Patent Description:
Document <CIT> may be considered to disclose the subject-matter of the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Image quality, proper positioning, and patient safety are important factors when capturing x-ray images. The better the final image submitted, the easier it is for a radiologist to properly diagnose the patient from the image. However, obtaining quality and properly positioned images is just as important as limiting a patient's exposure to radiation-the less x-ray images attempted, the better. Thus, it is important for a technician to capture a high quality, properly positioned x-ray image on the first attempt.

In many cases, the x-ray is taken by an inexperienced radiologic technologist, or more likely a poorly qualified office staff member who is not a radiologic technologist at all. In such case, the patient may not be properly positioned, leading to poor quality images being delivered to the radiologist. Alternatively, the patient may be subjected to repeated x-rays in order to obtain a diagnostic readable image. The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for assisting an x-ray operator with properly positioning a patient's body part to be x-rayed.

With reference to <FIG>, one embodiment of an x-ray positioning system <NUM> is shown. The system <NUM> comprises an x-ray emitter <NUM> suspended over a table <NUM> via an extension arm <NUM>. The x-ray emitter <NUM> is configured to emit x-ray beams through a window <NUM> on a bottom surface <NUM> of the emitter <NUM>. The beams are projected through the window <NUM> and onto an object positioned within the window's field of view <NUM>. An x-ray cassette <NUM> is shown positioned within the window's field of view <NUM> in <FIG>. A handle <NUM> is supported on the front of the x-ray emitter <NUM> and provides a grip for an x-ray operator to move the x-ray emitter <NUM> relative to the table <NUM>, as needed.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> further comprises at least one three-dimensional range sensor <NUM>. Two range sensors <NUM> are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, the system <NUM> may comprise more than two sensors or only one sensor. The range sensor <NUM> is preferably a time-of-flight sensor or a sensor that uses infrared light. However, other types of three-dimensional range sensors or may be used. For example a LIDAR, structured light or a stereoscopic sensor may be used.

The range sensor <NUM> is supported on the bottom surface <NUM> of the x-ray emitter <NUM> adjacent the window <NUM> and has a field of view <NUM> that at least partially overlaps the window's field of view <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The range sensor <NUM> is configured to scan objects within its field of view <NUM> and measure the distance between features of the objects and the sensor <NUM>. In alternative examples, the range sensor may be supported on a side of the x-ray emitter, so as long as the range sensor's field of view overlaps the window's field of view.

Continuing with <FIG> and <FIG>, while not required, the system <NUM> may further comprise an optical camera <NUM>, such as a video camera, positioned adjacent the range sensor <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the camera <NUM> has a field of view <NUM> that at least partially overlaps the field of view <NUM> of the x-ray emitter's window <NUM> and the field of view <NUM> of the range sensor <NUM>. If more than one range sensor <NUM> is used, the sensors <NUM> may be positioned on opposite sides of the camera <NUM>, as shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>. The range sensor <NUM> may also be included as a feature of the camera <NUM>. For example, a time-of-flight camera, LIDAR camera, structured light camera or stereoscopic camera may be used.

Continuing with <FIG>, the system <NUM> further comprises a computer <NUM> having a processor and memory. The computer <NUM> maybe positioned remote from the x-ray emitter <NUM> and be a desktop, tablet or smartphone. The computer <NUM> includes a display monitor <NUM> and an interface <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The computer <NUM> shown in <FIG> is a tablet having a touch screen display. The computer's processor is in communication with the range sensor <NUM>, and if used, the camera <NUM>. Such communication may take place over wires or via a wireless connection. Images captured by the camera <NUM> may be displayed on the computer's monitor <NUM>.

The system <NUM> further comprises a plurality of reference envelopes that are stored in the computer's memory. A reference envelope is a three-dimensional virtual envelope that closely surrounds a specifically positioned exemplary body part. The specific position of the body part corresponds with the ideal position of the body part for capturing a desired x-ray view. The computer's memory may have numerous reference envelopes for a single body part-each reference envelope corresponding to a different view. For example, the computer's memory may contain a reference envelope for a posterioranterior (PA), lateral, and oblique view of a left hand. The reference envelopes function as virtual guides for an x-ray operator when positioning a body part in preparation to take an x-ray image.

