Patent Publication Number: US-2023157656-A1

Title: Universal Positioning System for X-Ray Imaging System

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to X-ray systems, and more particularly to X-ray systems adapted to accommodate various patient positions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A number of X-ray imaging systems of various designs are known and are presently in use. Such systems are generally based upon generation of X-rays that are directed toward a subject of interest. The X-rays traverse the subject and impinge on a detector, for example, a film, an imaging receptor, or a portable cassette. The detector detects the X-rays, which are attenuated, scattered or absorbed by the intervening structures of the subject. In medical imaging contexts, for example, such systems may be used to visualize the internal structures, tissues and organs of a subject for the purpose screening or diagnosing ailments. 
     X-ray systems may be fixed or mobile. Fixed radiography systems generally utilize an X-ray source moveably mounted to ceiling in the area in which the X-rays are to be obtained. In one prior art configuration, the radiography system is an overhead tube support X-ray system  100  is shown in  FIG.  1   . The overhead tube support typically includes a column  105  to which the X-ray source  110  is attached, coupled to an overhead rectangular bridge  115  that travels along a system of rails or tubes  120  oriented perpendicular to the bridge  115 . A transport mechanism  125  coupled to the bridge  115  operates to move the column  105  along a longitudinal horizontal axis, while the rail system  120  allows the bridge  115  to travel along a lateral horizontal axis in the same plane. The rail system  120  typically includes a front rail  120   a , a rear rail  120   b , and a cable drape rail (not shown) mounted to a ceiling of a room or suite housing the fixed radiography system. In some installations, the overhead tube support system  100  may be mounted to a system of struts which are fixed to the ceiling. to enable the X-ray source  110  to be oriented with respect to a fixed table  130  or fixed wall stand  135  that hold a detector  140  thereon in order to obtain desired images of the patient  145  position on or adjacent thereto. 
     However, the components of the overhead tube support system  100  can be expensive to produce and install. Further, positioning the X-ray source over a patient&#39;s anatomical features from a parked position of the overhead tube support system  100  may be time consuming because of the longitudinal and lateral distances being traversed and the fixed speeds of motors used to drive the overhead tube support components. Furthermore, the overhead tube support system has a limited number of degrees of freedom, making imaging some aspects of a patient&#39;s anatomy difficult. 
     An alternative to the overhead tube support of  FIG.  1    is a fixed robotic arm X-ray system  200  shown in  FIG.  2    and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,743,827, entitled Robotic Arm With X-ray Source, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes, have been developed. The fixed X-ray system  200  includes a robotic arm  202 , a work station  204 , a fixed table  206 , a fixed wall stand  208 , and a detector  210  that is positionable within one of the table  206  or the wall stand  208 . The robotic arm  202  may be mounted to a wall or floor or a ceiling  212  of a radiography suite in order to enable an X-ray source  214  disposed on the end of the robotic arm  202  opposite the ceiling  212  to be oriented with regard to the detector  210  to produce an X-ray image of the desired portion of the patient  205  positioned directly in front of the detector  210 . 
     The use of the robotic arm  202  provides a significant enhancement to the degrees of freedom capable for movement of the X-ray source  214  in order to properly position the X-ray source  214  in alignment with the detector  210  disposed on the table  206  or the wall stand  208 . The table  206  may include a bucky  216  or other device for holding a detector  210  and can be motorized for rotational and vertical movement. For example, the work station  204  may operate the table  206  to locate a patient  205  in a particular position or orientation with respect to the X-ray source  214  during a scanning procedure, The work station  204  may also operate to receive signals from the detector  210  for generating images resulting from the scanning procedures. 
     In addition, to further enhance the degrees of freedom provided by the system  200 , the wall stand  208  may include a laterally projecting member  218  mounted on a vertical column 220 . The laterally projecting member  218  may be vertically moveable and/or adjustable and may be fixed at any suitable height to provide a proper image of the desired area of the patient  205 . A distal end of the laterally projecting member  218  may include a tiltable bucky  222  for holding the detector  210 . 
     However, though the positioning of the X-ray source 110 ,  214  is adaptable using either the overhead tube support system  100  or the robotic arm  202  and the adjustment capabilities of the table  206  and wall stand  208  employed therewith to position the detector  210 , the ability of the system  100 ,  200  to obtain the desired images of patients  205  in many situations is still limited by the construction of the system  100 ,  200 . 
     In particular, one shortcoming of these imaging systems  100 , 200  is that in emergency or trauma situations it is often not convenient to reposition the patient  205  on the table  206  and/or in front of the wall stand  208 . As a result, it is difficult for the typical positioning system  100 ,  200  to complete the required imaging examination without moving the patient  205  in order to obtain the desired images of the patient  205 . 
