X-ray Emission Unit Positioning via Optical Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning patients in computed tomography scanners are either cumbersome, require manual intervention, or involve increased radiation exposure, particularly in mass screenings, as they often necessitate the application of markings or repositioning of patients on adjustable couches.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray emission unit setting method that uses image data from multiple image recording units to identify body regions and establish position data, allowing the x-ray emission unit to be automatically positioned without requiring patient repositioning, thereby reducing examination time and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automatic positioning methods using image analysis are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but examination time increases due to additional image processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the x-ray emission unit using image data acquired before the actual examination. The control unit determines the examination region and positions the x-ray source in advance, so that when the examination begins, the positioning is already complete and no additional time is needed during the actual imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image recording unit that captures images of the patient for positioning purposes. These images serve as a mediator between the patient and the x-ray emission unit, allowing the system to determine positioning parameters without requiring the patient to undergo additional positioning procedures or markings during the examination.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning with markings is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically analyzing images of the patient to determine the examination region and position the x-ray emission unit. The control unit performs all positioning operations autonomously without requiring staff to apply markings or manually adjust the equipment, making the process easier to operate while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually applying markings and physically positioning the x-ray unit with an automated optical and computational system. Image recording units capture patient images, and a control unit processes these images to automatically determine positioning parameters, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control.
3Measurement precision
If topogram recordings are performed for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable or reusable optical markers (such as reflective markers or colored markers) that can be applied to the patient for positioning. These markers are detected by image recording units using visible light rather than x-rays, allowing accurate positioning without additional radiation exposure. The markers are simple, inexpensive elements that serve their positioning function and can be removed or reused.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for positioning from x-ray images (topograms) to visible light images. By using image recording units that capture optical images instead of x-ray images for positioning purposes, the system maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating the additional radiation exposure that would result from taking topogram recordings.
Data Source
AI summary
Setting an x-ray emission unit includes acquiring image data with the aid of a number of image recording units. A body region to be recorded of an examination object is identified based on the image data. Position data of the body region to be recorded is established, and the x-ray emission unit is set using the position data.