Fluoroscopy Control Circuitry Dynamic Parameter Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fluoroscopy imaging systems have fixed imaging parameter settings that are not optimal for diverse medical procedures, limiting operator control and flexibility in adjusting X-ray dose and image quality.

Innovation Solution

A fluoroscopy imaging system with a user interface that allows adjustable controls for imaging parameters, enabling operators to set ranges, step sizes, and default values based on selected modes, allowing dynamic adjustment during procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed imaging parameter settings are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator flexibility and procedure-specific optimization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel dynamically adjusts the range and step size of configurable adjustments based on the selected imaging mode. Different modes (e.g., angiography, gastroenterology, cardiology) automatically set appropriate parameter ranges and step sizes, allowing the system to adapt to procedure-specific requirements without requiring complex manual configuration for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple imaging parameters simultaneously based on the selected mode, including X-ray dose settings, image quality parameters, and control panel adjustment ranges. This coordinated parameter change allows operators to optimize imaging for specific procedures while maintaining system simplicity through automated mode-based configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed range and step size controls are provided, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to optimize imaging parameters for different procedures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoperator control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel provides dynamic control where the range and step size of adjustments are not fixed but change based on the selected imaging mode. For example, in angiography mode, the system may provide finer step sizes for precise X-ray dose control, while in other modes, larger step sizes may be appropriate. This dynamic adjustment enables both high image quality and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically setting appropriate parameter ranges and step sizes based on the selected imaging mode before the operator begins adjusting individual parameters. This preliminary action reduces the complexity of operator control while maintaining the ability to achieve optimized image quality for each procedure type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If preset imaging parameters are used, then system setup is simplified, but optimization for diverse medical procedures is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidimaging parameter optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal interface that adapts to different imaging modes and procedures. The same physical controls can adjust different parameters depending on the selected mode, and the system automatically configures appropriate ranges and step sizes for each procedure type, thereby improving both procedure efficiency and parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements coordinated parameter changes across multiple imaging parameters when a mode is selected. This includes simultaneous adjustment of X-ray dose parameters, image quality settings, and control panel adjustment characteristics. Such coordinated changes enable procedure-specific optimization while maintaining simple operation through mode-based automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances operator flexibility and image optimization by allowing real-time adjustments of imaging parameters, improving image quality and patient safety by tailoring settings to specific procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator disposed on a first side of a subject and adapted to generate X-rays and to project the X-rays toward the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a detector disposed on a second side of the subject opposite the first side of the subject and adapted to receive the X-rays from the X-ray generator after being attenuated by the subject and to convert the attenuated X-rays into a digital signal representative of the subject features

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection and conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8681942B2Fluoroscopy systems and methods
Publication Date: 2014.03.25 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US8681942B2 patent drawing
  • US8681942B2 patent drawing
  • US8681942B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Fluoroscopy imaging systems including an X-ray generator, a detector, and control circuitry coupled to the detector are provided. The control circuitry may be adapted to receive a digital signal from the detector, to process the digital signal, and to communicate the processed digital signal to a monitor for display during a fluoroscopy imaging operation. The fluoroscopy imaging systems may also include a user interface having at least one configurable adjustment configured to enable a user to adjust one or more imaging parameters affecting the digital signal during the fluoroscopy imaging operation. The control circuitry is adapted to set at least one of a range of the configurable adjustment, a step size of the configurable adjustment, or a default value of the configurable adjustment based on input from the user via the user interface.