     Further, in many situations there is a need to perform a 3D imaging examination when the patient  205  is in a standing position in order to see the details of the natural joint or spine, e.g., for certain clinical requirements. However, the standing position of the patient  205  cannot be accommodated by classical 3D imaging processes/systems, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, which require the patient  205  to lie on the patient support/table  206 , thereby preventing a complete 3D scanning field for the system around the patient  205 . In particular, current tomosynthesis utilizing a general radiographic device, i.e., X-ray source  110 , 214  cannot obtain a clear image due to the limited shot and scan angle, which is usually less than 45°. For a complete tomographic scan it is desired to be able to have a scan angle of 180° or more. 
     In addition, under some circumstances, it is required to control the positioning of the X-ray system  100 , 200  from a separated control room when it is necessary to isolate the patient from operator to avoid potential infection. However, while the X-ray source  110 ,  214  can be moved from the control room, when the patient  205  is disposed on the table  206 , the operator is still required to move the table top to locate the field of view (FOV) of the X-ray source  110 , 214  over the desired area or field of interest (FOI) of the patient  204  to be imaged. 
     In one development with regard to these shortcomings, certain X-ray systems have been developed that include two ceiling suspension systems, one for supporting and moving the X-ray source and the other for supporting and moving the detector. However, these systems have significant increases to be both cost and complexity, making a two ceiling suspension system no practical for many environments. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to develop an improved system and method for positioning an X-ray source and a X-ray detector relative to a patient that overcomes these limitations of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, an X-ray system with a universal positioning system includes a multiple degree of freedom overhead support system adapted to be mounted to a surface within a location for the X-ray system, a first imaging device mounted on the overhead support system, a multiple degree of freedom wall stand disposed within the location for the X-ray system, the wall stand comprising a motive module and a number of rotatable members operably connected to the motive module that can be rotated by the motive module to move the wall stand over a floor of the location, a second imaging device mounted to the wall stand, a table disposed within the location for the X-ray system, the table comprising a base disposed on the floor of the location and a support surface secured at one end to the base, and a workstation including a processing unit configured to send control signals to and to receive data signals from the overhead support system, the first imaging device, the wall stand, the second imaging device and the table. 
     According to still another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, method of X-ray imaging includes the steps of providing an X-ray imaging system with a universal positioning system having a multiple degree of freedom overhead support system adapted to be mounted to a surface within a location for the X-ray system, a first imaging device mounted on the overhead support system, a multiple degree of freedom wall stand disposed within the location for the X-ray system, the wall stand comprising a motive module and a number of rotatable members operably connected to the motive module that can be rotated by the motive module to move the wall stand over a floor of the location, a second imaging device mounted to the wall stand, a table disposed within the location for the X-ray system, the table comprising a base disposed on the floor of the location and a support surface secured to the base at one end, a track disposed on the floor of the location and on which the wall stand is disposed, and a workstation including a processing unit configured to send control signals to and to receive data signals from the overhead support system, the first imaging device, the wall stand, the second imaging device and the table, positioning a patient adjacent the track, moving the first imaging device into a location adjacent the patient, moving the second imaging device into a location adjacent the patient, where the second imaging device is positioned opposite the first imaging device relative to the patient, and performing an X-ray imaging procedure to obtain X-ray images of the patient. 
     These and other exemplary aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of practicing the present invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    shows a diagram of a prior art imaging system utilizing an overhead tube support system; 
         FIG.  2    shows a diagram of a prior art imaging system utilizing a robotic arm tube support system; 
         FIG.  3    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    is an isometric view of a wall stand utilized with the imaging system and universal positioning system of  FIG.  3   ; and 
         FIG.  5    is a partially broken away, cross sectional view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a partially broken away, cross sectional view similar to  FIG.  5    showing an alternative exemplary embodiment of the wall stand; 
         FIG.  7    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to  FIG.  3    in a table anterior/posterior (AP) mode; 
         FIG.  8    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to  FIG.  3    in a table lateral mode; 
         FIG.  9    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to  FIG.  3    in a table three-dimensional (3D) mode; 
         FIG.  10    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to  FIG.  3    in an alternative table 3D mode; 
         FIG.  11    is an isometric view of a radiography suite including an imaging system with the universal positioning system according to  FIG.  3    in wall stand 3D mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Furthermore, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and thus additional numerical values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “generally,” and “about” indicate conditions within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances, relative to ideal desired conditions suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Also, as used herein, “electrically coupled”, “electrically connected”, and “electrical communication” mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected such that an electrical current may flow from one to the other. The connection may include a direct conductive connection, i.e., without an intervening capacitive, inductive or active element, an inductive connection, a capacitive connection, and/or any other suitable electrical connection. Intervening components may be present. The term “real-time,” as used herein, means a level of processing responsiveness that a user senses as sufficiently immediate or that enables the processor to keep up with an external process. 
