X-Ray Detector Positioning Using Depth Projection Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning objects with respect to X-ray detectors are inefficient, leading to sub-optimal positioning and increased radiation dose due to difficulties in aligning the object with the detector's radiation-sensitive and dose-measurement regions, often requiring re-takes and obscuring the path between the X-ray source and detector.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system incorporating a depth camera and processor that projects depth camera image data onto the X-ray detector's radiation-receiving surface from the perspective of the X-ray source, generating an image representation that aids in accurately positioning the object relative to the detector's regions, thereby improving alignment and reducing the need for re-takes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera views the examination region from an offset position to avoid obscuring the X-ray path, then the camera can capture the object, but it becomes difficult to ascertain whether X-ray radiation will create the desired projection image on the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the detector surface and projects the depth camera image onto it from the X-ray source perspective. This virtual representation allows operators to see exactly how the object will appear in the X-ray image without needing to view it directly from the X-ray source position, thus preserving alignment information while maintaining the offset camera position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational model that translates the offset camera view into the X-ray source perspective. This intermediary processing layer reconciles the spatial discrepancy between the offset camera position and the X-ray source position, providing accurate projection alignment information without requiring the camera to be positioned at the X-ray source.
2Productivity
If the object is positioned to overlap the radiation sensitive regions, then X-ray imaging can be performed, but the object may obscure the markings on the detector surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the detector surface with projected depth camera images, allowing operators to see the object's position relative to the detector regions without the object physically obscuring the markings. This virtual representation maintains visibility of positioning information while enabling proper object placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional view of the detector surface to a projected three-dimensional representation that shows how the object will appear in the X-ray image. This dimensional transformation allows operators to assess positioning accuracy in the context of the actual imaging geometry, even when the object obscures the physical detector markings.
3Ease of operation
If conventional positioning methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but sub-optimal positioning occurs leading to increased radiation dose and re-takes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a virtual copy of the detector surface with projected depth images to guide positioning, maintaining ease of operation through visual feedback while achieving optimal positioning. This eliminates the need for trial-and-error re-takes that increase radiation dose, as operators can accurately position the object on the first attempt using the projected guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by projecting depth camera images onto the virtual detector surface, showing operators how the object will appear in the X-ray image. This feedback loop enables accurate positioning without requiring multiple re-takes, thereby reducing the cumulative radiation dose to patients.
4Reliability
If the spine obscures the radiation dose measurement region, then automatic exposure control may prolong X-ray emission duration, but this degrades image contrast and diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using projected depth camera images that show the exact location of dose measurement regions. Operators can position the object to ensure proper overlap with radiation-sensitive regions while avoiding obscuration of dose measurement regions before the X-ray exposure begins, preventing the need for prolonged exposure that would degrade image contrast.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (110), an X-ray detector (120), a depth camera (130), and a processor (140). The processor (140) receives depth camera image data from the depth camera, projects the depth camera image data onto a radiation-receiving surface of the X-ray detector (120), from a perspective of the X-ray source (110), and generates an image representation (170) of the projected depth camera image data on the radiation-receiving surface of the X-ray detector (120), from a perspective of the depth camera (130).