Handheld X-ray Planning Device for Beam Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for positioning X-ray sources in medical X-ray imaging are time-consuming due to the manual movement of the X-ray source and detector, requiring technicians to align them accurately to achieve the desired spatial relation, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A transportable handheld planning device that visualizes projected X-ray radiation by representing a central axis and adjustable cross-sectional area, allowing users to manually position the device relative to the object and detect current spatial positions and sizes, which are then used to control a motorized support to move the X-ray source or detector to the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of X-ray source is used, then positioning flexibility is maintained, but positioning time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A planning device with a representation of the X-ray beam path is introduced as an intermediary tool. The device includes a visual indicator (such as a light visor or digital display) that shows the projected beam path on the patient's body, allowing the technician to position the X-ray source without manually moving it during the alignment process. This mediator enables rapid positioning while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired X-ray beam path is planned and visualized before actual imaging is performed. The planning device allows the technician to pre-determine the optimal beam path and position markings on the patient's body, so that when the actual X-ray source positioning is needed, the correct position is already identified, significantly reducing positioning time.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual movement of X-ray source is performed, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of moving and aligning the X-ray source is replaced with a visual planning system. The planning device provides visual indicators (optical or digital) that show the exact beam path, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error positioning while maintaining high accuracy. The system substitutes mechanical adjustment with visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The planning device creates a visual copy or representation of the X-ray beam path on the patient's body. This copy shows the projected beam location, allowing the technician to directly position the X-ray source at the correct location without performing manual alignment movements, thus achieving both accuracy and speed.
3Ease of operation
If light visor is used to indicate X-ray beam position, then beam positioning guidance is provided, but the X-ray source must still be manually moved and positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The planning device merges the beam path indication function with the positioning reference function. By integrating the visual indicator directly into the planning system, the device combines guidance information with the positioning process, eliminating the need for separate manual alignment operations and reducing overall procedure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to positioning of an X-ray source. In order to provide an improved user interface for facilitating the X-ray imaging positioning, a transportable handheld planning device (10) for visualizing projected X-ray radiation for medical X-ray imaging is provided, that comprises a first structure (12) for representing a central axis (14) of a projected X-ray radiation (16), and a second structure (18) for representing a cross-sectional area (20) of the projected X-ray radiation. The first structure is manually positionable by a user in relation to an object to be examined. The second structure is adjustable by a user such that the size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are adjustable in relation to the object to be examined. Further, a current spatial position of the first structure and a current size and proportions of the cross-sectional area are detectable by a measurement arrangement (22).