X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Optical Positioning Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in ensuring that critical sites, such as the apex of the lung, are accurately included within the imaging range and not overlapped with other sites, leading to imaging failures and increased exposure due to re-capturing.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray imaging apparatus incorporates an optical imaging unit to capture optical images of the subject, which are then used to generate input images for a trained model. This model determines whether the predetermined site, such as the apex of the lung, is within the imaging range and not overlapped with other sites, allowing for adjustments without emitting X-rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a radiological technician determines site positioning based on experience, then the imaging process can be performed, but the correctness of site positioning depends on technician experience leading to imaging failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, experience-based visual assessment method with an automated optical image processing system using trained models. The system captures optical images, processes them through trained models to determine site positions and overlaps, and provides automated feedback, substituting the technician's subjective judgment with objective computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical imaging system and trained model processing layer between the technician and the actual X-ray imaging. This intermediary system objectively assesses site positioning and overlap conditions, providing reliable information that bridges the gap between simple operational execution and accurate site positioning determination.
2Reliability
If re-capturing is performed to correct imaging failures, then the imaging quality can be improved, but the exposure amount increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of site positioning and overlap conditions using optical images and trained models before actual X-ray imaging. By identifying and correcting positioning issues in advance through automated feedback, the system prevents imaging failures before they occur, eliminating the need for re-capturing and thereby reducing cumulative exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the trained model analyzes optical images, determines site positioning accuracy and overlap conditions, and provides feedback to guide positioning adjustments. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time correction of positioning errors without requiring re-capturing, thus improving imaging quality while minimizing exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with an X-ray irradiation unit, a detector, an image generation unit, an optical imaging unit for capturing an optical image, a storage unit for storing a trained model, the trained model being configured to output determination information to an input image based on the optical image, the determination information determining a state regarding an imaging range of a predetermined site of the subject or a relative position of the predetermined site to the other site of the subject, a control unit for acquiring the determination information, using the trained model, and a notification unit.