Radiation Imaging System Communication Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face communication delays, particularly in the transmission of stop signals, leading to increased radiation exposure and image quality deterioration due to congestion and signal collisions in communication lines between the X-ray image detecting device and the console or X-ray generating apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging system with a radiation image detecting device and a console that includes a dosimeter, a stop signal issuing unit, and communicators, where communication regulation is implemented to prioritize the transmission of the stop signal by temporarily suspending other communications until the stop signal is completed, ensuring timely emission cessation and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication of various signals is performed between the X-ray image detecting device and the console during the accumulation operation, then the system can maintain normal communication functionality, but the stop signal transmission may be delayed due to communication line congestion and signal collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines in advance whether to regulate communication based on the communication method being used. When a communication method susceptible to congestion and collisions (such as shared communication lines) is detected, the system proactively enables communication regulation before the stop signal transmission begins, preventing delays before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication regulation is dynamically adjusted based on the determined communication method. The system can switch between regulated and unregulated communication modes, allowing normal multi-signal communication when using reliable dedicated lines, and enabling stop signal priority transmission when using shared or wireless communication channels.
2Extent of automation
If a photo timer is used in the AEC function, then the X-ray emission can be stopped automatically when the predetermined dose is reached, but the photo timer absorbs approximately 5% of the X-rays causing increased radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dose measurement function from the photo timer and assigns it to the dosimeter integrated in the X-ray image detecting device. This removes the photo timer from the X-ray path, eliminating its 5% absorption that caused increased radiation exposure, while preserving the automatic exposure control functionality through the dosimeter's real-time dose monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosimeter serves as an intermediary component within the image detecting device that measures the X-ray dose without being part of the X-ray absorption path. It receives the X-rays that pass through the object and converts them to measurement data, enabling automatic exposure control without the harmful absorption effect of the photo timer.
3Reliability
If communication regulation is implemented to prioritize stop signal transmission, then the stop signal can be transmitted without delay, but other signals such as life check signals and calibration commands may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by determining the communication method in advance and proactively regulating other communications when stop signal transmission is anticipated. This prevents potential delays before they occur, ensuring the stop signal reaches the X-ray generating apparatus without congestion or collision delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication regulation is applied dynamically based on the determined communication method. When using reliable dedicated communication lines, the system allows normal communication without regulation. When using shared or wireless lines susceptible to congestion, the system enables regulation to prioritize stop signals, and lifts regulation when the stop signal transmission is complete or when using reliable communication channels.
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 prevents delays in the stop signal transmission, minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure and maintaining image quality by ensuring the X-ray emission stops at the appropriate time, thus preventing excessive radiation doses and improving image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an image detector 23 having an image capturing field 38 in which a plurality of pixels 37 for accumulating an electric signal in accordance with an incident amount of radiation from a radiation generating apparatus 11 are arranged
Implementation Method 2
a dosimeter 43 for measuring a dose of the radiation emitted from the radiation generating apparatus 11 and passed through an object H
Data Source
AI summary
Upon input of a synchronization signal, which indicates a start of an X-ray emission, from a source control unit for controlling an X-ray source, an electronic cassette makes an FPD start an accumulation operation and measurement of an X-ray dose. The electronic cassette and a console command their communicators to stop communication of any signal other than a stop signal, which stops the X-ray emission from the X-ray source, during the accumulation operation of the FPD. As soon as the X-ray dose has reached a predetermined threshold value, the electronic cassette transmits the stop signal to the source control unit through the console. A delay in transmission of the stop signal due to communication congestion or signal collision does not occur, because the electronic cassette and the console stop the communication of the signal other than the stop signal.