The actual reference envelopes may exist only in coded form and not be visible to an x-ray operator. Alternatively, the reference envelopes may be configured so that a virtual image of a selected reference envelope is displayed on the computer's monitor <NUM>. For example, a virtual image of a reference envelope <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The reference envelope <NUM> corresponds with a PA view of a left hand.

A desired reference envelope may be selected using a menu <NUM> displayed on the computer's monitor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The menu <NUM> has a selection of body parts <NUM>, a selection of views <NUM>, and a marker selection <NUM> (right or left side of body). An x-ray operator may select a reference envelope by selecting a body part <NUM>, a desired view <NUM>, and marker <NUM> from the menu <NUM>. The menu <NUM> may include more body parts <NUM> and views <NUM> than are listed in <FIG>. Other selections may also be included in the menu <NUM>, as desired.

The plurality of reference envelopes may be created using an x-ray machine and range sensor, like those shown in <FIG>. A real or phantom body part may be positioned within a field of view of an x-ray emitter and range sensor. The positioning of the body party corresponds with the ideal position for the body part when capturing an image of a specific view. For example, the body part may be positioned by an experienced radiologic technologist.

Once properly positioned, the range sensor may take measurements of all objects within its field of view. The data collected by the range sensor is sent to a computer processor, where it is used to create a virtual three-dimensional map of the objects captured by the range sensor. Using this map, the processor creates a mapped envelope that closely surrounds the body part depicted in the virtual map, thereby creating a reference envelope.

The reference envelopes may also be created by installing a range sensor on a regularly used x-ray emitter. Data may be collected by the range sensor for each x-ray image captured by the emitter. An experienced radiologist may review the images and select a quality, properly positioned image. Data collected by the range sensor related to the selected image may be transmitted to a computer and used to generate a reference envelope.

Turning to <FIG>, in operation, the processor compares a selected reference envelope to a newly created mapped envelope of a patient's body part. In <FIG>, for example, a patient <NUM> has his hand <NUM> placed below the x-ray emitter <NUM> and range sensor <NUM>. The range sensor <NUM> will take measurements of everything within its field of view <NUM>, including the hand <NUM>, and send the collected data to the computer <NUM>.

The computer's processor uses the collected data to generate a three-dimensional virtual map of the received data. The processor then generates an envelope that closely surrounds the body part depicted within the virtual map, creating a mapped envelope of the patient's body part. The mapped envelope of the patient's body part may exist only in coded form and not be visible to an x-ray operator <NUM>. Alternatively, the mapped envelope may be configured so that a virtual image of the mapped envelope is displayed on the computer's monitor <NUM>. For example, a virtual image of a mapped envelope <NUM> of the patient's hand <NUM> is shown superimposed over the reference envelope <NUM> in <FIG>.

The processor compares the mapped envelope to the reference envelope and determines whether the mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope. Such comparison may be displayed on the computer's monitor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, the processor may make such comparison internally without visual representation.

The processor is configured to scale dimensions of the selected reference envelope to correspond with the size of the patient's body part as measured by the range sensor <NUM>. For example, if the processor determines that the length of the patient's hand is longer than the reference envelope, the processor will appropriately extend the length the reference envelope. Likewise, the processor may enlarge or decrease the width and height of the reference envelope, as needed.

After any necessary scaling, the processor will determine if the mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope and notify the x-ray operator <NUM> of its determination. If the processor determines that the mapped envelope is not fully contained within the reference envelope, the x-ray operator <NUM> will receive a negative notification. In contrast, if the processor determines that the mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope, the x-ray operator <NUM> will receive a positive notification.

The processor may be configured to account for certain allowed variances between the mapped and reference envelopes. Thus, the mapped envelope does not have to truly be fully contained within the reference envelope for the x-ray operator <NUM> to receive a positive notification. Rather, the x-ray operator <NUM> may receive a positive notification if the processor determines that <NUM>% of mapped envelope is contained within the reference envelope, for example. The processor may be programmed to allow for any amount of variance desired.

