X-Ray Imaging Unit Alignment Detection Using Optical Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses suffer from deteriorated detection accuracy of positional deviation between the X-ray irradiation unit and detection unit due to electromagnetic interference from nearby electron devices.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an optical feature point acquisition unit to detect a feature point on the X-ray irradiation or detection unit, a positional deviation acquisition unit to calculate the relative position based on this feature point, and a notification unit to inform about the deviation, thereby using optical methods to bypass electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic wave detection method is used to detect positional deviation, then the detection can be performed electronically, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to electromagnetic interference from nearby electron devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic wave detection method with an optical detection method. Specifically, it uses a camera to capture images of a marker (feature point) and calculates positional deviation based on the marker's position in the captured images. This optical-mechanical approach is immune to electromagnetic interference from nearby electron devices, thereby resolving the contradiction between electronic detection capability and detection accuracy under electromagnetic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a marker (feature point) as an intermediary object between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit. The marker serves as a visual reference that can be detected by the camera to calculate relative position. This intermediary enables optical-based positional deviation detection without requiring direct electromagnetic interaction between the X-ray units, thus avoiding electromagnetic interference issues.
2Reliability
If optical detection method is used to acquire feature point position, then electromagnetic interference is avoided, but additional optical components and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the X-ray imaging apparatus multi-functional by equipping it with both X-ray imaging capability and optical imaging capability (via the camera). The camera serves dual purposes: it can capture the marker for positional deviation detection and potentially assist in patient positioning or verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated optical detection equipment, thereby mitigating the increase in device complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration and self-detection by using the camera to automatically capture the marker and calculate positional deviation without requiring external calibration equipment or manual measurement tools. The computational processing of the marker position in captured images enables the system to self-determine its own positional accuracy, reducing the need for additional external devices.
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 configuration allows for accurate acquisition of positional deviation between the X-ray units, even in the presence of electromagnetic interference, thereby maintaining detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an optical feature point acquisition unit provided on either one of the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit, the optical feature point acquisition unit being configured to optically detect a feature point provided on the other of the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit to acquire a position of the feature point
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with an X-ray irradiation unit, an X-ray detection unit, a moving mechanism unit movable in a state of supporting the X-ray irradiation unit, an optical feature point acquisition unit, and a notification unit. The optical feature point acquisition unit is provided on either one of the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit and is configured to optically detect a feature point provided on the other of the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit to acquire the position of the feature point. The positional deviation acquisition unit acquires the positional deviation of the relative position between the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detection unit based on the position of the feature point. The notification unit performs a notification based on the positional deviation.