Radiography Imaging Unit Alignment Using Projected Position Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relative positioning between a radiation source and a radiation detector is difficult to achieve, especially when using floor-traveling X-ray sources and detectors, due to their increased degree of freedom in movement range, making accurate alignment challenging.
Innovation Solution
A radiography system with two imaging units, each including a radiation source or detector, utilizes a projection apparatus to project a positioning indicator, an optical sensor to detect this indicator, and a processor to determine the relative positional relationship, enabling automatic or manual alignment through electric or manual traveling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floor-traveling X-ray source and imaging table are used, then mobility and adaptability are improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to increased degree of freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning markers as intermediary elements and a recognition system as a mediator to establish accurate positioning relationships. The markers are projected or placed in the field of view, and the recognition system detects their positions to calculate the spatial relationship between the X-ray source and imaging table, thereby resolving the positioning accuracy issue while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an automated optical/electronic recognition system. Instead of relying on mechanical rails or manual alignment, the system uses image processing to detect markers and computationally determine positioning, substituting mechanical constraints with intelligent positioning that works equally well for both ceiling-suspended and floor-traveling configurations.
2Ease of operation
If ceiling-suspended X-ray source is used, then positioning is simplified, but adaptability to different configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal positioning system that can be applied to multiple configurations (ceiling-suspended, floor-traveling, portable) through a single set of principles. The positioning markers and recognition system work regardless of whether the X-ray source or imaging table are fixed or mobile, making the system adaptable to various clinical scenarios while maintaining ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If relative positioning between imaging units is not facilitated, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into separate components: positioning markers, a projection apparatus (optional), and a recognition system. This segmentation allows the positioning functionality to be added as a modular component without significantly increasing the overall system complexity. Each component has a specific, well-defined function that can be independently optimized.
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
Facilitates accurate and efficient relative positioning between radiation sources and detectors, improving usability and alignment accuracy, particularly for floor-traveling systems with high degrees of freedom.
Implementation Method 1
a projection apparatus that projects a positioning indicator used for relative positioning between the two imaging units
Implementation Method 2
at least one imaging unit of the two imaging units includes an optical sensor that optically detects the positioning indicator
Data Source
AI summary
A radiography system used for radiography includes two imaging units including an imaging unit including a radiation source and an imaging unit including a radiation detector, in which at least one imaging unit of the two imaging units includes a projection apparatus that projects a positioning indicator used for relative positioning between the two imaging units.