X-ray Positioning Using Pointing Element and Deviation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning an X-ray machine to capture a body region from a desired direction are time-consuming, prone to misinterpretation, and increase patient and staff radiation exposure due to iterative adjustments and lack of clear instructions.
Innovation Solution
A method using a pointing element to indicate the desired location of the central ray, which is recorded by an acquisition unit, allowing a control and evaluation unit to calculate deviations and adjust the X-ray machine's position and orientation accurately, reducing the need for prior X-ray images and simplifying alignment instructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If iterative approximation positioning is used, then the X-ray machine can be positioned to capture the desired body region, but the positioning process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing element is positioned beforehand to indicate the desired location and orientation of the central ray before the actual X-ray examination. This preliminary positioning action provides clear directional guidance, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A pointing element serves as an intermediary tool between the operator and the X-ray machine positioning system. The pointing element visually indicates the desired central ray location and direction, acting as a mediator that translates operator intent into precise machine positioning without requiring multiple trial scans.
2Measurement precision
If iterative positioning with prior X-ray scans is performed, then the desired image segment can be captured, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is extracted from the X-ray imaging system itself. Instead of using the X-ray machine to perform positioning scans, a separate pointing element is used to indicate the desired position and orientation, thereby removing the need for additional radiation-exposing positioning scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The pointing element acts as an intermediary that provides positioning information without requiring X-ray radiation. It visually indicates the desired central ray parameters, allowing positioning to be achieved through non-radiative means while preserving image quality for the actual examination.
3Ease of operation
If alignment instructions are given without visual aids, then the process can be simplified, but misinterpretation and misunderstanding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pointing element provides visual indication through its physical orientation and positioning, creating a clear visual reference that eliminates ambiguity in alignment instructions. The visual nature of the pointing element ensures that instructions are interpreted correctly by all clinical staff regardless of their spatial visualization skills.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an X-ray projection image of a body region of a patient using a desired spatial location of a central ray, includes positioning a pointing element relative to the patient indicating a location of a pointing line and causing the location of the pointing line to coincide with the desired central ray location. A pointing line location and a central ray location currently set on an X-ray machine are recorded. A measure for deviation between the pointing line and the currently set central ray location is determined and used to set the desired central ray location. A medical apparatus includes an X-ray machine taking an X-ray projection image along a central ray, a pointing element indicating a pointing line, an acquisition unit detecting the pointing line location and the currently set central ray location, and a control and evaluation unit implementing software carrying out the method.