Bedside X-Ray Detector Positioning for Accurate Source Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in bedside X-ray imaging is achieving proper alignment between the X-ray detector and source, leading to suboptimal image acquisition due to misalignment, which results in cut-off images and missed diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system with an X-ray source unit, detector unit, sensor unit, and processing unit, utilizing a reference structure to determine the position and orientation of the detector relative to the source, enabling automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of the X-ray source for optimal alignment and collimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the X-ray detector unit is placed behind the patient to perform bedside imaging, then the ability to image immobile patients is improved, but the alignment precision between detector and source deteriorates due to the hidden position of the detector
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor unit acts as an intermediary to detect the position of the detector unit behind the patient. The sensor unit captures images of the reference structure and provides this information to the processing unit, which then determines the detector's position and provides feedback for alignment adjustment, resolving the visibility problem without changing the fundamental bedside imaging configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the sensor unit continuously monitors the detector position through reference structure imaging, the processing unit calculates alignment status, and the system provides feedback to the operator (or automatically adjusts) to achieve proper alignment between source and detector, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving bedside imaging capability
2Device complexity
If manual positioning of the detector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to the need for retaking images
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-positioning of the detector through automated feedback. The sensor unit and processing unit work together to determine detector position and provide alignment guidance automatically, reducing reliance on operator skill and experience while minimizing the need for image retakes, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical manual positioning with an automated optical measurement and feedback system. The sensor unit captures images and the processing unit calculates position, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that improves accuracy and reduces retakes while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
3Measurement precision
If the sensor unit and reference structure are added to enable positioning, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning function into separate modular components: a reference structure attached to the detector, a sensor unit for imaging, and a processing unit for calculation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier integration and maintenance while achieving high measurement precision through their coordinated operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical imaging system (10), comprising: an X-ray source unit (20); an X-ray detector unit (30); a sensor unit (40); a reference structure (50); and a processing unit (60)). The X-ray detector unit is configured to be placed relative to the X-ray source to acquire X-ray image data of a patient (P) positioned between the X-ray detector unit and the X-ray source unit. The reference structure is part of the X-ray detector unit or the reference structure is configured to be fixedly connected to the X-ray detector unit. An orientation of the sensor unit is known with respect to an orientation of the X-ray source unit. The sensor unit is configured to acquire a sensor image when the X-ray detector unit is placed relative to the X-ray source unit and the patient is positioned between the X-ray detector unit and the X-ray source unit, and wherein the sensor image comprises image data of the reference structure. The sensor unit is configured to provide the sensor image to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine a position of the X-ray detector unit with respect to a position of the X-ray source unit, and wherein the determination comprises utilization of the orientation of the sensor unit with respect to the orientation of the X-ray source unit and the image data of the reference structure.