       FIG.  3    shows an exemplary embodiment of a radiography suite  300  including a fixed X-ray system  302  having a universal positioning system  304  according to the disclosed embodiments. The X-ray system  302  includes a suitable control subsystem (not shown) disposed on a workstation  410  for controlling the movement and operation of the various components of the X-ray system  302 . 
     The X-ray system  302  is formed with a first imaging device  306 , which can be either an X-ray tube or a detector, that is secured by a moveable mount  305  to a portion of the suite  300  or other location in which the X-ray system  302  is disposed, such as a wall or ceiling  308  of the suite  300 , where the moveable mount can be an overhead support system  310  or a robotic arm, a table  312 , a wall stand  314 , and a second imaging device  342 , which can be the other of the X-ray tube or the detector forming the first imaging device  306 . The overhead support system  310  provides five (5) separate degrees of freedom/axes of automated or manually-directed movement for the first imaging device  306 , and in particular allows for lateral and longitudinal movement along a suspended track  311  for the overhead support system  310 , vertical movement via a telescopic column  313  attached to and moveable along the suspended track  311 , rotational movement relative to the column  313  provided by the rotation of the column  313 , and angular movement provided by a pivot mechanism  315  disposed between the column  313  and the first imaging device  306 . The overhead support system  310  also includes a suitable position monitor  316  in order to provide accurate and precise location information regarding the position of the first imaging device  306  disposed on the overhead support system  310 . 
     It should also be understood that the fixed X-ray system  302  may also include other components suitable for implementing the disclosed embodiments. The term radiography suite generally refers to a room or rooms which are configured for performing radiography procedures typically using X-ray imaging techniques. Exemplary radiography procedures may include but are not limited to Computed Tomography (CT), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning, and fluoroscopy. 
     Looking now at  FIGS.  3 - 6   , the universal positioning system  304  includes a track  318  disposed on the floor  100  of the suite  300 . The track  318  can be formed as desired, and in the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes a straight section  322  extending from one end  324  of the track  318  to a curved section  326  that terminates at the opposite end  328  of the track  318 . The curved section  326  of the track  318  traverses an arc of at least 180° between the straight section  322  and the second end  328 , though any larger or smaller length arc for the curved section  326  is also contemplated as being within the scope of the disclosure, along with any other combination or arrangement of straight sections  322  and/or curved sections  326 , as desired. On the track  318  is disposed the wall stand  314 , such that the wall stand  314  can move along the track  318  between the opposed ends  324 ,  328  of the track  318 . 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   , the wall stand  314 , such has that disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. ______, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, includes moveable base  330  having a number of support wheels or casters  332  thereon, a fixed column  334  extending upwardly from the base  330 , a movable or extendable column  336  attached to the fixed column  334  and a carriage  338  disposed on the moveable column  336  opposite the fixed column  334 . The carriage  338  includes a support arm  340  extending outwardly from the carriage  338  opposite the moveable column  336 , where the arm  340  supports a second imaging device  342  opposite the carriage  338 . The support arm  340  includes a rotational module  344  adjacent the carriage  338  and a tilting module  346  between the rotational module  344  and the second imaging device  342 . 
     The wall stand  314  provides five (5) degrees of freedom/axes of movement for the second imaging device  342  as shown in  FIG.  4   . First, the second imaging device  342  can move in a vertical direction indicated by arrow A due to the movement of one or both of the moveable column  336  with regard to the fixed column  334 , or the movement of the carriage  338  with regard to the moveable column  336 . Second, the second imaging device  342  can move in a rotational direction indicated by arrow B around a vertical axis by the rotation of the fixed column  334  relative to the base  330 . Third, the second imaging device  342  can rotate around a first horizontal axis in a direction indicated by arrow C due to the operation of the rotational module  344  of the support arm  340 . Fourth, the second imaging device  342  can tilt around a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis in the direction indicated by arrow D due to the operation of the tilting module  346  of the support arm  340 . Fifth, the second imaging device  342  can move in a horizontal direction indicated by arrow E due to the movement of the base  330 . 
