to determine the relative relationship between the radiation generator and detector, allowing for accurate positioning and notification of correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a user manually sets reference orientations using an input unit, then the orientation calculation can be performed, but the operation procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging apparatus automatically sets reference orientations using acceleration sensors and gyroscopes without requiring user input. The system self-determines the reference orientations of the radiation generator and radiation detector by processing data from onboard sensors, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations while maintaining orientation calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs preliminary automatic calibration of reference orientations before the actual imaging process begins. By pre-setting the reference orientations automatically using sensor data, the system prepares the orientation calculation framework in advance, avoiding the need for manual setup during the imaging procedure.
2Reliability
If the radiation detector is used in a bag for hygiene, then hygiene is maintained, but visual determination of front and back becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback by calculating and displaying the relative orientation relationship between the radiation generator and radiation detector. The processing unit determines whether the orientations match predetermined conditions and provides this information back to the user, eliminating the need for visual inspection of the detector's front or back surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual method of determining detector orientation (visually identifying front and back surfaces) with an electronic sensor-based system. Acceleration sensors and gyroscopes automatically detect the physical orientation, substituting human visual judgment with electronic measurement and calculation.
3Ease of operation
If automatic orientation setting is implemented, then operation simplicity is improved, but the system requires additional sensors and processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensors and gyroscopes serve multiple functions: they provide data for automatic reference orientation setting, contribute to positioning accuracy, and support the overall orientation calculation system. By making these sensors multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the orientation sensing function with the existing positioning system by integrating acceleration sensors and gyroscopes into the radiation generator and detector assemblies. This merging of functions allows the system to perform both positioning and orientation measurement using a unified sensor framework, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A setting unit configured to set a reference orientation for calculating the orientation of a radiation detector and a reference orientation for calculating the orientation of the radiation generator sets the reference orientations of the radiation detector and the radiation generator in response to determining that a mobile radiography unit equipped with the radiation generator stands still, with the radiation detector housed, to determine whether the radiation generator and the radiation detector are arranged according to the imaging procedure.