X-Ray Imaging Configuration for Low-Dose Marker Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in detecting marker devices without additional tracking systems while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine the configuration of a medical imaging system by calculating a trade-off between radiation exposure and marker visibility and imaging quality, using movable x-ray source and detector positions and collimator settings to capture marker images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple x-ray imaging systems are used to detect the marker device, then the accuracy of detecting the marker device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of detecting the marker deviceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent x-ray imaging systems, each capable of detecting the marker device. By segmenting the detection function across multiple systems, the patent achieves more accurate determination of marker device configuration through data fusion from multiple sources, while each individual system remains relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If the configuration of the medical x-ray imaging system is determined manually, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime consumptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines its own configuration parameters by analyzing images of the marker device detected by the x-ray imaging systems. The configuration determination is performed autonomously without requiring manual intervention, as the system self-calibrates by detecting known marker device positions and calculating the corresponding imaging system parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the configuration determination is performed automatically, then the time consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of configuration determinationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from detected marker device images to automatically adjust and determine configuration parameters. The detected marker positions provide feedback information that is processed to calculate optimal configuration settings, enabling automatic adaptation without requiring complex external calibration equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables accurate detection of marker devices with reduced radiation exposure by optimizing system configuration based on patient position and marker position data.

Implementation Method 1

a medical x-ray imaging system for detecting a marker device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4175552B1Determining a configuration of a medical x-ray imaging system for detecting a marker device
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP4175552B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4175552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4175552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This document relates to technologies of determining a configuration of a medical imaging system comprising an x-ray source and an x-ray detector mounted on a gantry and an x-ray source collimator for shaping the x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray source, wherein at least one of the x-ray source and the x-ray detector is movable along the gantry. The configuration of the medical imaging system comprises the position of the x-ray source, the position of the x-ray detector and the settings of the x-ray source collimator and is to be used for capturing a marker image, wherein the position of the marker device can be calculated using the marker image.