Radiographic Apparatus Slot Imaging Center Shift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The center of X-ray images shifts due to the sagging strut supporting the X-ray tube, leading to mechanical shifting and clipping of invalid areas in slot imaging, especially when the top board is turned or tilted, resulting in an ineffective image area.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic apparatus with a center calculating device to determine the shifted center of images and a shift calculating device to correct the positional relationship between the image center and the irradiation field, allowing for real-time or post-image acquisition correction of the image center during slot imaging by adjusting the irradiation field and pixel area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the top board is turned or tilted to different positions, then the imaging flexibility and patient positioning options are improved, but the strut supporting the X-ray tube sags under its own weight causing the image center to shift mechanically
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring multiple radiographic images with restricted irradiation fields before the final imaging, uses these images to calculate the shifted center position, and determines the shift amount in advance. This preliminary calculation of the shifted center based on pre-acquired images allows the system to compensate for mechanical sagging before the actual diagnostic imaging is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the calculated shifted center position from preliminary images to adjust and determine the effective image area for subsequent imaging. The shift calculation device continuously monitors the positional relationship between the image center and irradiation field, and this feedback information is used to correct the effective image area determination, ensuring accurate positioning despite mechanical sagging.
2Measurement precision
If the irradiation field is restricted to be narrow for slot imaging, then the imaging precision and detail resolution are improved, but the shifted center causes the effective image area to be clipped resulting in loss of valid data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring multiple radiographic images with restricted irradiation fields before the final imaging, uses these images to calculate the shifted center position, and determines the shift amount in advance. This preliminary calculation of the shifted center based on pre-acquired images allows the system to compensate for mechanical sagging before the actual diagnostic imaging is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the calculated shifted center position from preliminary images to adjust and determine the effective image area for subsequent imaging. The shift calculation device continuously monitors the positional relationship between the image center and irradiation field, and this feedback information is used to correct the effective image area determination, ensuring accurate positioning despite mechanical sagging.
3Device complexity
If the center of radiographic images shifts due to strut sagging, then the device complexity is reduced by not using active compensation mechanisms, but the reliability of image data is worsened due to clipping of effective image areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by using the radiographic images themselves to calculate the shifted center position. The center calculation device processes the acquired images to determine the actual center position, and this self-determined information is then used to correct the effective image area determination, eliminating the need for external compensation mechanisms while maintaining data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the calculated shifted center position from preliminary images to adjust and determine the effective image area for subsequent imaging. The shift calculation device continuously monitors the positional relationship between the image center and irradiation field, and this feedback information is used to correct the effective image area determination, ensuring accurate positioning despite mechanical sagging.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic apparatus of this invention, imaging (slot imaging) is carried out in one operation for obtaining a plurality of radiographic images based on radiation detected with an irradiation field restricted to be narrow by the irradiation field control device. Since these plurality of radiographic images are images picked up with the irradiation field restricted to be narrow, a center calculating device can determine a shifted center of the radiographic images. A shift calculating device derives a shift of the center of the X-ray images from a positional relationship between the shifted center of the radiographic images determined and the irradiation field of a radiation detecting device. Since the shift is corrected for the plurality of radiographic images per se based on the shift determined, the shift can be corrected in one slot imaging operation. At a time of slot imaging, the shift can be corrected while determining a central point at a point of time when each image is acquired, or determining a central point all together after acquiring a series of images.