Automatic X-ray Emitter Positioning via Virtual Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray systems face challenges in acquiring high-quality images due to increased degrees of freedom, leading to potential radiation dose increases and longer turnaround times.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the optimal position of an X-ray emitter in a mobile X-ray device by using a camera-acquired image, a reference X-ray image, and position information of an X-ray detector to adjust the emitter's position automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning of X-ray emitter is used in mobile X-ray systems, then the system is simple to operate, but image quality deteriorates due to increased degrees of freedom and difficulty in achieving optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer-implemented method. The system uses camera-acquired images, anatomical landmark detection, and virtual X-ray image generation to automatically determine optimal emitter position parameters, substituting the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated computational system that analyzes images and calculates positioning parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting anatomical landmarks in camera images, generating virtual X-ray images, and determining optimal emitter position without requiring manual intervention. The computer-implemented method autonomously completes the positioning task that would otherwise require skilled technical operation
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple retakes are performed to achieve acceptable image quality, then image quality improves, but radiation dose increases and turnaround time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning optimization before actual X-ray image acquisition. By using camera-acquired images to detect anatomical landmarks and generate virtual X-ray images in advance, the system determines optimal emitter position parameters beforehand, ensuring correct positioning on the first attempt and eliminating the need for retakes that would expose patients to additional radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces virtual X-ray images as an intermediary between patient anatomy and actual X-ray acquisition. These synthesized images allow optimization of positioning parameters without exposing the patient to radiation, serving as a safe intermediate step that prevents the need for radiation-based retakes
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning and multiple retakes are required, then comprehensive imaging can be achieved, but turnaround time increases due to repetitive tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual iterative positioning with an automated computer-implemented method that calculates optimal emitter position parameters in one step. The system uses camera images and virtual X-ray generation to automatically determine positioning, substituting the manual trial-and-error process with automated computational optimization that achieves correct positioning without repetitive retakes
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous productive action by eliminating idle time associated with manual positioning adjustments and retakes. The automated method continuously processes camera images, generates virtual X-ray images, and determines optimal parameters without interruption, maintaining steady workflow and eliminating downtime between positioning attempts
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to acquire mobile X-ray images of better quality, a computer-implemented method is provided for determining a position of an X-ray emitter of a mobile X-ray device. The method comprises the following steps: receiving (210) (i) a camera-acquired image originating from a camera that monitors a patient in an X-ray imaging session, wherein the camera is registered to an origin of the X-ray emitter, (ii) a reference X-ray image of an internal body structure to be examined in the X-ray examination, and (iii) position information of an X-ray detector; detecting (220) and localizing a plurality of anatomical landmarks in the camera-acquired image; determining (230) a distance from the X-ray emitter to the patient based on the camera-acquired image; generating (240) a virtual X-ray image of the internal body structure based on the plurality of detected anatomical landmarks, the distance from the X- ray emitter to the patient, and the position information of the X-ray detector; registering (250) the virtual X-ray image of the internal body structure with the reference X-ray image of the internal body structure; and determining (260) at least one parameter to adjust the position of the X-ray emitter based on a result of registration.