X-ray Exposure Control Using Depth Sensing for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray imaging techniques face challenges such as underexposure or overexposure due to incorrect determination of body size, misalignment, and patient movement, which affect image quality and diagnostic accuracy while also exposing patients to unnecessary radiation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a CT scanner with an x-ray tube, a depth sensing device, and a control unit that measures and calculates the depth and circumference of a patient's body part to determine optimal x-ray exposure levels, using depth sensing technology and RGB cameras for accurate alignment and motion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation dose is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but patient radiation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of body part thickness and circumference using depth sensing devices before the x-ray exposure. Based on these pre-measured dimensions, the optimal radiation dose is calculated and set in advance, ensuring adequate image quality while minimizing patient radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts radiation dose parameters based on measured body part dimensions (thickness and circumference). By changing the radiation dose parameter according to the specific patient anatomy, the system optimizes the balance between image quality and radiation safety for each individual case.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dose is reduced to minimize patient risk, then patient radiation risk is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts radiation dose parameters based on measured body part dimensions. For smaller body parts, lower doses are used while maintaining adequate image quality, and for larger body parts, higher doses are applied only where necessary, optimizing the balance between safety and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Body part dimensions are measured in advance using depth sensing technology, allowing the system to pre-calculate the optimal radiation dose that achieves adequate image quality with minimal radiation, rather than using fixed or excessive doses.
3Measurement precision
If body part size is not accurately determined, then image quality is degraded due to underexposure or overexposure, but accurate determination requires additional measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual measurement methods with automated depth sensing devices that use optical or electromagnetic fields to measure body part thickness and circumference. This substitution provides rapid, accurate measurements without requiring physical contact or time-consuming manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth sensing device automatically measures body part dimensions and the system automatically calculates the optimal radiation dose without requiring manual intervention. The measurement and calculation processes are self-executing, reducing both time and human effort.
4Measurement precision
If patient positioning and alignment are not carefully controlled, then image quality is degraded due to misalignment, but careful positioning increases procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses depth sensing devices to provide real-time feedback on patient positioning and body part alignment. Based on this feedback, the system can guide positioning adjustments or automatically adjust measurement parameters, achieving accurate alignment more quickly than manual methods alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual positioning and alignment procedures are supplemented or replaced by automated depth sensing and calculation systems that determine optimal positioning parameters, reducing the time and skill required for accurate patient positioning.
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 improves image quality by ensuring accurate x-ray exposure based on precise body part measurements, reducing radiation exposure and enhancing diagnostic accuracy by minimizing misalignment and movement issues.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensing device (120) measures a second depth between the depth sensing device (120) and a body part of a patient
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray tube (110) emitting x-rays
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A system or method for improving quality in projection and tomographic x-ray, which includes a depth sensing device to measure a depth of at least one body part of a patient from the depth sensing device and a control unit to calculate a thickness and/or circumference of the body part using the depth information. The calculated thickness and circumference information is used to determine an optimal level of x-ray exposure for the body part. The system or method also includes a camera to identify the body part that needs to be examined and to detect any motion of the identified body part.