     To control the positioning of the second imaging device  342  relative to the wall stand  314 , the wall stand  314  includes a control device  348  disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the control device  348  includes a control circuit board  350  for receiving wired or wireless control signals sent by the workstation  410  of the X-ray imaging system  302  and controlling the corresponding components or modules in the wall stand  314 . Specifically, the control device  348  may receive a control signal to enable the control device  348  to operate a driving module  352  on the wall stand  314 , where the driving module  352  is formed of a motor  354  operably connected to the various moveable components of the wall stand  314 . For example, when a control signal received by the control device  348  includes the height and angle of the second imaging device  342  required for a current scan, the control device  348  can operate the motor  352  to position the second imaging device  342  at a preset height and rotational angles through the movement of the different components of the wall stand  314 . The control device  348  can additionally supply accurate and precise position data regarding the location of the second imaging device  342  as positioned by the operation of the control device  348 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the base  330  of the wall stand  314  is disposed directly over the track  318  in order to enable the track  318  to guide the movement of the base  330  and thus the wall stand  314  along the track  318 . In one exemplary embodiment for the base  330 , the base  330  includes a housing  356  to which the wheels  332  are rotatably secured in any suitable manner to enable the wheels  332  to rotate freely with regard to the housing  356  while supporting the weight of the base  330  and remainder of the wall stand  314 . Within the housing  356 , the base  330  encloses a motive module  358  engaged with and operable to move the base  330  along the track  318 . 
     In the exemplary illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  5   , the track  318  is formed with a base plate  360  secured to the floor  1000  of the suite  300 . The base plate  360  is fixed on the floor  1000  by suitable anchors (not shown) to prevent movement of the base plate  360  relative to the floor  1000 . The base plate  360  can be formed to have a width that is sufficient for the casters  332  on the base  330  to be supported on the base plate  360  or on a dedicated support surface (not shown) which is fixed relative to the base plate  360  in order to maintain the alignment of the wall stand  314  with regard to the base plate  360  and the track  318 . 
     The base plate  360  also supports a gear rack  362  opposite the floor  1000 . The rack  362  includes a number of evenly spaced teeth  364  located along one side of the rack  362  and supports a guide rail  366  opposite the base plate  360 . The guide rail  366  includes a pair of engagement surfaces  368  located on opposite sides of the guide rail  366 . 
     To engage the track  318 , the motive module  358  has a frame member  370  disposed above the guide rail  366  and forming a part of the housing  356  for the base  330 . The frame member  370  is positioned above the guide rail  366  by one or more stabilizing members  371  formed in the illustrated exemplary embodiment as a pair of rollers  372  engaged with the engagement surfaces  368  on each side of the guide rail  366  and connected to the frame member  370  by shafts  374  extending between the rollers  372  and the frame member  370 . The rollers  372  are fixed to the frame member  370  by the shafts  374  but can rotate freely on the shafts  374 , such that the rollers  372  can move along the engagement surfaces  368  while maintaining the frame member  370  in a stable position above the guide rail  366 . 
     The frame member  370  also includes a drive shaft  376  extending outwardly from the frame member  370 . The drive shaft  376  is spaced from the roller shaft  374  and includes a rotatable member or pinion/gear  378  disposed opposite the frame member  370 . The gear  378  includes a number of peripheral teeth  380  that mesh with the teeth  364  on the gear rack  362 . The drive shaft  378  is operably connected to a gearbox or transmission  382  supported on the frame member  370  that in turn is operably connected to a motor  384 . The motor  384  is powered in any suitable manner, such as by a rechargeable battery  386  disposed within the housing  356  on the frame member  370  and connected to the motor  384 . Alternatively, the motor  384  can be powered by a direct power supply, such as by an electrical connection to the motor  384  using a cable chain or cable drape (not shown), that is connected to the wall stand  314  at one end, and along the overhead support system  310  to a power supply (not shown) at the opposite end, with a guide device (not shown) for the cable chain or drape fixed in parallel to the track  318  to control the movement of the cable chain or drape in conjunction with the movement of the wall stand  314  along the track  318 . 
     The operation of the motor  384  is controlled by the control device  348 , which is operably connected to the motor  384 . Thus, when the drive shaft  376  is rotated by the operation of the motor  384  under the control of the control device  348 , the gear  378  rotates and the engagement of the teeth  380  on the gear  378  with the teeth  364  on the rack  362  causes the rollers  372  to move along the engagement surfaces  368  of the guide rail  366 . The movement of the frame member  370  In this manner the frame member  370  and housing  356  are moved along the track  318  in a closely controlled manner to ensure accurate positioning of the base  330  and wall stand  314  where desired. 
