Direct Radiographic Panel Gravity Sensor Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radiographic exposure settings, the selection of the correct direct radiographic panel is often cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in multi-panel environments, leading to potential incorrect exposures and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a gravity sensor, such as an accelerometer, to activate a processor on the radiographic panel, which establishes a wireless communication link with the workstation, ensuring the correct panel is identified and selected for an exposure by detecting movement and using unique identification codes, thereby preventing wrong panel selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual selection method is used for direct radiographic panel, then operator can select panel, but selection process is cumbersome and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel selection processVSAvoidcorrect panel selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radiographic panel automatically identifies itself to the workstation through wireless communication when placed in the exposure room, eliminating the need for manual selection by the operator. The panel's processor autonomously establishes communication and provides its identification code to the workstation, making the system self-configuring and error-proof.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical selection process (operator physically selecting and configuring the panel) is replaced by an automated wireless communication system. The processor on the panel uses wireless transceiver to communicate identification codes to the workstation, substituting human action with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple portable wireless DR panels are used in multi-panel environment, then system versatility is improved, but panel identification and selection becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-panel environment capabilityVSAvoidpanel identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each radiographic panel is assigned a unique identification code that segments the identification space. This allows the workstation to distinguish between multiple panels in the environment. The segmentation of identification codes enables clear differentiation and selection among multiple panels without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workstation receives feedback from each panel through wireless communication, including the panel's unique identification code and status information. This feedback mechanism allows the workstation to know which panels are present, their states, and to confirm correct panel selection automatically, eliminating operator confusion in multi-panel environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If automatic panel selection is implemented, then selection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to gravity sensor and wireless communication components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel selection accuracyVSAvoidpanel system components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processor on the radiographic panel serves multiple functions: it controls the wireless communication transceiver, processes gravity sensor data to detect panel placement, manages image data acquisition, and handles identification code transmission. By making the processor multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gravity sensor, wireless transceiver, processor, and panel selection logic are merged into an integrated system. The gravity sensor is combined with the processor to automatically detect when the panel is placed in the exposure room, and the wireless communication capability is merged with the existing data processing functions, creating a unified automated selection system rather than separate add-on components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method ensures easy and unambiguous communication between the workstation and the selected radiographic panel, reducing the risk of incorrect exposures and streamlining the selection process, even in environments with multiple panels.

Implementation Method 1

A method utilizing a gravity sensor, such as an accelerometer, to activate a processor on the radiographic panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity sensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9597048B2Method for selecting a direct radiographic panel as active DR panel

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 AGFA NV

AI summary

A method includes selecting, in a radiographic exposure unit, a direct radiographic panel as an active panel for a forthcoming radiographic exposure, activating a gravity sensor installed on the direct radiographic panel, and activating by the activated gravity sensor a processor installed on the direct radiographic panel. As a result of a communication from the processor with a radiographic work station over a network, the activated direct radiographic panel is retained as the active direct radiographic panel for the forthcoming radiographic exposure.