X-ray Facility Fan of Light Scattered Radiation Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray facilities face challenges in efficiently and intuitively managing scattered radiation protection, particularly due to the invisibility of X-ray radiation and the complexity of calculating scattered radiation distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a diffusely reflective covering device for the examination object, which recreates the scattered radiation effect when illuminated by a fan of light, allowing for qualitative visualization or measurement of scattered radiation without using hazardous X-ray radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation protection equipment is matched to current X-ray facility settings, then scattered radiation protection is improved, but device complexity and time for adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the X-ray field distribution using a fan of light that replicates the cone or pyramid shape of the X-ray beam. This visual copy allows staff to immediately see the actual radiation field extent without complex calculations or trial-and-error positioning of protection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visible light to make the invisible X-ray field visible. By emitting a fan of light in the visible spectrum that matches the X-ray field geometry, the system transforms an invisible radiation pattern into a visible visual indicator, enabling intuitive understanding and immediate protective action.
2Measurement precision
If complex computing procedures are used to calculate scattered radiation distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational algorithms with a simple optical system. Instead of using computers to calculate radiation distribution, the system uses physical optics to directly visualize the field geometry through a fan of light, eliminating time-consuming calculations while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a direct optical copy of the X-ray field geometry, allowing immediate visual assessment of radiation distribution without requiring computational processing. The fan of light physically replicates the cone or pyramid shape of the X-ray beam, providing instant results.
3Productivity
If staff focus on patient care during imaging examinations, then productivity is improved, but awareness of scattered radiation danger decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual system (the fan of light) that mediates between the invisible X-ray radiation and the staff's perception. This intermediary makes the radiation field visible without requiring staff to divert attention from patient care, as the visualization occurs simultaneously with the imaging procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
By converting the invisible X-ray field into visible light, the system creates an immediate visual warning that draws staff attention to radiation presence without requiring complex displays or interruptions to the imaging workflow.
4Reliability
If training courses and exercises are conducted for staff, then reliability of protective measures is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary visualization of the radiation field before actual imaging occurs. By displaying the fan of light that shows the exact extent of the X-ray field in advance, staff can immediately understand and adjust protective measures without requiring extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical copy of the radiation field provides intuitive, immediate feedback that replaces the need for lengthy training exercises. Staff can learn radiation field geometry and protective positioning through direct visual observation rather than theoretical instruction.
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
Enables low-effort, time-efficient, and intuitively understandable adjustment of scattered radiation protective measures, improving safety for staff by rendering scattered radiation qualitatively visible or detectable without exposing personnel to X-ray radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a covering device (16) for covering an examination object (17), which on the side to be turned toward the X-ray tube assembly (3) at least partially diffusely reflecting the light of the fan of light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an imaging X-ray facility is provided. The X-ray facility has an X-ray tube assembly for emitting an X-ray field, with which a fan of light facility for emitting a fan of light, whose extent matches that of the X-ray field, is associated. The method includes covering, by a covering device, an examination object to be exposed to the X-ray field for imaging, for ascertaining and/or representing a distribution of scattered radiation produced by the X-ray field. The method further includes activating the fan of light facility, wherein the covering device at least partially diffusely reflects light of the fan of light on a side of the covering device facing the X-ray tube assembly.