Radiographic Marker for Portable X-ray Cassette Angulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable x-ray imaging technologies lack the ability to accurately quantify and consistently maintain the angulation of patients during chest x-ray examinations, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate image comparisons, unnecessary CT scans, and increased radiation exposure due to unknown or variable patient positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that include a movable object and a plurality of markers within an enclosure attached to the x-ray cassette, allowing the angulation of the patient to be visually displayed and recorded, enabling precise measurement and consistent reproduction of the x-ray image angle, thereby facilitating accurate comparisons and reducing unnecessary CT scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If portable x-ray imaging is performed without angulation measurement devices, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the angulation of patient positioning cannot be accurately measured or consistently maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the angulation measurement function with the existing x-ray imaging system by integrating a protractor-like scale and movable indicator directly onto the portable x-ray cassette. This merging allows the cassette to simultaneously serve as both the imaging receptor and the angulation measurement device, eliminating the need for separate measurement instruments and reducing overall system complexity while enabling precise angulation measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable x-ray cassette is transformed into a multi-functional device that serves both its traditional imaging purpose and a new angulation measurement function. The enclosure with degree markings and movable indicator allows the same cassette to provide both radiographic images and quantitative angulation data, making the device universally applicable for both diagnostic imaging and positioning verification without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Loss of information
If angulation markers and movable objects are added to the x-ray cassette, then angulation can be visually displayed and recorded on images, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angulation display components (enclosure, degree markings, and movable indicator objects) are merged directly onto the x-ray cassette surface. This integration ensures that angulation information is captured simultaneously with the radiographic image, preventing information loss. The movable indicator objects are positioned on the cassette itself rather than requiring separate external measurement devices, thereby recording angulation data directly on the image without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses radiopaque marker objects that create visible copies or representations of angulation information directly on the x-ray image. The movable indicator and degree markings are designed to be radiopaque, allowing them to appear as visible markers on the radiographic image, thus copying the angulation information onto the image itself for permanent record without requiring separate documentation systems.
3Reliability
If precise angulation measurement is implemented, then diagnostic consistency and image comparison accuracy improve, but the imaging procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The portable x-ray system performs self-measurement of angulation through the integrated protractor scale and movable indicator on the cassette. The system automatically captures angulation information along with the radiographic image without requiring separate measurement steps or additional manual recording procedures. This self-service capability maintains diagnostic consistency while minimizing impact on procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angulation measurement scale and indicator are pre-positioned and prepared on the cassette before the imaging procedure begins. The protractor-like scale with degree markings is already in place, and the movable indicator is ready to be positioned, allowing for immediate angulation measurement without requiring additional setup steps during the imaging procedure, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable measurement.
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
The solution provides a means to accurately determine and record the angulation of x-ray images, enhancing diagnostic consistency, reducing radiation exposure, and improving treatment planning by allowing for more precise comparisons of patient conditions over time.
Implementation Method 1
A movable object and a plurality of markers are provided in a modified enclosure attached to a portable x-ray cassette... allowing a movable object to freely move within an enclosure in a direction in relation to an angle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods/techniques and apparatus for displaying an angulation of a cassette and thus a patient at a time when an x-ray image is taken to provide for a better comparison of day to day improvement of the patient. More specifically, the present invention, allows a movable object to roll freely within in a passageway within an enclosure in relation to an angulation of a cassette. In order to correlate the position of the movable object in the enclosure with the angle at which the cassette is currently placed, a plurality of markers are disposed in or protruded from the inner surface of the passageway. Based upon the position of the movable object in relation to a particular marker at the time an x-ray is taken, the user can identify the angulation at which the cassette is currently positioned.