X-ray System Geometry Adjustment via Segmented Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic X-ray systems face challenges in safely and accurately adjusting their geometry to accommodate patients, balancing patient safety, real-time reaction, and diagnostic quality.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage approach is implemented, where an initial coarse geometry adjustment is made based on image data from a distance, followed by iterative refinements using successive camera frames to ensure accurate and safe system positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a large system movement is performed in one go to adjust geometry, then the adjustment speed is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to risk of collision
Solution Approach 1:
The geometry adjustment process is divided into multiple stages: an initial coarse adjustment phase that moves the system quickly to near-final position, followed by a refinement phase with small incremental steps. This segmentation allows fast initial positioning while ensuring safety during final adjustments through continuous monitoring and small movement increments.
2Productivity
If the system reacts instantaneously to operator request, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient time for accurate geometry determination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coarse geometry adjustment based on initial image data immediately upon operator request, providing fast response. Subsequently, refinement steps are executed with updated image data to improve accuracy. This preliminary action enables instantaneous reaction while maintaining final precision through iterative refinement.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple successive image analyses are performed to improve geometry accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to iterative processing
Solution Approach 1:
The image analysis and geometry determination process is segmented into coarse adjustment phase using initial image data and refinement phase using successive image frames. This segmentation reduces total processing time by performing critical adjustments early with available data, then making fine-tuned corrections without requiring complete re-analysis from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously captures and analyzes successive image frames during the refinement phase, maintaining continuous useful action rather than performing discrete batch processing. This continuous analysis allows the system to progressively improve geometry accuracy while minimizing idle time between measurement and adjustment actions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to radiation based imaging. In order to facilitate the adjustment of the system geometry of an X-ray system to a patient, there is provided a method (200) for controlling a movable device of an X-ray system to adapt the system geometry to a patient, the method comprising: a) obtaining (210), at a first time, first image data of the patient from a sensor system; b) determining (220) a first set of geometry parameters from the first image data, wherein the first set of geometry parameters is usable for controlling the movable device of the X-ray system to move to a first position; c) obtaining (230), at a second time, second image data of the patient from the sensor system, wherein the first time is earlier than the second time, and a relative distance between the patient and the movable device of the X-ray system at the first time is larger than the relative distance between the patient and the movable device of the X-ray system at the second time; and d) determining (240) a second set of geometry parameters from the second image data of the patient, wherein the second set of geometry parameters is usable for controlling the movable device of the X-ray system to move to a second position.