     To track the exact positioning of the base  330  along the track  318 , the frame member  370  also supports a position detector  388  thereon. The position detector  388  is capable of determining the exact position of the base  330  and thus the wall stand  314  along the track  318 , to enable exact positioning of the second imaging device  342  during an imaging procedure. In one embodiment, the position detector  388  can take the form of another pinion gear (not shown) connected with an encoder shaft (not shown) or a potential meter shaft (not shown) and engaged with the rack  362  to provide data on the position of the motive module  358  relative to the track  318  based on the sensed rotation of the encoder/potentiometer shaft. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, illustrated in  FIG.  5   , the position detector  388  is formed with a sensor  390  that obtains position data from an interaction with the track  318 . The sensor  390  can be a magnetic sensor, a camera, a laser sensor or a radar sensor, and can detect a magnetic signal from the track  318 , can view position indications present on the track  318 , or can detect the position of the motive module  358 /base  330 /wall stand  314  relative to the track  318  or other landmarks within the suite  300  using laser or radar positioning data. 
     In the embodiments where the power supply for the motor  384  is provided by the battery  386  disposed within the housing  356  of the base  330 , to recharge the battery  386 , the battery  386  can be removed and replaced, or charged in position within the housing  356 , such as by plugging a suitable power source (not shown) into a receptacle (not shown) for the battery  386 . Looking now at the illustrated exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  6   , in an alternative manner to recharge the battery  386  within the housing  356 , a number of docking stations or points  392  are disposed along the track  318 . For example, two docking point  392  for battery charging can be employed with one at or near each end  324 , 328  of the track  318 . The docking station  392  includes a stationery conductor rail  394  fixed on the floor  1000  adjacent and parallel to the track  318 . The conductor rail  394  is connected to a power supply (not shown) an includes a pair of contacts  396  disposed on the rail  394 . A slip conductor carriage  398  is secured to the frame member  370  and includes a plate  400  located opposite the frame member  370  and positionable in engagement with the contacts  396 . The slip conductor carriage  398  is operably connected to the battery  386 , such that when the plate  400  makes contact with the contacts  396 , power flows from the conductor rail  394  through the slip conductor carriage  398  to the battery  386 . While the conductor rail  394  is disposed adjacent each end  324 , 328  of the track  318 , in an alternative embodiment, the conductor rail  394  can extend over a longer portion of the track  318  or along the entire track  318 , to ensure a more constant supply of power to the battery  386 . In an alternative embodiment, the motive module  358  can omit the battery  386 , with power being supplied directly to the second imaging device  342  and the motor  384  via a continuous power supply through the connection to the conductor rail  394  via the carriage  398 . In addition, control signals for the control device  348 , motive module  358 , and/or the second imaging device  342  can be sent along the conductor rail  394 , which can be formed separately from, or as a part of the track  318 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , the table  312  is constructed to be motorized and capable of movement in any number of directions. The table  312  includes a base  402  attached to a one or more, and as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG.  3   , a pair of rails  404  disposed on the floor  1000 , and a support surface  406  mounted to the base  402  opposite the rails  404 . The rails  404  can be formed with any suitable structure, such as a structure similar to that described previously for the track  318 , and are positioned adjacent the track  318 . In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the rails  404  are oriented parallel to one another and are positioned with one rail  404  immediately adjacent the end  324  of the track  318  in an orientation perpendicular to the track  318 . The connection of the base  402  to the rails  404  can be similar to that described for the attachment of the wall stand  314  to the track  318  in order to securely position the base  402  on the rails  404 , but also can be any other suitable connection mechanism that enables the base  402  to move along the rails  404  in a secure and closely controllable manner. 
     The base  402  can extend telescopically or in any other suitable manner to increase the height of the base  402  as desired, thereby raising the support surface  406  on which the patient  1002  can be positioned. Further, the support surface  406  is mounted at one end  408  to the base  402 , such that the support surface  406  can be rotated relative to the base  402  between positions where the support surface  406  is oriented perpendicular to the rails  404  ( FIG.  3   ) and where the support surface  406  is oriented parallel to the rails  404  ( FIG.  10   ). Further, as the overhead support system  310  supports the first imaging device  306  and the wall stand  318  supports the second imaging device  342 , the table  312  can be formed without any bucky or other suitable connection point for the placement of detector within the table  312 , and more specifically within the support surface  406 , thereby greatly simplifying the construction of the support surface  406 . 
