X-Ray Positioning Automation for Contactless Body-Part Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems require manual patient positioning, which is time-consuming and impedes workflow, compromising diagnostic image quality and increasing patient interaction.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray system with an X-ray tube, detection unit, moving arrangement, and computing unit that automatically adjusts the position of the X-ray tube and detector based on sensor data from non-contacting sensors, using image processing or AI to center the patient's body part within the image area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual patient positioning is used, then the radiographer can interact with the patient to ensure correct positioning, but the examination time increases and workflow is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated image processing system. Sensors capture images of the patient, and computer algorithms automatically determine body part position and generate positioning instructions, eliminating the need for manual radiographer-patient interaction while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically analyzing sensor data and generating positioning commands without requiring radiographer intervention. The automated system independently completes the positioning task that previously required manual human coordination.
2Reliability
If manual patient positioning is used, then the radiographer can adjust positioning based on patient cooperation, but the diagnostic image quality may be compromised due to time constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with automated image processing that continuously analyzes sensor data to determine optimal positioning. This automated approach eliminates time pressure-induced compromises in image quality while maintaining or improving positioning precision through computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors and image processing to continuously monitor and adjust positioning. The automated feedback loop ensures optimal image quality by repeatedly analyzing position data and generating corrective positioning instructions until the desired positioning is achieved.
3Productivity
If automated positioning systems are introduced, then examination time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified automated positioning system. The same sensor array and image processing algorithms serve multiple purposes: capturing patient position data, determining body part location, calculating positioning commands, and providing feedback. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the automated nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing layer that mediates between the sensors and the positioning execution. This intermediate computational layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complex positioning logic in a dedicated module that coordinates all other components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning interaction is used, then the radiographer can adapt to patient mobility issues, but the workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human-mediated adaptation process with automated image analysis that can handle various patient positions and mobility states. The system adapts to different patient scenarios by processing sensor data and generating appropriate positioning instructions without requiring radiographer judgment or patient cooperation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated positioning system performs self-adaptation by independently analyzing sensor data and adjusting positioning commands based on the captured images. This eliminates the need for radiographer intervention while maintaining the ability to handle diverse patient situations, thereby improving workflow efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray system (1) comprising an X-ray tube (2), an X-ray detection unit (3), a moving arrangement (7), a sensor unit (8) and a computing unit (9). The X-ray detection unit (3) comprises an X-ray detector (6) with an image area (13). The moving arrangement (7) is configured to adapt a position of the X-ray tube (2) and the X-ray detection unit (3) and the sensor unit (8) is configured to acquire sensor data (14) relating to a position of a body part of interest (4) of a patient (5). The computing unit (9) is configured to receive the sensor data (14), determine the position of the body part of interest (4) relative to the image area (13) based on the sensor data (14) and on system geometry information, and generate positioning commands (15) to control the moving arrangement (7) to set the X-ray tube (2) and the X-ray detection unit (3) to a preferred position with respect to the body part of interest (4) based on the determined position.