X-ray Imaging Apparatus Angular Alignment via Color-Coded Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in intuitively adjusting the relative angular relationship between the detection surface and the irradiation direction of the X-ray, requiring confirmation of numeric values which is not inherently intuitive.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an angular relationship detection element and a projection element that projects an irradiation position marker on the body surface, changing its display mode based on the detected angular deviation, allowing for easy adjustment of the X-ray irradiation position and intuitive recognition of the angular alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a numeric value display mode is used for the irradiation position marker, then the angular relationship can be measured, but the intuitiveness of angular alignment recognition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The projection element changes the color of the irradiation position marker based on the angular relationship between the detection surface and irradiation direction. When the angular relationship is within a predetermined range, the marker is projected in a first color (e.g., green) indicating proper alignment. When the angular relationship exceeds the predetermined range, the marker is projected in a second color (e.g., red) indicating misalignment. This color-coding system enables operators to intuitively recognize angular alignment status without reviewing numeric values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual intermediary (colored marker) that mediates between the angular relationship measurement and the operator's perception. Instead of directly displaying numeric angular values, the system uses the colored marker as an intermediary representation that translates complex angular data into simple visual cues, making the alignment status immediately recognizable to operators.
2Manufacturing precision
If the irradiation position is adjusted by confirming numeric values, then the angular relationship can be controlled, but the time required for adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using color changes to indicate angular alignment status, operators can quickly assess whether the irradiation position is correct without reading or interpreting numeric angle values. The colored marker provides immediate visual feedback that enables rapid adjustment decisions, significantly reducing the time required to achieve proper angular alignment while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the colored irradiation position marker that reflects the current angular relationship status. This feedback mechanism allows operators to immediately see whether adjustments are needed and in which direction, eliminating the trial-and-error process of checking numeric values and reducing overall adjustment time.
3Device complexity
If only the irradiation position is projected without angular information, then the simplicity of the projection is maintained, but the ease of adjusting angular relationship deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the simple irradiation position projection by adding color information that encodes angular relationship status. The colored marker remains a simple visual element but now carries additional meaning about angular alignment. This approach maintains the simplicity of the projection system while dramatically improving the ease of angular adjustment by providing intuitive visual guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus has a position determination support unit for that allows adjustment of the relative angular relationship between a detection surface of the X-ray detection element and the irradiation direction of the X-ray of the X-ray irradiation element. The X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray irradiation element, an X-ray detection element, an angular relationship detection element that detects the relative angular relationship between the detection surface of the X-ray detection element and the irradiation direction of X-rays of the X-ray irradiation element. A projection element projects the irradiation position marker indicating the position where the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray irradiation element on a body surface of a subject. The projection element changes the display mode of the irradiation position marker based on the deviation level relative to the preset setting angle of the detected angular relationship.