X-ray Detector Lighting Field Projection for Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in allowing users to accurately position lighting fields relative to the region of interest (ROI) during imaging, as the X-ray detector panel is hidden behind the object, making it difficult to confirm the lighting field's position without additional equipment like visible light cameras, which can be inconvenient and may be refused by patients.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a lighting field projector that uses visible light to project information about selected or set lighting fields onto the object, superimposed with radiation field projection, allowing users to easily visualize the positional relationship between lighting and radiation fields, with options for manual or automatic adjustment and flexible field setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a visible light camera and monitor device are used to display the lighting field position, then the user can confirm the lighting field position relative to the ROI, but the device complexity increases and the patient may refuse to be photographed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a projection device to create a visual copy of the lighting field position on the object surface, allowing the user to see the lighting field location without using a camera and monitor. This eliminates the need for additional imaging equipment while maintaining the ability to confirm positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection device acts as an intermediary between the lighting field position (on the detector panel) and the user's eye. Instead of requiring the user to directly observe the hidden detector panel or use a camera system, the projection device mediates by displaying the position information on the object surface, which is easily observable.
2Loss of information
If the user checks the lighting field displayed on the monitor device while assisting the patient, then the lighting field position can be confirmed, but the ease of operation decreases due to the user needing to divide attention
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device creates a visual copy of the lighting field position directly on the object surface, allowing the user to observe positioning information while maintaining eye contact with the patient. This eliminates the need to switch between monitor and patient, improving operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the lighting field is projected onto the object using visible light, then the user can easily visualize the positional relationship between lighting and radiation fields, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for the projection system
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by projecting the lighting field position onto the object surface, allowing the user to immediately see the correspondence between the selected lighting field and the actual position on the object. This feedback mechanism simplifies the operation even if the projection system requires precise calibration.
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
Enables users to easily and intuitively adjust lighting fields relative to the ROI, reducing operational burden and patient discomfort by eliminating the need for additional equipment, while ensuring proper exposure control and flexible field configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting field projector that uses visible light to project information about selected or set lighting fields onto the object
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector panel, processing circuitry, and a lighting field projector. The X-ray detector panel detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and transmitted through an object. The processing circuitry is configured to select one or more lighting fields from a plurality of lighting fields for AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) provided in the X-ray detector panel, or to set one or more lighting fields for AEC in the X-ray detector panel. The lighting field projector visibly projects information indicating the selected or set one or more areas corresponding to the one or more lighting fields on the object using visible light.