X-ray Imaging Apparatus Camera-Based Collimator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in accurately setting and controlling the X-ray irradiation region, leading to incomplete imaging due to mismatched X-ray irradiation and detection regions, resulting in unnecessary exposure and inefficient imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that utilizes a camera image to automatically set and control the X-ray irradiation region by mapping and storing protocols, adjusting the collimator, and aligning the X-ray source and detector, ensuring precise alignment and optimal imaging window settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the X-ray irradiation region is manually adjusted using a collimator, then the X-ray imaging region can be set, but it is difficult to accurately match the X-ray irradiation region with the detection region, leading to incomplete imaging and unnecessary exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical collimator adjustment with an automated control system that uses a camera to capture images, processes them through image processing algorithms, and automatically adjusts the collimator based on detected anatomical structures. This substitution eliminates manual positioning errors and achieves more precise alignment between the X-ray irradiation region and detection region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting anatomical structures from camera images, calculating the optimal X-ray irradiation region, and controlling the collimator without requiring manual intervention. The apparatus serves itself by integrating image capture, processing, and collimator control into an autonomous workflow.
2Reliability
If the X-ray irradiation region is made larger to capture the entire anatomical structure, then complete imaging is achieved, but unnecessary exposure of non-target areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively irradiating only the specific anatomical region that requires imaging, rather than uniformly irradiating a large area. The system detects the target structure's boundaries and adjusts the collimator to confine X-rays to precisely that region, ensuring complete coverage of the necessary anatomy while excluding surrounding areas from exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the X-ray irradiation region based on real-time camera image analysis. By continuously monitoring the detected anatomical structures and recalculating the optimal irradiation boundaries, the system adapts the collimator settings to match the actual position and size of the target structure, maintaining complete coverage while minimizing exposure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of collimator and imaging parameters is used, then flexibility in imaging settings is achieved, but imaging efficiency and consistency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines and adjusts multiple imaging parameters including collimator position, X-ray tube voltage, current, and exposure time based on the detected anatomical structure and selected imaging protocol. This automated parameter optimization maintains flexibility by adapting to different anatomical regions and clinical requirements while significantly improving imaging efficiency and consistency compared to manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of camera images to detect anatomical structures and pre-calculates the optimal imaging parameters before actual X-ray exposure. By preparing the collimator settings and imaging parameters in advance based on image analysis, the system eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments during the imaging process, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
4Reliability
If divided region imaging and stitching is performed to capture large anatomical structures, then complete imaging is achieved, but imaging time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether divided region imaging is necessary by analyzing the detected anatomical structure's size and shape. When a single captured region is sufficient, the system performs straightforward imaging. When division is required, the system automatically calculates optimal division boundaries and coordinates multiple captures and stitching operations, adapting the workflow to minimize imaging time while ensuring complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from camera image analysis to guide the imaging process. By continuously monitoring the detected anatomical structures and comparing them against the planned imaging regions, the system adjusts division boundaries and capture parameters in real-time, optimizing the stitching process to reduce overall imaging time while maintaining complete and accurate coverage of large anatomical structures.
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 apparatus achieves precise control over the X-ray irradiation region, reducing unnecessary exposure, improving image quality, and enabling efficient stitching of divided images to capture complete anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray imaging apparatus is an apparatus that irradiates an object with X-rays and analyzes X-rays that have been transmitted through the object to recognize an inner structure of the object. Since X-ray transmittance varies according to a tissue forming an object, an inner structure of the object may be imaged using an attenuation coefficient which is a numerical value of X-ray transmittance.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a camera to capture a camera image of a target disposed on an examination table; an X-ray source to generate and radiate X-rays; a memory to store imaging protocols; a display; and a controller. The controller is configured to receive information regarding a selection of an imaging protocol, identify a position of an imaging region of the target based on the camera image, the imaging region corresponding to the selection of the imaging protocol and the camera image being acquired with the examination table at a first distance from the X-ray source, control the display to display the camera image of the target and an indicator indicating the imaging region on the camera image based on the identified position, and control the X-ray source to radiate the X-rays toward the target disposed on the examination table at a second distance from the X-ray source.