Radiography System Camera Integration for Spinal Shape Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiography systems face challenges in efficiently ascertaining the shape of a spinal column based on optical images without hindering the handling of the radiation source, particularly in school medical examinations where rapid and accurate assessments are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A radiography system comprising a radiation source, a camera integrated within the radiation source to capture optical images with uniform brightness, and a processor that acquires the optical images and derives spinal column shape information, including the Cobb angle, to determine the need for further medical examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a moire fringe measurement apparatus with a light projection unit is provided in the radiation source, then spinal column shape ascertainment can be performed in conjunction with radiography, but the handling of the radiation source becomes difficult due to the large-scaled mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera function from the radiation source structure, providing it as a separate imaging device positioned to capture optical images during radiography. This separation removes the bulky light projection unit and moire fringe apparatus from the radiation source, restoring ease of handling while maintaining the capability to obtain spinal column shape information through optical imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical imaging to create a visual copy of the spinal column shape rather than requiring direct physical measurement apparatus attached to the radiation source. The camera captures optical images that represent the spinal column morphology, allowing shape ascertainment without mechanical intervention in the radiation source
2Measurement precision
If spinal column shape ascertainment is performed using a separate moire fringe measurement apparatus, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the examination time increases and burden on the subject is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical imaging function with the radiography process by positioning the camera to capture images during the same examination session. The spinal column shape ascertainment is combined with the necessary radiography of chest/upright/front views, allowing both measurements to be performed simultaneously rather than sequentially, thereby reducing total examination time while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system serves multiple functions: it captures optical images for spinal column shape assessment and simultaneously supports the radiography process. This multi-functional approach allows the same examination setup to perform both skeletal shape analysis and radiographic imaging, eliminating the need for separate measurement sessions
Data Source
AI summary
A radiography system includes a radiation source that irradiates a subject with radiation, a camera, and a console. The camera is provided in the radiation source. The camera images the subject irradiated with illumination light that is, light having uniform brightness, to output an optical image. A CPU of the console has a first acquisition unit and a derivation unit. The first acquisition unit acquires the optical image from the camera. The derivation unit derives spinal column shape information representing a shape of a spinal column of the subject based on the optical image.