Two-Stage X-Ray Tube Support Alignment With RF and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face challenges in aligning the X-ray tube with the detector, especially when there is no detector support geometry, requiring manual adjustments that are cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A positioning system utilizing a radio-frequency (RF) based localization system and an optical camera to facilitate automatic alignment, where the RF system provides initial approximate positioning, followed by the optical camera for precise alignment, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment is used for X-ray tube with detector, then the system can operate without detector support geometry, but the alignment process becomes extremely challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical camera-based system. The camera captures images of alignment markers on the detector, and image processing algorithms automatically calculate the tube-detector alignment parameters, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment by equipping the detector with visible alignment markers that the optical camera can automatically detect and process. The alignment process becomes self-service as the system autonomously determines alignment parameters without requiring operator intervention in the actual alignment measurements.
2Measurement precision
If optical camera is used for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the camera must have direct view of landmarks which limits applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces alignment markers as intermediary objects that mediate between the X-ray tube and detector. These markers are placed on the detector surface and serve as visible targets for the optical camera, enabling the camera to indirectly measure alignment even when it cannot directly view the detector active area, thus expanding applicability to various geometric configurations.
3Productivity
If automated alignment system is implemented, then workflow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional RF and optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into existing system components. The optical camera, originally potentially used for other imaging purposes, is repurposed for alignment measurement. The RF localization system and optical camera work together with the existing tube support system, reducing the need for entirely separate dedicated alignment equipment and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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
Enables automatic and precise alignment of the X-ray tube with the detector, improving workflow efficiency by eliminating manual adjustments and ensuring accurate positioning in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a first radio-frequency (RF) device that is attachable to the X-ray detector, and a plurality of second RF devices that are arranged in a known geometric relationship to the X-ray tube and configured to use an RF signal to localize the first RF device
Implementation Method 2
trigger the optical camera to acquire an image to localize the X-ray detector so as to provide second position information of the X-ray detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to medical imaging. In order to facilitate the alignment of an X-ray tube with respect to an X-ray detector, a positioning system (160) is provided for controlling an X-ray tube support system to align an X-ray tube with an X-ray detector. The positioning system comprises a radio frequency (RF) based localization system (170), an optical camera (180), and a controller (190). The RF- based localization system comprises a first RF device (172) that is attachable to the X-ray detector, and a plurality of second RF devices (174, 176, 178) that are arranged in a known geometric relationship to the X-ray tube (112) and configured to use an RF signal to localize the first RF device so as to provide first position information of the X-ray detector. The controller is configured to generate, based on the first position information of the X-ray detector, a first control signal that is usable for controlling the X-ray tube support system to move the X-ray tube to perform a first alignment of the X-ray tube with respect to the X-ray detector. After the first alignment, the controller is configured to trigger the optical camera to acquire an image to localize the X-ray detector so as to provide second position information of the X-ray detector, and to generate, based on the second position information of the X-ray detector, a second control signal that is usable for controlling the X-ray tube support system to move the X-ray tube to perform a second alignment of the X-ray tube with respect to the X-ray detector.