Dynamic Radiographic Imaging System Timing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dynamic radiographic imaging techniques face challenges in starting imaging at appropriate timings, particularly due to reliance on photographer skill levels and lack of guidance for unexpected breathing disturbances, leading to potential wasteful imaging.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic radiographic imaging system that detects periodic changes in a subject, specifies recommended imaging start timings, and notifies the photographer through multiple stages, allowing for manual instruction input to initiate imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic imaging start/end timing determining method is used, then imaging timing is automatically controlled according to respiration cycle, but imaging cannot be canceled even when unexpected disturbance of breathing occurs leading to wasteful imaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic imaging timing controlVSAvoidability to respond to breathing disturbances

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the respiration cycle and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust imaging timing. The notification section provides real-time feedback to the photographer about recommended imaging start timing based on detected periodic changes, allowing adaptation to actual breathing patterns while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging timing control transitions from rigid automatic control to dynamic semi-automatic control. The system dynamically determines recommended timing based on real-time detection of periodic changes, but allows the photographer to manually adjust the timing based on observed subject state and unexpected disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual imaging start/end timing determining method is used, then imaging at desired timing can be carried out while checking subject state, but this is strongly influenced by photographer experience leading to inconsistent timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual timing control with subject observationVSAvoidimaging timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notification section acts as an intermediary between the automatic detection system and the photographer's manual control. It translates complex detection data into simple, actionable recommendations that guide the photographer without removing manual control, thereby standardizing timing accuracy while preserving the ability to observe subject state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of periodic changes before the imaging moment, preparing recommended timing in advance. This allows the photographer to make informed decisions with advance knowledge of optimal timing, reducing reliance on experience while maintaining manual control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If frame rate is set based on image change amount, then imaging at high irradiation amount is optimized, but timing to start serial imaging at high irradiation amount is not suggested leading to potential waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging efficiency at high irradiation amountVSAvoidtime to determine imaging start timing

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting section continuously monitors periodic changes in advance, so when high irradiation amount imaging is needed, the recommended start timing is already determined and ready for immediate notification. This eliminates the time lag for decision-making while maintaining optimized frame rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9492135B2Dynamic radiographic imaging system

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

A dynamic radiographic imaging system includes a detecting section that detects periodic changes of a predetermined site of a subject; a recommended imaging (start) timing specifying section that specifies a recommended imaging start timing based on the detection result; a notifying section that makes a notification to a photographer in multiple stages as the recommended imaging start timing approaches; an operation unit that receives an instruction input from the photographer to start radiation imaging of the subject; and an image capturing control section that controls the radiation imaging in response to the instruction input by the operation unit. The dynamic radiographic imaging thus can be performed at an appropriate imaging timing without depending on the level of skill of the photographer for the body site that periodically changes such as the heart.