     The base  402  includes a motive mechanism  409  that enables the position of the base  402  and/or the support surface  406  relative to the base  402  to be controlled through signals sent to the motive mechanism  409 . The motive mechanism  409  is also operable to move the base  402  along the rails  404 . In this manner the height of the base  402 , the position of the support surface  406  and the position of the base  402  along the rails  404  can be adjusted and/or controlled as necessary prior to and/or during an imaging procedure using the X-ray system  302 . Further, in order to monitor the position of the base  402 , and thus the support surface  406  and patient  1002 , along the rails  404 , the motive mechanism  409  can include a position detection mechanism  411  similar to the position detector  388  utilized with the wall stand  314  and track  318  to accurately determine the location of the base  402 /support surface  406 /patient  1002  disposed in a prone position on the support surface  406  along the rails  404 . 
     Each of the overhead support system  310 , the first imaging device  306 , the wall stand  314 , the second imaging device  342  and the table  312  are operably connected to a workstation  410  forming a part of the universal positioning system  304 , which in an exemplary embodiment is disposed remotely from the X-ray system  302  and universal positioning system  304 , such as at a location outside of the radiography suite  300 . The workstation  410  may include a computer  415 , one or more input devices  420 , for example, a keyboard, mouse, or other suitable input apparatus, and one or more output devices  425 , for example, display screens or other devices providing data from the workstation  410 . The workstation  410  may receive commands, scanning parameters, and other data from an operator or from a memory  430  and processor  435  of the computer  415 . The commands, scanning parameters, and other data may be used by the computer  415 /processor  435  to exchange control signals, commands, and data with one or more of the overhead support system  310 , the first imaging device  306 , the table  312 , the wall stand  314 , and the second imaging device  342  through a suitable wired or wireless control interface  440  connected to each of these components of the fixed X-ray system  302 . For example, the control interface  440  may provide control signals to and receive image, position or other data signals from one or more of the overhead support system  310 , the first imaging device  306 , the table  312 , the wall stand  314 , and the second imaging device  342 . 
     The workstation  410  may control the frequency and amount of radiation produced by the X-ray source  306  or  342 , the sensitivity of the detector  306  or  342 , and the positions of the table  312  and wall stand  314  in order to facilitate scanning operations. Signals from the detector  306  or  342  may be sent to the workstation  410  for processing. The workstation  410  may include an image processing capability for processing the signals from the detector  306  or  342  to produce an output of real time 2D or 3D images for display on the one or more output devices  425 . Further, with the 5 axes of motion provided by each of the overhead support system  310  and the wall stand  314 , the universal positioning system  304  enables the X-ray system  302  to perform classical table imaging an wall stand procedures with only a single detector  306 , 342 . In addition, the ability of the overhead support system  310 , the table  312  and the wall stand  314  to be operated automatically provides an X-ray imaging system  302  utilizing the universal positioning system  304  with the ability for the X-ray imaging system  302  to be completely remotely controlled, such as via the workstation  410 . 
     With the movement capabilities and accuracy provided by the universal positioning system  304 , the X-ray system  302  can be positioned to obtain X-ray images in a variety of configurations using the first imaging device  306  and the second imaging device  342 , as shown in  FIGS.  7 - 11   , in each of which the structure of the overhead support system  310  is removed for purposes of clarity. 
     Initially, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the universal positioning system  304  can be operated to dispose the table  312 , the first imaging device  306  and the second imaging device  342  in a table anterior/posterior (AP) mode. As illustrated, the universal positioning system  304 , as directed by automatic or manual control signals from the workstation  410 , can move the wall stand  314  along the track  318  to position wall stand  314  in alignment with the support surface  406  of the table  312 . Either during or after movement along the track  318 , the wall stand  314  can rotate the fixed column  334  towards the support surface  406 , lower the second imaging device  342  below the support surface  406  using one or both of the moveable column  336  and the carriage  338 , and can rotate or tilt the second imaging device  342  into a parallel orientation with the support surface  406  using the rotational module  344  and/or the tilting module  346  of the support arm  340 . The first imaging device  306  can be disposed in an aligned position with the second imaging device  342  using the overhead support system  310  and the positioning data provided to the workstation  410  regarding the exact location of the wall stand  314  and second imaging device  342  by the position detector  388  on the wall stand  314 . From the initial position of the first imaging device  306  and the second imaging device  342  provided by the universal positioning system  304 , the system  304  can operate the first and second devices  306 , 342  to obtain the desired image of the patient  1002 . The system  304  can additionally traverse the wall stand  314  along the track  318  to other positions along the support surface  406 , along with corresponding movements of the overhead support system  310 , to position the first and second devices  306 , 342  in relation to other areas of the patient  1002  to be imaged. 
