Contrast Imaging Control Apparatus for Dynamic Timing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ease of permeation of contrast media varies among subjects, making it challenging to determine an appropriate imaging timing for contrast imaging.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that acquire elapsed time since contrast medium injection, capture low-energy and high-energy images, generate a difference image, and decide on re-capturing the high-energy image based on contrast amount analysis and elapsed time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed imaging timing is used based on average contrast medium permeation speed, then imaging protocol is simple, but imaging quality deteriorates when subject-specific permeation speed differs from average
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the imaging timing parameter based on real-time measurement of contrast medium permeation speed for each subject. Instead of using a fixed timing protocol, the imaging timing is adjusted according to measured parameters (contrast medium concentration over time) to optimize imaging quality for individual subjects with varying permeation characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously measuring the contrast medium concentration in the subject, comparing it against target values, and adjusting the imaging timing accordingly. The measurement unit monitors permeation speed, and this information feeds back to the control unit to determine the optimal moment for high-energy image capture
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple re-capturing operations are performed to ensure optimal timing, then imaging quality improves, but examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of contrast medium permeation characteristics before the main imaging sequence. By acquiring low-energy images at multiple preliminary time points and calculating permeation speed in advance, the system determines the optimal imaging timing beforehand, avoiding the need for multiple corrective re-capturing operations during the examination
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the subject's own contrast medium permeation characteristics as the basis for determining imaging timing. The measurement unit monitors the subject's real-time permeation profile, and the control unit autonomously selects the optimal imaging moment based on this self-provided information, eliminating the need for operator intervention or repeated attempts
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging timing is adjusted for each subject based on permeation speed measurement, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiography apparatus integrates multiple functions into unified components: the image acquisition system serves both diagnostic imaging and contrast medium permeation measurement purposes, while the control unit handles both timing control and permeation speed calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
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
Enables capturing the high-energy image at an appropriate timing in contrast imaging, ensuring optimal contrast medium permeation and reducing the need for excessive re-capturing.
Implementation Method 1
acquires a low-energy image captured by a radiography apparatus by emitting radiation having first energy to a subject into which a contrast medium has been injected, and a high-energy image captured by the radiography apparatus by emitting radiation having second energy higher than the first energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A CPU of a control apparatus acquires an elapsed time from injection of a contrast medium into a breast for which a radiation image is captured by a mammography apparatus, and acquires a low-energy image captured by the mammography apparatus by emitting radiation having first energy to the breast into which the contrast medium has been injected, and a high-energy image captured by the mammography apparatus by emitting radiation having second energy higher than the first energy to the breast into which the contrast medium has been injected. The CPU generates a difference image showing a difference between the low-energy image and the high-energy image. The CPU identifies whether or not to perform re-capturing of the high-energy image of the breast into which the contrast medium has been injected, based on an analysis result about a contrast amount, which is performed on the difference image, and the elapsed time.