Rotational X-ray Iso-centering with Orthogonal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational X-ray imaging techniques expose patients and operators to unnecessary X-ray dosage during iso-centering, as they require continuous X-ray exposure for positional adjustments, primarily relying on anterior-posterior and lateral views for accurate centering.
Innovation Solution
A centering device and method that acquires images from two orthogonal views, allowing operators to interactively determine and adjust the patient-supporting table's position to center the volume of interest, minimizing X-ray exposure by limiting iso-centering to only two images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If continuous X-ray exposure is used during iso-centering for positional adjustments, then accurate centering of the volume of interest is achieved, but unnecessary X-ray dosage is exposed to the patient and operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system acquires only a limited set of images (e.g., two orthogonal views) during iso-centering instead of continuous exposure, providing just enough information for accurate table positioning while minimizing radiation exposure to patient and operator
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary iso-centering using minimal X-ray images before the main rotational acquisition, establishing the optimal table position in advance so that subsequent diagnostic imaging can proceed with the frame rotating around a pre-centered volume of interest
2Measurement precision
If multiple orthogonal views are used for iso-centering, then accurate table positioning is achieved, but the complexity of the centering process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image acquisition system is designed to capture multiple orthogonal views using the same rotational mechanism and detection apparatus, allowing a single system to perform both iso-centering and diagnostic imaging functions without requiring separate specialized equipment for each view
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays acquired images on a monitor and provides feedback to the operator, enabling real-time assessment of volume of interest positioning and allowing iterative adjustment of table position based on visual feedback from the orthogonal views until optimal centering is achieved
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 approach significantly reduces X-ray dosage to both the patient and operator, enabling quick and accurate iso-centering without the need for continuous exposure, while allowing for arbitrary volume centering beyond traditional AP and lateral views.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source (124), and an X-ray pickup device (128)... the X-ray beam (129) traverses the inside of the frame, the beam passes through the iso-center
Data Source
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AI summary
Iso-centering a volume of interest (VOI) (170) within a patient (168) to undergo examination on a rotational X-ray apparatus (100) is achieved by taking two differently-angled pictures (S210) and updating positional settings (172) for the patient's table (112) responsive to respectively displayed centering of the VOI (152). Alternatively, the operator identifies respective VOI centers (S410, S450) for each of the two displayed pictures, and corresponding table movement is automatically calculated (S420).