X-ray Imaging System Automated Collimator Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems are cumbersome and inefficient due to the need for manual adjustment of the X-ray source, detector, and collimator, which is time-consuming and imprecise, especially when the subject under examination moves, requiring repeated adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system and method that includes a camera unit for acquiring real-time optical images, a display unit for user interface operations, and a control unit that automatically aligns the X-ray source and detector with a target region and adjusts the collimator opening based on user input, allowing for precise alignment and efficient exposure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of X-ray source, detector, and collimator is used, then the system can be operated with simple equipment, but the alignment precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses a camera to capture the subject's position and a processor to calculate the required alignment. The control unit automatically adjusts the X-ray source, detector, and collimator positions based on image processing results, eliminating the need for manual mechanical manipulation while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture the subject's position and appearance. The camera images serve as intermediaries that convey position information to the processor, which then calculates alignment parameters. This intermediary system enables precise alignment without direct manual measurement or adjustment.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of collimator is used, then the equipment remains simple, but the time consumption and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automatic adjustment where the camera continuously captures the subject's position, the processor continuously calculates alignment parameters, and the control unit continuously adjusts the collimator opening. This continuous automated operation eliminates interruptions and repeated adjustments, maintaining high productivity while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment through automated feedback control. The camera monitors the subject's position, the processor analyzes the images to determine alignment status, and the control unit automatically modifies the collimator position and opening size. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for repeated manual intervention, significantly reducing adjustment time.
3Measurement precision
If repeated manual adjustments are made when subject moves, then the system remains simple to operate, but the imaging precision and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the camera continuously captures the subject's current position, the processor analyzes these images to determine the actual collimation alignment status, and the control unit adjusts the collimator based on the feedback information. This closed-loop feedback system automatically compensates for subject movement, maintaining high precision without requiring repeated manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic alignment adjustment before each exposure based on real-time camera images. The processor calculates the required collimator position and opening size in advance, and the control unit executes the adjustment before the X-ray exposure occurs. This preliminary action ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically, eliminating the need for repeated adjustments when the subject moves.
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray imaging system includes a camera unit, a display unit, an input unit, an exposure assembly, and a control unit. The camera unit is configured to acquire a real-time optical image of a subject under examination. The display unit is configured to display the real-time optical image. The input unit is configured to receive a user operation and to form a target region on the user interface by changing the position of a center of the collimation region. The exposure assembly includes an X-ray source, a detector, and a collimator, the collimator having an opening configured to display a collimation region on the subject under examination. The control unit is configured to control movement of the X-ray source and the detector to align with the center of the target region, and control the opening of the collimator such that the collimation region is aligned with the target region.