Medical Dose Graph Visualization for X-ray Exposure Management
Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray imaging, operators face difficulties in grasping changes in exposure dose and referencing permitted radiation doses during multiple imaging operations, as dose information is not effectively managed or utilized for exposure management.
Innovation Solution
A medical dose information management apparatus that includes a dose measuring unit, a dose graph generation unit, a display mode setting unit, and an output unit, which acquires and displays dose information as a dose graph indicating area doses corresponding to X-ray irradiation operations, allowing for visualization of total area doses and permitting radiation limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If dose information is stored as additional information with acquired images, then image data can be managed together with exposure information, but the operator cannot effectively grasp changes in exposure dose during multiple imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dose information from the image data by creating a separate dose graph that independently displays cumulative dose values. This segmentation allows the dose information to be accessed and understood without being embedded within the image file structure, thereby improving ease of operation for monitoring dose changes across multiple imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for dose representation by creating a graphical display (dose graph) that plots cumulative dose values over time or number of images. This dimensional transformation converts raw numerical dose data into a visual representation that intuitively shows dose trends, making it easier for operators to grasp dose changes without analyzing raw data tables.
2Device complexity
If dose information is handled as additional information of acquired image, then data management is simplified, but the operator cannot grasp a reference for permitted radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining and displaying permitted dose levels as reference values on the dose graph interface. These reference lines or markers are established before the operator needs to assess compliance, allowing them to immediately compare actual cumulative doses against permitted limits without needing to search for or calculate reference values during the imaging process.
3Productivity
If conventional image viewing is used, then imaging operations can be performed, but the operator cannot easily track exposure doses over examination period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining a continuously updating dose graph that displays cumulative dose values in real-time during imaging operations. This continuous visual feedback allows operators to track dose accumulation without interrupting imaging procedures or needing to manually query dose data between operations, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical dose information management apparatus according to an embodiment includes a dose measuring unit, a dose graph generation unit, a dose graph generation unit, a display mode setting unit and an output unit. The dose measuring unit acquires dose information including an area dose in X-ray irradiation. The dose graph generation unit generates, based on the dose information, a dose graph indicating area doses respectively corresponding to imaging operations associated with the X-ray irradiation. The display mode setting unit sets a display mode for the dose graph in accordance with each of imaging schemes corresponding to the imaging operations included in the dose information. The output unit outputs the dose graph accompanied by the set display mode.