X-ray Apparatus Image Marker for Positioning Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray apparatuses lack efficient methods for accurately positioning the X-ray emitter and detecting the correct orientation of X-ray images, leading to potential misdiagnosis due to image flipping or incorrect positioning during medical imaging.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray apparatus incorporates an image obtainer, such as a camera, to capture still images of the object, which generates an image marker by selecting a representative still image and performing image processing to correct orientation, ensuring accurate positioning and orientation of the X-ray image, thereby preventing misdiagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual selection and positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy and orientation detection reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image obtainer (camera) as an intermediary device to capture visual information of the object. This camera serves as a mediator between the object and the X-ray emitter, providing visual guidance for accurate positioning and orientation detection without requiring complex manual measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and orientation detection with an automated image processing system. The image obtainer captures images, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the correct orientation and positioning, substituting manual mechanical operations with optical and computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If no visual guide is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of medical imaging deteriorates due to potential misdiagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of medical imagingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an image marker as a visual intermediary element that is superimposed on the captured image. This marker serves as a guide to indicate the correct orientation and positioning, acting as a mediator between the raw image data and the final diagnostic interpretation, thereby improving reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual markers with distinct characteristics (such as color or pattern differences) to indicate orientation and positioning information. These markers stand out from the normal image content, providing clear visual cues for correct imaging orientation without complicating the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If automated image processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automated image processing system that performs orientation detection and marker generation without requiring manual intervention. The system processes images automatically, extracts relevant information, and generates guidance markers autonomously, enabling self-service operation that improves productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual image analysis and positioning operations with automated computer vision algorithms. The image processing system automatically detects features, determines orientation, and generates markers, substituting manual mechanical operations with optical and computational automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enhances the accuracy of X-ray imaging by providing a visual guide within the X-ray image, ensuring correct orientation and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis by clearly indicating the correct imaging direction, thus improving the reliability of medical imaging processes.

Implementation Method 1

An X-ray apparatus using X-rays may obtain an X-ray image of an object by transmitting X-rays emitted from an X-ray source through the object and detecting a strength difference between the transmitted X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

obtain an image of an object photographed by using a camera attached to the X-ray apparatuses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection/transmission: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3473187B1X-ray apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3473187B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473187B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473187B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray apparatus performs image processing on an image of an object photographed by using a camera, and uses the image-processed image as an image marker in an X-ray image. A display is configured to display the X-ray image and the image marker on the region of the X-ray image.