X-ray Source Alignment Using 3D Camera and Passive Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual alignment of X-ray sources and detectors in X-ray systems is inconsistent and difficult to reproduce, affecting the quality of X-ray images, especially with mobile detectors that require precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray system utilizing a 3D camera with optical depth sensing and passive markers on the mobile X-ray detector for automatic alignment, where the system controller calculates the 6 DOF pose of the detector and adjusts the X-ray source to ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment is used to position the X-ray source and detector, then the system is simple to operate, but the alignment quality is inconsistent and difficult to reproduce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated optical measurement system. A 3D camera captures images of markers attached to both the X-ray detector and X-ray source, and software automatically calculates their relative positions and orientations. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with optical-mechanical automation resolves the contradiction by providing consistent, measurable, and reproducible alignment quality while reducing operator dependency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses markers that create visual copies or representations of the physical positions of the X-ray detector and source. These markers are captured by the 3D camera to create digital copies of their spatial locations, which are then used for precise alignment calculations. This copying approach enables accurate measurement and reproduction of alignment parameters without requiring manual estimation or judgment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile X-ray detectors are used to increase patient positioning flexibility, then the system becomes more versatile, but the alignment between source, detector, and region-of-interest becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the 3D camera continuously monitors the positions of markers on the mobile detector and X-ray source. The system automatically calculates the relative alignment and provides feedback information that enables real-time adjustment of the mobile detector's position to maintain accurate alignment with the region-of-interest, even as the detector moves to accommodate different patient positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual alignment procedures with an automated optical measurement and calculation system. The 3D camera captures marker positions, and software automatically computes the precise spatial relationship between the mobile detector and X-ray source, enabling accurate alignment to be maintained even as the mobile detector is repositioned for different patient configurations.
3Measurement precision
If automated alignment systems are implemented to improve alignment consistency, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects that facilitate the alignment measurement process. These simple visual markers attached to the X-ray detector and source serve as intermediaries that the 3D camera can easily detect and use to calculate relative positions. This intermediary approach enables automated alignment without requiring complex sensors or measurement systems integrated into the X-ray equipment itself, thus improving alignment consistency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If markers and 3D cameras are added to enable automatic alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple visual markers as intermediary objects that enable the 3D camera to measure the positions of the X-ray detector and source. These markers are minimal additions that provide rich measurement information without requiring complex integrated sensors or multiple camera systems. The markers serve as efficient intermediaries that convey spatial position information to the optical measurement system with minimal added complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides more accurate and repeatable alignment of the X-ray source and detector, improving image quality and reducing dependence on operator expertise, while simplifying the integration of automated alignment into existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D camera with optical depth sensing and a mobile X-ray detector are provided in an X-ray system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3~5C
AI summary
A method and a system for automatically aligning a positionable X-ray source of an X-ray system in alignment with a mobile X-ray detector is disclosed where the X-ray system detects the position of the mobile X-ray detector using a 3D camera and then driving the positionable X-ray source to a position in alignment with the mobile X-ray detector.