Fluoroscopic Imaging Apparatus Contrast Agent Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation fluoroscopic imaging apparatuses face challenges in generating clear differential long images due to poor visibility of contrast agents and incorrect positioning, leading to increased exposure doses and inadequate image capture.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an imaging unit with a radiation source and detection unit, an image processing unit that generates contrast and non-contrast agent images by performing specific image processing techniques to clarify blood vessels and reduce pixel value differences, and a control unit that displays these images to ensure accurate positioning and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subtraction processing is performed after capturing contrast agent image and non-contrast agent image, then differential image can be generated, but visibility of contrast agent movement cannot be confirmed during capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing both contrast agent images and non-contrast agent images, then generates differential images in advance before final image generation. This allows confirmation of contrast agent movement and timing before the actual differential long image is created, solving the problem of unable to confirm contrast agent movement during capture.
2Measurement precision
If non-contrast agent image is captured before contrast agent image, then positioning can be checked, but blood vessel confirmation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures non-contrast agent images first for positioning confirmation, then captures contrast agent images for blood vessel visualization. By performing these actions in sequence and generating differential images from both sets, the system achieves both positioning accuracy and blood vessel confirmation without requiring re-imaging.
3Reliability
If re-imaging is performed to confirm positioning and contrast agent movement, then image quality can be ensured, but exposure dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary confirmations of positioning and contrast agent movement in advance by generating differential images from pre-captured images. This preliminary verification eliminates the need for re-imaging, thereby ensuring image quality while preventing additional exposure doses to the subject.
4Measurement precision
If contrast agent image is captured to confirm blood vessel, then visibility improves, but differential long image generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the imaging process into distinct phases: capturing non-contrast agent images for positioning, capturing contrast agent images for blood vessel visualization, and generating differential images from both sets. This segmentation allows each phase to serve its specific purpose while maintaining the ability to generate differential long images through systematic processing of the segmented image groups.
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 solution allows for clear confirmation of contrast agent movement and accurate generation of differential long images, reducing the need for re-imaging and minimizing exposure doses.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray diagnostic apparatus configured to generate a differential long image by irradiating a subject with X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
In this radiation fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, an image processing unit is configured to generate a first image by performing first image processing that clarifies a blood vessel as an imaging target when capturing a plurality of contrast agent images and generate a plurality of second images used to generate a differential long image by performing second image processing.