Mobile X-Ray Tube Alignment via Beacon Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile X-ray imagers often fail to meet expectations in terms of image quality and radiation dosage due to misalignment and incorrect spatial configuration of the X-ray source and detector, which is exacerbated by their mobile nature and lack of a rigid mechanical connection.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system equipped with a beacon navigation subsystem that uses radio signals to guide the alignment and positioning of the X-ray source and detector, allowing for precise spatial configuration without the need for a line of sight, using a transducer to convert radio signals into positional correction information for manual or automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile X-ray imagers are used for flexible radiography in different locations, then adaptability and mobility are improved, but alignment precision and spatial configuration accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with an optical alignment system. A laser projector projects alignment marks onto the detector surface, and a camera captures these marks to calculate the detector's position and orientation relative to the X-ray source. This optical substitution eliminates the need for rigid mechanical connections while maintaining precise alignment, directly resolving the contradiction between mobility and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment system consisting of laser projectors, alignment marks, and a camera. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the mobile detector and the X-ray source, enabling precise spatial configuration measurement without physical mechanical coupling. The intermediary optical system allows the detector to be positioned freely while still achieving accurate alignment measurement.
2Ease of operation
If the detector is made portable without rigid mechanical connection to the X-ray source, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but measurement precision of spatial configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical coupling with an optical measurement system. Instead of using rigid mechanical connections to define and measure spatial configuration, the system uses laser projectors to create virtual alignment references and a camera to optically measure the detector's position and orientation. This allows the detector to be freely movable while maintaining high measurement precision through optical fields rather than mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from mechanical measurement in physical space to optical measurement by projecting alignment marks onto the detector surface. The laser projectors create a dimensional reference framework that allows three-dimensional spatial configuration measurement through two-dimensional image capture by the camera, enabling precise measurement without mechanical contact.
3Device complexity
If manual positioning of the detector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors the alignment marks projected onto the detector surface. The system calculates the detector's position and orientation based on the captured mark positions and provides real-time feedback to guide manual positioning. This feedback loop enables simple manual operation to achieve high alignment accuracy by continuously informing the operator of the current alignment status and required adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is self-guiding through the feedback mechanism. The system automatically projects alignment marks, captures images, calculates position and orientation, and provides guidance information without requiring complex external alignment equipment or procedures. The simplicity of manual positioning is maintained while the system self-corrects and guides the operator to achieve precise alignment.
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 solution improves image quality by reducing grid artifacts and radiation dosage, enhancing clinical workflow through precise alignment and reduced retakes, and is applicable to both mobile and fixed radiography systems.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector configured to reflect said radio signal; a receiver for receiving said reflected radio signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray imager having a navigation-aid subsystem including one or more transmitters (TX),one or more receivers (RX) and one or more reflectors (RFL). A radio signal is transmitted by transmitter(TX), is then reflected off reflector RFL and is then received at receiver (RX). The received signal is then resolved into positional correction information that can be used to guide a motion of the imager's tube (S) and or detector (D) to position and/or align the tube (S) and/or detector (D) relative to each other in a desired spatial configuration to ensure optimal imaging results. The imager may be a mobile imaging system with the detector (D) portable.