X-ray Image Capturing Device with Elongate Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray image capturing devices require prolonged X-ray fluoroscopy and increased X-ray exposure doses when moving the image capturing range, especially for large movements like in lower limb operations, as they need to adjust the image capturing range during the process, leading to higher X-ray doses for the subject.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray image capturing device that generates an elongate image by joining multiple X-ray images and displays the current image capturing range based on position information, allowing operators to move the image capturing range to a target position without additional X-ray fluoroscopy, thereby reducing the subject's X-ray exposure dose. This device includes a top board, an image capturing unit, an image processing unit, and a display unit, with a moving mechanism and position information acquisition unit to adjust the image capturing range dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If X-ray fluoroscopy is performed to grasp the current image capturing range during movement, then the operator can adjust the image capturing range to the target position, but the subject's X-ray exposure dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the elongate image showing the current image capturing range position. Instead of using actual X-ray fluoroscopy to display the real-time position, the system generates a visual representation (copy) of where the image capturing range is located on the elongate image, allowing operators to see the position without additional X-ray exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual display system that shows the relationship between the current image capturing range and the elongate image. This intermediary representation acts as a mediator between the physical X-ray system and the operator, providing position information without requiring direct X-ray fluoroscopy.
2Area of stationary object
If the image capturing range is moved largely to capture the entire lower limb, then the complete anatomical structure can be imaged, but the time for X-ray fluoroscopy and X-ray exposure dose increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-acquiring multiple X-ray images at different positions along the subject's body and generating an elongate image that shows the entire lower limb. This preliminary mapping allows the operator to see the complete anatomical structure and plan the image capturing strategy without time-consuming fluoroscopy during the actual imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the complete lower limb anatomy through the elongate image, which represents the entire imaging area. This copy allows operators to assess the full anatomical structure and adjust imaging parameters without performing actual fluoroscopy on the patient.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple X-ray images are acquired and joined to create an elongate image, then a larger area can be visualized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into segments by acquiring multiple X-ray images at different positions and then joining them to form a complete elongate image. This segmentation approach allows the system to visualize a larger area than a single image could capture, while managing complexity through systematic processing of divided image sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluoroscopy systems with a computational approach. Instead of using continuous X-ray fluoroscopy to track and display the image capturing range position, the system uses image processing algorithms to generate and display the elongate image with position information, substituting mechanical/radiological methods with computational methods.
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 solution allows for reduced X-ray exposure doses during large image capturing range movements by enabling operators to accurately position the image capturing range on the elongate image without additional fluoroscopy, thus minimizing X-ray exposure to the subject.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray transmitted through a subject is detected to image an inside of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray image capturing device includes a top board for laying a subject thereon, an image capturing unit for capturing an X-ray image, an image processing unit for generating an elongate image which is an image longer than the X-ray image by performing joining processing of a plurality of X-ray images, and a display unit for displaying an elongate image. Based on the position information on the top board and the image capturing unit, the image capturing range of the image capturing unit is displayed on the elongate image.