A negative notification indicates for the x-ray operator <NUM> that the patient's body part is not properly positioned and needs to be adjusted. In <FIG>, for example, the fingers of the mapped envelope <NUM> are positioned outside of the boundaries of the reference envelope <NUM>. If the x-ray image were captured with the patient's hand <NUM> in such position, a radiologist may have difficulty reading the image and properly diagnosing the patient.

Upon receiving a negative notification, the x-ray operator <NUM> will reposition the patient's body part. The range sensor <NUM> will again take measurements of the body part and transmit the collected data to the computer <NUM>. The processor will create a new virtual map using the newly collected data, and subsequently create a new mapped envelope of the patient's body part. The new mapped envelope is then compared to the original reference envelope.

If the x-ray operator <NUM> receives another negative notification, the x-ray operator will again re-position the patient's body part and another new mapped envelope will be created. This process continues until the processor determines that the new mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope and the x-ray operator receives a positive notification.

A positive notification indicates for the x-ray operator <NUM> that the patient's body part is properly positioned and ready to be x-rayed. In <FIG>, for example, a new mapped envelope <NUM> is fully contained within boundaries of the reference envelope <NUM>. An x-ray image of the patient's hand <NUM> in such position provides a Radiologist with better information for which to diagnose the patient <NUM>.

During operation, the range sensor <NUM> will continually scan and measure objects within its field of view <NUM> and transmit the collected data to the computer <NUM>, even if the processor already provided a positive notification. The computer <NUM> will continually generate new mapped envelopes of the body part upon receiving new data and continually compare such mapped envelopes to the selected reference envelope. Thus, if the patient <NUM>, for example, moves his hand <NUM> immediately prior to the x-ray emitter <NUM> capturing an x-ray image, the x-ray operator <NUM> will receive a negative notification. Therefore, the system <NUM> may prevent the x-ray operator <NUM> from taking a wasted x-ray image and exposing the patient <NUM> to unnecessary radiation.

The processor may provide the x-ray operator <NUM> a positive or negative notification via an audible alarm and/or a notification displayed on the monitor <NUM>. For example, the processor may cause the computer <NUM> to produce a "ding" noise for a positive notification and a buzzer noise for a negative notification. As another example, a green check mark for a positive notification or red "x" for a negative notification may be displayed on the monitor <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, if a camera <NUM> is used with the system <NUM>, an image of the patient's body part within the camera's field of view <NUM> may be displayed on the monitor <NUM>. For example, an image of the patient's hand <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. During operation, the processor may use any number of visual aids in conjunction with the displayed image to indicate a positive or negative notification. For example, the processor may outline the body part in dashed lines to indicate a negative notification and a solid line to indicate a positive notification. The hand <NUM> is outlined in dashed lines <NUM> in <FIG>, and a solid line <NUM> in <FIG>. Different colors, shading, highlights, patterns, flashing lights or displayed words may also be used.

In an alternative example, a virtual image of the selected reference envelope may be superimposed over the image of the patient's body part displayed on the monitor. For example, the reference envelope <NUM> is shown superimposed over an image of the patient's hand <NUM> in <FIG>. The processor may be configured to highlight the area of the body part that does not match the selected reference envelope. Showing the reference envelope in combination with an image of the patient's body part may help the x-ray operator properly position the patient.

In further alternative examples, a general outline of the selected reference envelope may be displayed on the computer's monitor to help the x-ray operator correctly position the body part. The outline may be superimposed over the image of the patient's body part displayed on the monitor.

Turning back to <FIG>, to use the system <NUM>, an x-ray operator <NUM> will first position the patient's body part, such as the hand <NUM>, for example, within the x-ray emitter's field of view <NUM>. The operator <NUM> will subsequently select a reference envelope, like reference envelope <NUM>, using the menu <NUM> displayed on the computer <NUM>. Alternatively, the reference envelope may be selected prior to placing the patient's hand <NUM> below the x-ray emitter <NUM>.