     Looking now at  FIG.  8   , the universal positioning system  304  can additionally enable the components of the X-ray imaging system  302  to operate in a lateral table mode. In particular, similar to the AP table mode, the universal positioning system  304  can move the wall stand  314  along the track  318  to position wall stand  314  in alignment with the support surface  406  of the table  312 . Either during or after movement along the track  318 , the wall stand  314  can raise or lower the second imaging device  342  into alignment with the patient  1002  on the support surface  406  using one or both of the moveable column  336  and the carriage  338 , and can rotate or tilt the second imaging device  342  into a perpendicular orientation with the support surface  406  using the rotational module  344  and/or the tilting module  346  of the support arm  340 . The first imaging device  306  can be aligned with the second imaging device  342  using the overhead support system  310  and the position information for the wall stand  314 /second imaging device  342  in order to obtain the desired images of the patient  1002 . The universal positioning system  304  can also move the wall stand  314 /second imaging device  342  along the track  318  with corresponding movement of the first imaging device  306  using the overhead support system  310  to obtain additional images of the patient  1002 . 
     With capability of the universal positing system  304  for the first imaging device  306  and the second imaging device  342  to move in concert with one another around the support surface  406  under the direction of the workstation  410 , the universal positioning system  304  enables the X-ray imaging system  302  to be operated to perform a 3D imaging or computed tomography procedure. As shown in  FIG.  9   , initially the universal positioning system  304  can move the wall stand  314  along the track  318  to locate the wall stand  314  and second imaging device  342  in alignment with the patient  1002  on the support surface  406 . The second imaging device  342  can then be located in position directly below the patient  1002  on the support surface  406 , with the first imaging device  306  moved into alignment with the second imaging device  342 , similarly to the manner utilized for the table AP mode in  FIG.  7   . Upon initiation of the 3D imaging procedure, the workstation  410  can move the second imaging device  342  in an arc around the patient  1002  on the support surface  406  from below the patient  1002  to above the patient  1002 , while moving the first imaging device  306  in a corresponding arc from above the patient  1002  to below the patient  1002 , each in a continuous manner according to a set of step angles defined by a suitable tomography algorithm employed by/contained within the workstation  410 . The first and second imaging devices  306 , 342  can be operated at any number of locations during the movement of the first and second imaging devices  306 , 342  in order to obtain the image data utilized by the workstation  410  to generate the 3D images of the selected areas of the patient  1002 . Further, as illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in order to maintain the center of rotation of the arcs of the first and second imaging devices  306 , 342  on the desired area or field of interest (FOI) of the patient  1002 , the universal positioning system  304  via the workstation  410  can move the base  402  of the table  312  along the rails  404  using the position data provided from one or both of the wall stand  314  and the overhead support system  310  regarding the position of the first and second imaging device  306 , 342 . Additionally, to image different areas of the patient  1002  disposed in the support surface  406 , the universal positioning system  304  can move the wall stand  314 /second imaging device  342  along the track  318  into alignment with the selected area of the patient  1002 , with a corresponding shift of the location of the overhead support system  310 /first imaging device  306  to perform additional 3D scanning or imaging procedures. 
     As an alternative approach to the 3D imaging procedure illustrated in  FIG.  9   , in  FIG.  10   , the support surface  406  of the table  312  can be rotated over the base  402  into an orientation perpendicular to the track  318 . The table  312  can move along the rails  404  to position the table  312  at a location where the entire field of interest (FOI) is positioned within the imaging scope defined by the universal positioning system  304 . Once properly located, under the control of the workstation  410  to perform the 3D imaging/tomography, the wall stand  314  is moved along the track  318  to position the second imaging device  342  in alignment with the FOI of the patient  1002  on the support surface  406 , while moving the first imaging device  306  utilizing the overhead support system  310  into a position opposed to the second imaging device  342 . The wall stand  314  and the overhead support system  310  can rotate the first imaging device  306  and the second imaging device  342  around the center of the FOI in a manner similar to that used for the prior 3D imaging process in the embodiment of  FIG.  9   , but differing by maintaining the support surface  406  stationary and using the workstation  410  to control the multi-axis motion of longitudinal, vertical and tube angulation of the first imaging device  306  using the overhead support system  310  and to control the tilting, vertical and travel motion of the second imaging device  342  along the track  318  using the wall stand  314 . 
     In still another embodiment of the use of the universal positioning system  304  to perform imaging procedures with the X-ray imaging system  302 , referring now to  FIG.  11   , the wall stand  314  can be moved along the track  318  onto the curved section  326 . In this location for the wall stand  314 , the patient  1002  can be located in a standing or upright position adjacent the wall stand  314  in order to image the patient  1002  in this upright position. The second imaging device  342  can be moved on the wall stand  314  in the previously described manners in order to position the second imaging device  342  in alignment with the FOI of the patient  1002 . The overhead support system  310  can also move the first imaging device  306  to locate the first imaging device  306  opposite the second imaging device  342  in order to perform an X-ray imaging scan/procedure on the FOI, such as an anterior/posterior imaging procedure or a lateral imaging procedure. 
