X-ray Imaging System Tilt Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray imaging systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting the angle of the support unit relative to the tabletop during imaging, especially when the tabletop is tilted, which can limit the ability to acquire X-ray images from desired directions, particularly in interventional radiology and vascular occlusion procedures.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray imaging system incorporates a tilt detector and a calculator that calculate a correction angle based on the detected tilt angle and stored imaging angle information, allowing the drive unit to adjust the position and angle of the support unit relative to the tabletop, enabling precise positioning for optimal imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tabletop is tilted to allow easier treatment operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to acquire X-ray images from desired directions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of treatment operationVSAvoidability to acquire X-ray images from desired directions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is made dynamically adjustable with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing real-time modification of its position and angle relative to the tabletop. This enables the system to adapt to both tilted tabletop configurations and desired X-ray imaging angles, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and imaging versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional and angular parameters of the support unit based on detected tabletop tilt angles. By calculating correction angles and adjusting support unit parameters accordingly, the system maintains the ability to acquire images from desired directions even when the tabletop is tilted for easier operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the support unit angle is adjusted manually without tilt detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit incorporates self-adjustment capability through integrated tilt detection and automatic angle calculation. The system detects tabletop tilt angles and autonomously calculates correction angles to adjust the support unit position, achieving precise positioning without complex manual intervention while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by detecting actual tabletop tilt angles and using this information to adjust the support unit position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate positioning while keeping the control system relatively simple, as it directly responds to detected tilt conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple positioning functions are integrated into the support unit, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various imaging anglesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support unit is designed with multi-functionality, integrating tilt detection, angle calculation, and position adjustment capabilities into a single system. This universal design allows the support unit to handle various imaging angles and tabletop configurations without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby improving adaptability while controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2653104B1X-ray photography system
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • EP2653104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2653104B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2653104B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an X-ray imaging system that allows X-ray images to be acquired from a desired direction by considering the tilt of a tabletop. The X-ray imaging system described in the embodiment includes a support unit that holds an X-ray imaging unit that performs X-ray imaging of a subject. The subject is placed on the tabletop. A memory stores in advance imaging angle information from previous imaging. A tilt detector detects the tilt angle of the tabletop. A calculator calculates a correction angle for correcting the imaging angle information based on the imaging angle information and on the tilt angle. A drive unit moves the support unit to a position based on the imaging angle information and the correction angle.