Once the desired reference envelope is selected and the patient's hand <NUM> is below the x-ray emitter <NUM>, the system <NUM> will create a mapped envelope <NUM> of the hand <NUM>. The processor compares the mapped envelope <NUM> of the hand <NUM> to the selected reference envelope <NUM>. If the mapped envelope <NUM> is not fully contained within the reference envelope <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the processor will provide the x-ray operator <NUM> a negative notification. Once the processor determines that the hand <NUM> is properly positioned, as shown in <FIG>, the processor will provide the x-ray operator <NUM> a positive notification, indicating that it is time to take an x-ray image. The x-ray operator <NUM> will subsequently signal the x-ray emitter <NUM> to capture an x-ray image.

If needed, the x-ray operator <NUM> will then move to a new view of the hand <NUM>, such as a lateral view. The x-ray operator <NUM> will select a new reference envelope, corresponding to the desired view, and restart the process of positioning the patient's hand <NUM>. This process will continue until the x-ray operator <NUM> captures all of the desired x-ray views of the patient's hand <NUM>. Using the system <NUM>, the x-ray operator <NUM> is able to capture a properly positioned, quality image of the patient's body part on the first attempt.

The captured x-ray images are subsequently sent to a radiologist for analysis and diagnosis. Alternatively, the captured x-ray images may be analyzed by an artificial intelligence (AI) system configured to diagnose the patient. The AI system may be built into the processor in order to provide a patient with an initial diagnosis immediately after having x-ray images taken.

Turning back to <FIG>, the settings for the x-ray emitter <NUM> may be adjusted via a control panel <NUM> on a front end of the emitter <NUM> In an alternative example of the system, the computer may be supported on the x-ray emitter and be in communication with the emitter's control panel. The x-ray operator may use the control panel to select a desired reference envelope. The comparison of a mapped envelope to a reference envelope may be performed internally by the computer's processor. Once the processor determines that the patient's body part is properly positioned, the computer's processor may cause lights to flash or an audible alarm to sound.

In further alternative examples, the reference envelope created by the processor may be only an outline of the exemplary body part, rather than a three-dimensional map. Likewise, the mapped envelope of the patient's body part created by the processor may also only be an outline of the patient's body part. In such examples, the processor compares the outline of the reference envelope to the outline of the mapped envelope to determine whether the mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope.

The x-ray emitter <NUM> shown in <FIG> is just one type of x-ray machine that the different embodiments of the system described herein may be used with. In alternative embodiments, the system may be used with a chest x-ray machine/wall unit, portable x-ray machines or other type of x-ray machines known in the art. In further alternative embodiments, the system may be used with x-ray machines used in veterinary medicine. In such case, the reference envelopes of the above examples would correspond to body parts of different animals, such as a dog or cat.

In further alternative examples, rather than adjust the position of the patient's body part until the mapped envelope is fully contained within the reference envelope, the position of the x-ray emitter may be adjusted. For example, if the patient's hand is positioned too far to the right, the x-ray emitter may be configured to automatically move to the right until the mapped envelope of the patient's hand is fully contained within the reference envelope. The x-ray emitter may be equipped with one or more motors configured to move the x-ray emitter in a plurality of different directions and in precise increments. The motor may be in communication with the processor, which may direct movement of the motor based on the comparison of the mapped envelope to the reference envelope.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM>, an embodiment of the invention claimed, is shown. In contrast to the system <NUM>, the system <NUM> does not utilize a three-dimensional range sensor. Rather, the system uses only the optical camera <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The camera <NUM> may be a video camera, a photographic camera, or other types of cameras capable of capturing two-dimensional images. Instead of using reference envelopes, as used with the system <NUM>, the system <NUM> uses a plurality of reference images, like the reference image <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The reference images are two-dimensional images depicting a specifically positioned exemplary body part. An exemplary hand <NUM> is shown, for example, in the reference image <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Similar to the reference envelopes, the specific position of the body part corresponds with the ideal position of the body part for capturing a desired x-ray view.

Like the reference envelopes, the plurality of reference images may be stored on the computer's memory. The computer's memory has numerous reference images for a single body part-each reference image corresponding to a different view. The reference images function as guides for an x-ray operator when positioning a body part in preparation to take an x-ray image. A desired reference image is selected on the computer <NUM> in the same manner as a desired reference envelope.