     Also, in this configuration for the X-ray imaging system  302  in  FIG.  11    as enabled by the universal positioning system  304 , when the patient  1002  is disposed at a specified focal point  1004  equidistant from the entire curved portion  326 , which in the illustrated exemplary embodiment is shaped as one half of a circle with the focal point  1004  located at the center of the half circle, the wall stand  314  can be moved under the control of the workstation  410  to move the wall stand  314  and second imaging device  342  around the entire arc of the curved section  326 , with corresponding movement of the first imaging device  306  by the overhead support system  310  to enable a 3D X-ray imaging/tomographic procedure to be performed in the patient  1002  in the upright, standing position. 
     In either mode of operation of the X-ray imaging system  302  and the universal positioning system  304  in  FIG.  11   , to assist in supporting the patient in a stable, stationary position when performing the imaging procedure, in some embodiments a transparent plastic tube or barrier  1006  can be positioned around the patient  1002 . The barrier  1006  is designed to support the patient  1002  with different support structures  1008 , such as hand and/or jaw rest(s). In the embodiment where the barrier  1006  includes a jaw rest, the barrier  1006  enables the X-ray imaging system  302  with the universal positioning system  304  to be operated to provide dental images of the patient  1002 , without the need for specialized dental imaging devices. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the universal positioning system  304  can employ omnidirectional wheels (not shown) as the rotatable members on the base  330  of the wall stand  314  that are connected to the motive module  358 . The omnidirectional wheels would negate the need for the track  318 , casters  332  and gear  378 , and would allow for complete freedom of movement of the wall stand  314  over the floor  1000  within the radiography suite  300 . With the position sensor  388  (radar, camera, laser, magnetic track sensor, etc.) disposed on the wall stand  314 , and known positions of the table  312 , and the patient  1002  on the support surface  406  of the table  312 , the workstation  410  can operate the motive module  358  to turn the omnidirectional wheels in a manner to move the wall stand  314  into the desired location for performing an imaging procedure on the FOI of the patient  1002 . As the omnidirectional wheels are normally shaped as spheres, they can adequately support the weight of the wall stand  314  as it is moved about the radiography suite  300 . 
     In still a further exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the track  318  can be formed with any desired number and configuration of straight sections  322  and curved sections  326 . For example, the track  318  can include multiple straight sections  322  optionally interconnected with one another to accommodate multiple orientations of the wall stand  314  with regard to one or more tables  312  disposed within the radiography suite  300 , along with one or more curved sections  326  connected to and/or interconnecting the straight sections  322  and defining one or more points  1004  for upright or standing imaging of a patient  1002 . 
     With the use of the components of the universal positioning system  304  for the X-ray imaging system  302 , it is also capable to obtain multiple types of images of a patient  1002  without having to move the patient  1002  into different locations or positions. More specifically, with the ability and degrees of movement of the first imaging device  306  using the overhead support system  310 , the second imaging device  342  using the wall stand  314  and track  318 , and the support surface  406  using the base  402  and rails  404 , each of an anterior/posterior, a lateral and a 3D/tomographic imaging procedure can be performed on a patient  1002  lying prone on the support surface  406  without having to make the patient  1002  move relative to the support surface  406 . 
     Finally, it is also to be understood that the systems  302 , 304  may include the necessary computer, electronics, software, memory, storage, databases, firmware, logic/state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input/output interfaces to perform the functions described herein and/or to achieve the results described herein. For example, as previously mentioned, the system may include at least one processor/processing unit/computer and system memory/data storage structures, which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). The at least one processor of the system may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more supplementary co-processors such as math co-processors or the like. The data storage structures discussed herein may include an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, an optical disc such as a compact disc and/or a hard disk or drive. 
     Additionally, a software application(s)/algorithm(s) that adapts the computer/controller to perform the methods disclosed herein may be read into a main memory of the at least one processor from a computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium”, as used herein, refers to any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to the at least one processor of the systems  302 , 304  (or any other processor of a device described herein) for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or opto-magnetic disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM or EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     While in embodiments, the execution of sequences of instructions in the software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods/processes described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the methods/processes of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software. 
     It is understood that the aforementioned compositions, apparatuses and methods of this disclosure are not limited to the particular embodiments and methodology, as these may vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure which will be limited only by the appended claims.