X-Ray Alignment Light Source and Motion Detector Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-Ray systems rely on human interpretation for patient alignment, leading to initial positioning errors, increased patient exposure time, and higher operational costs due to repeated re-alignment and system start-up/shut-down cycles.
Innovation Solution
An X-Ray imaging system that incorporates a light source coupled to the X-ray detector to project a visible light beam onto the patient, indicating the area of exposure, and a motion detector to automate the alignment process, ensuring accurate positioning and reducing unnecessary exposure and system wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human interpretation is used for patient alignment, then the system is simple to operate, but alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light source is introduced as an intermediary element that projects a visible light beam onto the patient to indicate the exact area of exposure. This light beam serves as a mediator between the X-ray emitter/detector system and the patient, providing visual guidance for precise alignment without requiring complex automated positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with an optical indication system. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical positioning mechanisms or automated robotic systems, a simple light projection system is used to guide manual alignment, achieving high precision through optical feedback rather than mechanical complexity
2Measurement precision
If initial positioning is incorrect and re-alignment is performed, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but patient exposure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source projects the area of exposure onto the patient before the actual X-ray exposure begins. This preliminary visual indication allows the healthcare provider to verify alignment in advance and make necessary adjustments before exposing the patient to radiation, ensuring correct positioning from the first attempt and eliminating the need for re-alignment during the procedure
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the X-Ray emitter is turned off during re-positioning, then patient safety is improved, but operational costs and system wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light projection system provides preliminary alignment verification before X-ray exposure begins. Because the light beam is visible and can be observed in real-time during positioning, the system achieves correct alignment on the first attempt, eliminating the need to turn off and on the X-ray emitter multiple times during re-positioning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The light source provides real-time visual feedback about the area of exposure during the positioning process. This continuous feedback allows the healthcare provider to monitor alignment quality throughout the setup phase and make adjustments as needed without triggering X-ray exposure, thereby reducing unnecessary start-up and shut-down cycles of the emitter
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
The system enhances alignment accuracy, reduces patient exposure time, and decreases operational costs by providing real-time feedback and automated adjustments during X-Ray procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source coupled to its X-ray detector to project a visible light beam onto the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system has an inventive light source coupled to its X-ray detector to project a visible light beam onto the patient so that the patient may be aligned with an area of exposure (e.g., the area which X-Rays from the emitter will contact). In some cases, the light beam is a rectangular beam which substantially indicates the area of exposure. The imaging system also has a motion detector to detect movement of the object, the X-Ray emitter, and the X-Ray detector. With the motion detector, the imaging system is automated to automatically turn the light source on whenever the patient or the imaging system (e.g., the table) moves. Similarly, the imaging system is automated to turn off the light source when X-Raying begins.