Automated X-ray Tube Positioning via 3D Range Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray scanning is inefficient due to manual positioning by technicians, leading to inconsistency and repeated exposures, as the positioning and orientation of the X-ray tube rely on subjective decisions, which can result in suboptimal scan quality and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a movable X-ray tube with a 3D camera for automated positioning, using range data to align the X-ray tube with a region of interest, allowing for precise control and reduced radiation exposure by determining the appropriate X-ray dosage based on patient geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual positioning by technician is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A 3D camera system serves as an intermediary between the technician and the X-ray tube positioning. The camera captures images of the patient's body surface, and a processor automatically determines the region of interest and calculates the optimal X-ray tube position and orientation, eliminating the need for manual positioning while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning system is replaced with an automated optical measurement and control system. The 3D camera captures spatial information, and the processor automatically controls the X-ray tube's position and orientation based on the captured data, substituting human mechanical adjustment with automated computational control.
2Measurement precision
If automated positioning system is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D camera system serves multiple functions: it captures patient body surface geometry, identifies the region of interest, and provides spatial information for X-ray tube positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically capturing 3D body surface data and calculating the optimal X-ray tube position and orientation without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously determines the region of interest and controls the positioning, enabling the system to serve itself while dramatically improving scanning efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If repeated exposures occur, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D camera provides real-time feedback on patient positioning and body surface geometry. The processor uses this feedback to automatically adjust the X-ray tube position and orientation, ensuring correct positioning on the first attempt and eliminating the need for repeated exposures, thereby reducing scanning time while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
The system improves positioning accuracy, reduces repeated exposures, and optimizes X-ray dosage for high-quality images while minimizing patient radiation, enabling efficient and safe X-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
receiving range data of a subject from a range sensor
Implementation Method 2
automatically controlling the X-ray tube to transmit X-ray radiation to a region of interest of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes: a movable X-ray tube scanner; a range sensor movable with the X-ray tube scanner; an X-ray detector positioned to detect X-rays from the X-ray tube passing through a standing subject between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; and a processor configured for automatically controlling the X-ray tube scanner to transmit X-rays to a region of interest of the patient while the subject is standing between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.