X-ray Sensor Motion Compensation via Inertial Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital intraoral x-ray systems struggle to produce clear 3-dimensional images without mechanical attachment to the x-ray source, as patient motion during acquisition leads to blurred images due to longer acquisition times and mechanical constraints.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray sensor equipped with inertial sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, that provide positional data to a processor for motion correction, allowing independent movement of the sensor relative to the x-ray source, enabling accurate 3D image reconstruction without mechanical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical attachment between x-ray sensor and x-ray source is used, then image clarity is improved, but operator's ability to position sensor and patient comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system with an electronic positioning system. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) track sensor position and orientation, while a processor uses this data to calculate and apply geometric corrections to the x-ray images, eliminating the need for mechanical connection while maintaining image clarity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces inertial sensors and processing systems as intermediaries between the x-ray source and detector. These intermediaries measure motion and provide correction data, allowing independent positioning of components while maintaining image quality through computational correction
2Shape
If 3D images are produced using array of x-ray sources, then image dimensionality is improved, but acquisition time increases causing patient motion blur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray source into multiple independently controllable emitters arranged in an array, allowing parallel acquisition of multiple projection angles simultaneously. This maintains 3D imaging capability while dramatically reducing total acquisition time by acquiring multiple views in parallel rather than sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous acquisition of x-ray projections from multiple sources simultaneously without interruption. The parallel operation of multiple emitters ensures continuous useful action during the acquisition process, eliminating gaps and reducing total acquisition time while maintaining complete 3D data coverage
3Loss of information
If acquisition time is extended for 3D imaging, then image completeness is improved, but patient motion impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of patient motion using inertial sensors before and during the x-ray acquisition process. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate and compensate for motion effects, maintaining image quality while completing the full 3D acquisition sequence without interruption
Data Source
AI summary
To produce 3D x-ray images, it is necessary to compensate for patient movement during the emission and detection of x-rays; this may be achieved by providing an x-ray sensor 20 comprising a digital x-ray detector 40, and an inertial sensor 50, 60 for providing positional information relating to changes in the relative position of the x-ray sensor during detection of x-rays.