Medical Imaging Contrast Agent Injection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical imaging techniques using X-ray CT apparatuses struggle to achieve optimal contrast during imaging, as they do not control the injection amount and pressure of contrast agents effectively, leading to inefficient use of contrast agents and suboptimal image quality due to varying patient conditions.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging apparatus and method that includes an injection system to control the contrast agent injection speed based on real-time pixel values within a region of interest, allowing for precise timing and duration of contrast agent injection to achieve desired contrast effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the contrast agent injection is controlled based on real-time pixel values from image data, then the contrast effect and image quality are optimized, but the device complexity increases due to the need for integrated injection control and image processing systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast effectVSAvoidinjection control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the injection control function with the image processing function into a single integrated system. The injection control unit receives pixel value information from the image processing unit and adjusts injection parameters in real-time, combining what were previously separate functions into one coordinated system that optimizes contrast while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the image processing unit continuously monitors pixel values within the region of interest and feeds this information back to the injection control unit. Based on this feedback, the injection parameters are dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal contrast levels, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the injection amount and pressure are adjusted according to individual patient conditions, then the image quality and contrast are improved, but the time required for imaging increases due to real-time monitoring and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous injection of the contrast agent without interruption, while simultaneously and continuously monitoring pixel values and adjusting injection parameters. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring and adjustment phases, allowing the useful action of imaging to proceed without time loss while still achieving optimized contrast through real-time parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The injection parameters are made dynamic rather than static, allowing real-time adjustment of injection amount and pressure based on monitored pixel values. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to respond to individual patient conditions and varying contrast agent distribution patterns without requiring additional imaging time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If real-time image processing and injection control are implemented, then the contrast agent usage efficiency is improved, but the computational load and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast agent wasteVSAvoidprocessing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with computational processing. Instead of using complex mechanical mechanisms to control injection timing and amount, the system uses image processing units to analyze pixel values and computationally determines the optimal injection parameters, substituting mechanical complexity with information processing that achieves the same control objectives more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enables imaging at optimal contrast levels, reducing waste of contrast agents and ensuring high-quality image acquisition by adjusting injection parameters according to individual patient conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube (12) and an X-ray detector (13)... the X-ray tube (12) and the X-ray detector (13) are paired with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a contrast agent with a high X-ray absorption value... increase contrast and obtain a clear image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9198625B2Medical imaging apparatus and medical imaging method

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

An injection part injects a contrast agent into a subject. An image acquiring part images the subject with the contrast agent injected, and acquires a plurality of image data with different imaging times. A pixel value calculator obtains a pixel value within a region of interest set in each of the image data acquired by the image acquiring part, for each of the image data. An injection controller controls injection of the contrast agent by the injection part in accordance with the pixel value obtained for each of the image data.