Automated Semi-Transparent Diaphragm Positioning in Radiology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual positioning of semi-transparent diaphragms in radiological imaging is complex and time-consuming, especially during interventional procedures, due to large intensity differences in images, which affects image quality and requires medical personnel to divert attention from the actual procedure.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using image processing to analyze radiological images and determine the optimal position for semi-transparent diaphragms, reducing dose differences by identifying less absorbent regions and adjusting the diaphragm position automatically using actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of semi-transparent diaphragms is used, then image quality can be controlled by reducing dose differences, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming, diverting medical personnel from the actual procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidtime for diaphragm positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-positioning of the semi-transparent diaphragm by analyzing the radiological image to identify less absorbent regions and autonomously determining the optimal diaphragm position, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining image quality control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical positioning operation is replaced by an automated image processing and control system that uses computational analysis to identify less absorbent regions and automatically determines diaphragm positioning, substituting human manual operation with an automated computational-mechanical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of semi-transparent diaphragms is used, then dose differences can be controlled, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedose controlVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously performs the complete task of identifying less absorbent regions in the radiological image and determining the optimal diaphragm position without requiring complex manual positioning mechanisms or operator expertise, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise dose control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Complex manual positioning mechanisms are replaced by an automated control system that uses image processing algorithms to analyze the radiological image and automatically determine diaphragm positioning, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving dose control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual positioning of semi-transparent diaphragms is used, then image intensity differences can be minimized, but medical personnel must divert attention from the actual interventional procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage intensity controlVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously monitors and controls image intensity by automatically analyzing radiological images to identify less absorbent regions and adjusting diaphragm positioning without requiring medical personnel to divert their attention from the interventional procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual monitoring and adjustment operations are replaced by an automated system that uses image processing to continuously analyze intensity distribution and autonomously control diaphragm positioning, maintaining image quality while simplifying operator tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method improves image quality by minimizing dose differences and reduces the burden on medical personnel by automating the diaphragm positioning process, ensuring accurate and efficient radiological image recording without quality losses.

Implementation Method 1

extremely x-ray-transparent regions and organs such as lungs for instance are also located in the image region radiated by means of the x-rays in addition to the intensely absorbent organs or tissue structures such as the heart or spinal column

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8977015B2Method for determining a position for at least one semi-transparent diaphragm and associated facility

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining a position for at least one semi-transparent diaphragm during a radiological observation of a body region of a patient by means of a radiological facility, in particular during an observation accompanying an interventional measure, comprising: producing at least one radiological image recording and/or a sequence of image recordings by means of the radiological facility; analyzing the image recording and/or the sequence of image recordings by means of automatic image processing by a computing facility for identifying less absorbent image regions which may be present; and automatically determining the position for the at least one semi-transparent diaphragm as a function of the image analysis result by means of the computing facility.