X-Ray Attenuation Control via Laser Volume Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-Ray machines require time-consuming adjustments of advanced settings to achieve optimal X-Ray strength for objects of varying volumes, leading to substandard imagery due to either excessive or insufficient X-Ray energy.
Innovation Solution
An automated method estimates the volume of an object using range finding devices like lasers, allowing the X-Ray machine to automatically select and adjust X-Ray strength based on the estimated volume, incorporating parameters such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, power, energy, voltage, and current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of X-Ray settings is used, then X-Ray strength can be precisely controlled, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines object volume and selects appropriate X-Ray strength settings without requiring manual user input. The controller autonomously adjusts parameters based on measured object characteristics, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining optimal imaging conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple X-Ray strength settings corresponding to different object volume ranges. Before actual imaging, the system measures object volume and quickly selects the pre-configured appropriate setting, avoiding time-consuming manual adjustment while ensuring precise control
2Ease of operation
If X-Ray strength is not adjusted for object volume, then the operation is simple, but the imagery quality becomes substandard
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically measures object volume using range-finding devices and autonomously selects appropriate X-Ray strength settings. This self-service capability maintains operational simplicity while ensuring optimal imagery quality by adapting settings to each specific object without requiring user expertise in manual adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes X-Ray parameters (strength, energy, power) based on measured object volume. By automatically adjusting these parameters according to object characteristics, the system maintains ease of operation while achieving precise control over imagery quality
3Speed
If X-Ray beams carry excessive energy, then the X-Ray penetrates the object easily, but the patient appears too transparent reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system precisely controls X-Ray energy parameters based on measured object volume. By matching X-Ray strength to object size, the system achieves optimal penetration without excessive energy that would cause over-exposure and loss of image detail, maintaining both penetration effectiveness and image quality
4Object-affected harmful factors
If X-Ray beams carry insufficient energy, then the X-Ray machine operates safely, but the patient appears too obscured reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts X-Ray energy parameters according to object volume measurements. This ensures sufficient energy is delivered to achieve diagnostic image quality while avoiding excessive energy that would create safety concerns, balancing image quality and safety through precise parameter control
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 enables rapid and accurate adjustment of X-Ray strength, ensuring optimal imagery quality without user input, by estimating the object's volume and selecting appropriate X-Ray parameters, thereby improving image clarity and reducing the time needed for setting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the volume may be estimated by using lasers or other collimated light beams to determine one or more distances to the to object to be X-Rayed
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically setting an X-Ray strength based at least in part on the volume of an object. Lasers are used to measure distances to the object. Using the measured distances, a volume of the object to be X-Rayed is estimated. Using the estimated volume, an appropriate X-Ray strength is determined and an X-Ray machine is adjusted to provide X-Rays of that strength.