During operation, the camera <NUM> takes one or more images of the patient's body part within its field of view <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The images captured by the camera <NUM> are sent to the processor and displayed on the monitor <NUM> as a patient image. A patient image <NUM> is shown for example in <FIG>. The processor then compares the position of the body part depicted within the patient image to the position of the body part depicted within the selected reference image. For example, the processor may compare a position of the patient's hand <NUM> depicted in the patient image <NUM> and a position of the exemplary hand <NUM> depicted in the reference image <NUM> show in <FIG>. The patient and reference images are shown side-by-side on the monitor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

If the body part depicted within the patient image is positioned the same as the exemplary body part depicted within the reference image, the x-ray operator <NUM> will receive a positive notification from the processor. In contrast, if the body part depicted within the patient image is not positioned the same as the exemplary body part depicted within the reference image, the x-ray operator <NUM> will receive a negative notification. In <FIG>, for example, the patient hand <NUM> is not positioned the same as the exemplary hand <NUM>. Thus, the x-ray operator <NUM> would receive a negative notification. The notifications provided by the processor to the x-ray operator <NUM> may be provided in the same manner as the notifications provided by the processor when using the system <NUM>.

The processor may be configured to calculate certain allowed variances for the differences in position between the patient body part and the exemplary body part. Thus, the body parts do not have to be positioned exactly the same for the x-ray operator <NUM> to receive a positive notification. Rather, the x-ray operator <NUM> may receive a positive notification if the processor determines that the body parts are positioned <NUM>% the same, for example. The processor may be programmed to allow for any amount of variance desired. Like the reference envelopes, the processor is configured to scale the size of the exemplary body part depicted within the reference image in order to more accurately compare the position of the patient body part to the position of the exemplary body part.

Like the reference envelopes, the x-ray operator <NUM> may adjust the patient body part in response to a negative notification or may take the x-ray image in response to a positive notification. The processor may be programmed to look for any movement of the patient body part after providing the x-ray operator <NUM> with a positive notification and alert the x-ray operator <NUM> of any detected movement.

The plurality of reference images may be created using an x-ray machine and optical camera, like those shown in <FIG>. A real or phantom body part may be positioned within a field of view of an x-ray emitter and camera. The positioning of the body part corresponds with the ideal position for the body part when capturing an image of a specific view. For example, the body part may be positioned by an experienced radiologic technologist.

Once properly positioned, the optical camera will capture one or more images of the body part within its field of view. The images captured by the camera are sent to the processor where they may be cataloged and stored as individual reference images.

The reference images may also be created by installing an optical camera on a regularly used x-ray emitter. Images of various patient body parts may be captured by the camera for each x-ray image captured by the emitter. An experienced radiologist may review the x-ray images and select a quality, properly positioned x-ray image. One or more images captured by the camera related to the selected x-ray image may be transmitted to a computer and stored as one or more reference images.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>), comprising:
an x-ray emitter configured to emit X-ray beams and having a field of view;
an optical camera (<NUM>) having a field of view (<NUM>) that at least partially overlaps the field of view of the x-ray emitter, wherein the optical camera is configured to capture a patient image (<NUM>), wherein the patient image depicts a patient body part (<NUM>);
a monitor (<NUM>) adapted to display an image of the patient's body part that is within the optical camera's field of view; and
characterised by comprising
a processor in communication with the optical camera (<NUM>) and the monitor, the processor having a memory within which a plurality of reference images (<NUM>) are stored, each reference image (<NUM>) depicting an exemplary body part (<NUM>),
wherein the processor is configured to compare the position of the patient body part (<NUM>) depicted in the patient image (<NUM>) to the position of the exemplary body part (<NUM>) depicted within the selected reference image (<NUM>), wherein the processor is configured to provide a positive or negative notification based on the comparison, wherein the positive or negative notification is provided using a visual aid, wherein the processor is configured to scale the size of the exemplary body part (<NUM>) depicted within the reference image (<NUM>) to compare the position of the patient body part to the position of the exemplary body part (<NUM>), wherein the positive or negative notification is provided using a visual aid in conjunction with the displayed image of the patient's body part, and further wherein the patient image and reference image are shown side-by-side on the monitor.