X-ray Imaging Apparatus Using Hand Indicators for Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses require complex setup procedures to determine Source to Object Distance (SOD) and Source to Image receptor Distance (SID) for accurate X-ray irradiation, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in portable modes where fixed markers are not available.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with a camera that captures images of the user's hands to calculate the thickness of the subject and adjust X-ray irradiation conditions, using 3D or depth cameras to determine the distance between hands as indicators, allowing for automatic adjustment of X-ray source position and angle based on pre-registered gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex setup procedures with fixed markers are used to determine SOD and SID, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex physical markers and setup procedures, using only the subject's hands as indicators. The camera captures hand positions to calculate thickness, eliminating the need for external markers and complex setup while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera serves multiple functions: capturing the subject, detecting hand positions, and providing measurement data. This multi-functionality replaces dedicated measurement tools and markers, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If fixed markers are used for SOD and SID determination, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The subject's own hands serve as the measurement indicators, eliminating the need for external markers that require placement and adjustment. The hands naturally indicate the measurement points, making the process self-service and much easier to operate.
3Measurement precision
If additional markers are used for thickness calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from external markers and integrated into the subject's own body (hands). The camera captures hand positions to calculate thickness, eliminating the need for additional markers while maintaining measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual setup of X-ray irradiation conditions is used, then adaptability is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera provides real-time feedback on hand positions and subject thickness, which the controller uses to automatically adjust irradiation conditions. This feedback loop enables rapid adaptation to different subjects without manual intervention, improving both speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurements of subject thickness and position using the camera before setting the X-ray irradiation conditions. This preliminary action allows the controller to pre-calculate optimal parameters, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining adaptability.
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
Facilitates easy and accurate determination of X-ray irradiation conditions without additional markers, enhancing portability and reducing setup complexity by using user-hand indicators for thickness calculation and source positioning, thereby improving imaging precision and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a photographing device equipped in the X-ray source for capturing a camera image
Implementation Method 2
X-ray transmittance is different depending on the tissue of a subject, so the internal structure of the subject may be imaged using an attenuation coefficient quantified from the X-ray transmittance
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof, by which the user's hand is photographed and information about a thickness of a subject, information about a photographed spot or information about a photographing angle may be easily obtained from the photographed image. According to an aspect of an example embodiment, there is an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source configured to generate and irradiate an X-ray; a photographing device equipped in the X-ray source for capturing a camera image; and a controller configured to detect a plurality of indicators from the camera image, calculate a thickness of an X-raying portion of a subject based on a distance between the plurality of indicators, and controlling an X-ray irradiation condition based on the thickness of the X-raying portion.