3D Camera Radiography Positioning Preview

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiography systems rely on subjective assessment for positioning body regions, leading to suboptimal alignments, additional patient exposure, and reduced system lifespan due to frequent re-exposures.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a 3D camera system to create a three-dimensional positioning image, generating a patient model, and simulating X-ray projections to ensure correct positioning before actual exposure, thereby allowing for real-time comparison and adjustment of camera images with simulated X-rays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If subjective assessment by specialist is used for positioning, then positioning quality can be evaluated, but additional exposures are required leading to increased patient dose and reduced system lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning quality assessmentVSAvoidpatient dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning verification using a 3D camera to capture the body region before actual radiographic exposure. A preview image is generated and automatically evaluated to confirm correct positioning, allowing corrections to be made without exposing the patient to additional radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a digital copy (preview image) of the positioning information from the 3D camera data. This digital replica allows automated evaluation of positioning quality without requiring actual X-ray exposure, replacing the need for trial exposures with a harmless visual simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If multiple exposures are taken to ensure correct positioning, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but system wear increases and service life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning verification using a 3D camera to capture the body region before actual radiographic exposure. A preview image is generated and automatically evaluated to confirm correct positioning, allowing corrections to be made without exposing the patient to additional radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a digital copy (preview image) of the positioning information from the 3D camera data. This digital replica allows automated evaluation of positioning quality without requiring actual X-ray exposure, replacing the need for trial exposures with a harmless visual simulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Extent of automation

If automated evaluation of preview image is implemented, then positioning correctness can be verified before exposure, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning verification automationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-evaluation of the preview image using automated algorithms that analyze the captured 3D data and determine whether positioning meets the requirements for the requested radiographic examination. The system independently verifies positioning correctness without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external verification equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3501400B1Method and device for ensuring a correct positioning for a radiography receiver
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP3501400B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3501400B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3501400B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for positioning a body region (K) of a patient (P) for a radiographic image (R) by a radiography system (1), comprising the steps: a) providing an examination request (U), b) pre-positioning the body region (K), c) pre-positioning a scanning unit (3) of the radiography system (1), d) creating a three-dimensional positioning image (PA) with a 3D camera system (6), e) creating a preview image (VB) from the positioning image (PA), wherein the preview image (VB) is created from a patient model (PM) generated from the positioning image (PA), and wherein the preview image (VB) represents a view as would have been intended to occur with the scanning unit (3) of the radiography system (1) in the pre-positioning position assumed in step c).f) Output of the preview image (VB) and/or positioning information (PI) based on the preview image (VB). The invention further relates to a corresponding device and a corresponding control unit or radiography system.