X-ray Detector Alignment Using Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray systems face challenges in accurately aligning the x-ray detector and tube, leading to non-uniform radiation dose and image artifacts, particularly when positioning at angles, requiring multiple scans and increased subject exposure.
Innovation Solution
Equipping the x-ray detector and tube with sensors that communicate to provide feedback on orientation and distance, using a point of convergence for alignment, and transceivers to ensure proper perpendicular orientation and spacing for data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used to position the x-ray detector and tube, then the system structure remains simple, but alignment precision deteriorates leading to non-uniform radiation dose and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, position sensors) that continuously monitor detector and tube orientation, providing real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustments to maintain precise perpendicular alignment and optimal spacing, resolving the contradiction by achieving high alignment precision through automated feedback control rather than simple manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with automated electronic control systems. Sensors detect orientation and position, while motors and actuators automatically adjust the detector and tube positions. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with electronic automation achieves superior alignment precision while managing system complexity through integrated control.
2Reliability
If proper alignment is achieved through multiple scans, then image quality improves, but the time required for data acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment actions before data acquisition by using sensors to pre-position the detector and tube in the correct perpendicular orientation and optimal spacing. This preliminary setup ensures that the first scan produces high-quality images without requiring multiple retry scans, thereby improving image quality while minimizing data acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from position sensors and orientation sensors during the positioning process enables the system to achieve correct alignment on the first attempt. The control system continuously monitors and adjusts positions based on feedback, ensuring that when data acquisition begins, the geometry is already optimized for high-quality imaging, eliminating the need for time-consuming multiple scans.
3Ease of operation
If the x-ray detector is positioned at angles without proper alignment, then the ease of positioning improves, but radiation dose uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service alignment through automated sensors and control systems that independently adjust the detector and tube positions to achieve precise perpendicular alignment and optimal spacing. This self-aligning capability allows operators to easily position components without manual alignment expertise, while the automated system ensures dose uniformity is maintained through precise geometric control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced with automated electronic positioning systems. Sensors detect position and orientation, and motors automatically adjust components to achieve correct geometry. This substitution makes positioning easier for operators while maintaining precise dose uniformity through automated control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
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
Facilitates efficient and accurate alignment of the x-ray detector and tube, reducing the need for re-acquisitions and improving image quality by ensuring uniform dose and minimizing subject exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Flat panel detectors are generally constructed as having a scintillator which is used to convert x-rays to visible light that can be detected by a photosensitive layer
Implementation Method 2
The photosensitive layer includes an array of photosensitive or detector elements that each store electrical charge in proportion to the light that is individually detected
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of aligning an x-ray detector and x-ray tube for data acquisition are presented. The x-ray detector and x-ray tube are equipped with transmitters and receivers designed to provide feedback relating to the orientation, spacing, and general position thereof. In this regard, a user can effectively and efficiently position the x-ray tube and x-ray detector relative to one another for data acquisition.