X-ray CT Imaging Apparatus Automatic Output Condition Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical X-ray CT imaging technologies face challenges in obtaining appropriate image quality while minimizing radiation exposure, particularly when imaging adults or children with varying physiques, as existing methods often fail to adjust X-ray output conditions effectively based on the size of the imaging area or region, leading to suboptimal image sharpness or increased radiation doses.

Innovation Solution

A medical X-ray CT imaging apparatus and method that includes an X-ray generator, detector, and a turning drive unit, with an imaging information receiving unit that sets the X-ray output condition automatically based on the size of the imaging area, purpose, and region, allowing for adjustable tube voltage, current, and emission time to optimize image quality and reduce radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If X-ray output conditions are set based on adult or child classification, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality becomes inadequate for specific diagnostic purposes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the classification parameters from simple age groups (adult/child) to multiple dimensions including imaging area size, imaging purpose, and imaging region. This allows the X-ray output conditions to be adjusted based on specific diagnostic needs, resolving the contradiction between radiation reduction and image quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of X-ray output conditions based on real-time imaging parameters. The system automatically adjusts tube voltage, tube current, and imaging time according to the imaging area size and purpose, enabling flexible optimization of both radiation dose and image quality for each specific case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If high X-ray output is used to obtain sharp images, then image quality improves, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage sharpnessVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting X-ray output conditions according to the specific imaging area and purpose. For example, when imaging a small local area with high diagnostic requirements, higher output conditions are applied only to that region, while larger area imaging uses lower output conditions, optimizing the balance between sharpness and radiation exposure for each local requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If fixed imaging protocols are used for different patient sizes, then operational simplicity is maintained, but image quality becomes suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine and adjust X-ray output conditions based on the imaging parameters entered by the operator. The system autonomously calculates the optimal tube voltage, tube current, and imaging time according to the imaging area size and purpose, eliminating the need for manual protocol selection and ensuring optimal image quality without increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 the acquisition of X-ray CT images with adequate image quality while minimizing radiation exposure by automatically setting the X-ray output conditions according to the specific imaging requirements, ensuring both sharpness and safety across different patient sizes and imaging purposes.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator (22) that generates a cone beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector (24) that detects the X-ray beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3476295B1Medical x-ray CT imaging apparatus, medical x-ray CT imaging condition setting method, and x-ray CT imaging condition setting program
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • EP3476295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476295B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476295B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A medical X-ray CT imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator that generates a cone beam, an X-ray detector, a support that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other, a turning drive unit that turns the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, which are supported by the support, an imaging information receiving unit, and an X-ray output condition setting unit. The imaging information receiving unit receives an imaging area setting relating to at least one of a size of an imaging area, an imaging purpose, and an imaging region. The X-ray output condition setting unit automatically sets an output condition of the X-ray generator according to at least one of the size of the imaging area, the imaging purpose, and the imaging region, which are received by the imaging information receiving unit.