X-ray Collimator and Detector Coordination for Automatic Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems lack coordinated action among key components, limiting the application potential beyond basic functions, with issues such as limited automatic exposure control, unnecessary device requirements, and inefficient patient positioning.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray source, high-voltage generator, collimator, digital flat-panel detector, and host computer, where the host computer facilitates signal transmission and processing among components, enabling automatic and intelligent adjustment of the projection and exposure areas based on diagnostic needs, using a collimating sheet assembly and digital automatic exposure control (DAEC) functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional X-ray imaging systems use separate independent components for collimation and exposure control, then each component can perform its basic function, but the overall system coordination is poor and application potential is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collimator and detector into an integrated system where the collimator's projection area and the detector's exposure area are coordinated through shared control logic. The collimator and detector work as a unified imaging system rather than independent components, enabling automatic coordination of their respective areas based on diagnostic needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables multiple functions to be achieved through coordinated operation. The collimator not only defines the projection area but also works with the detector's DAEC function to automatically determine exposure parameters. This multi-functional coordination eliminates the need for separate ionization chambers and other additional devices.
2Reliability
If additional devices like ionization chambers are added for automatic exposure control, then exposure control capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector's DAEC function is utilized to perform automatic exposure control without requiring separate ionization chambers. The same detector that captures the X-ray image also serves as the exposure control sensor, eliminating the need for additional dedicated exposure control devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector serves dual purposes: it both detects the X-ray image and controls the exposure process through its DAEC function. The system uses its own detector to automatically determine exposure parameters and control the exposure process, making the system self-sufficient without external additional devices.
3Measurement precision
If precise patient positioning is required for accurate imaging, then image quality is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from the camera image and DAEC parameters to automatically adjust the collimator projection area and detector exposure area. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically compensate for positioning variations and accurately identify the imaging area without requiring manual precise positioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated electronic control. Instead of requiring operators to manually position patients precisely, the system uses camera imaging, coordinate system generation, and automated area adjustment to electronically define and position the imaging areas, significantly reducing operational complexity.
4Productivity
If the projection area and exposure area are not automatically coordinated, then system operation is simple, but X-ray dose waste occurs and imaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback coordination between the collimator projection area and detector exposure area through the PLC controller. Based on camera images and diagnostic requirements, the system automatically adjusts both areas to match, ensuring that X-rays are only exposed where needed and eliminating waste exposure to areas outside the diagnostic region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameters of both the projection area (collimator) and exposure area (detector) based on real-time diagnostic needs. By automatically coordinating these area parameters, the system ensures optimal matching between where X-rays are directed and where they are detected, preventing energy waste while maintaining imaging efficiency.
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
This system allows for intuitive adjustment of the projection area and exposure control, reducing equipment costs and X-ray dose waste, while eliminating the need for precise patient positioning, thereby enhancing imaging capabilities and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the collimator comprises a collimating sheet assembly that makes light form a projection area on a subject
Implementation Method 2
the digital flat-panel detector has a DAEC function and can generate DAEC parameters
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an X-ray imaging system and method, and the system comprises an X-ray source, a high-voltage generator, a collimator, a digital flat-panel detector, and a host computer; a position relationship between a projection area and a subject is visually displayed through a display screen; as an image frame on the screen is directly dragged to a corresponding position of an image of the subject presented on the screen or an area of interest is drawn, the collimator automatically drives a collimating sheet to move and enables the projection area to move to an observation position required by the subject, and information about the area of interest is transmitted to the detector as an input for selecting a response area of automatic exposure control (AEC). The collimator cooperates with digital automatic exposure control (DAEC), so that a strict requirement is no longer existent for patient positioning.