Mammography Controller Warning for Imaging Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mammography apparatuses face interruptions in contrast imaging when the user stops pressing the instruction unit between imaging sessions, requiring redoing all continuous imaging, which burdens the subject.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image capturing system with a controller that displays a warning when the instruction signal is stopped before completing the second imaging, allowing continued imaging if the signal is reinstated before a predetermined time and interrupting if the signal remains stopped, along with releasing breast compression upon interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the instruction unit is pressed continuously to maintain imaging, then imaging can be performed without interruption, but the user must maintain pressure throughout the entire imaging process which may cause fatigue or accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when imaging should start and stop based on pre-set conditions. The controller monitors the instruction unit and automatically manages the imaging sequence without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing the user burden while maintaining reliable imaging continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the state of the instruction unit and adjusts imaging operations accordingly. When the instruction unit is released, the system provides feedback by displaying warning information and automatically interrupting imaging after a predetermined time, ensuring reliable operation without requiring continuous user pressure.
2Ease of operation
If imaging is interrupted when the instruction unit is released, then the system can respond to user needs, but the imaging sequence must be restarted from the beginning which increases time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the imaging sequence and detecting when interruption occurs. When the instruction unit is released during imaging, the controller automatically detects this condition and manages the interruption process, allowing the user to control flexibility without requiring manual restart of the entire imaging sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the instruction unit state and providing real-time information about imaging status. When interruption occurs, the controller displays warning information and automatically manages the resumption of imaging, reducing time loss by avoiding complete restart of the imaging sequence while maintaining user control flexibility.
3Loss of information
If warning information is displayed when imaging is interrupted, then users are notified of the interruption condition, but additional display requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit serves multiple functions: it displays normal imaging information, warning information when interruption occurs, and confirmation information when imaging resumes. By making the display unit multi-functional, the system provides comprehensive information feedback without adding separate display devices, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the display unit to communicate imaging status information to the user. When interruption occurs, the controller displays warning information on the same display unit that shows normal imaging information, providing clear status feedback without requiring additional display hardware or increasing overall device complexity.
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 system reduces the burden on the subject by minimizing the need for re-imaging by ensuring completion of contrast imaging sessions and providing clear warnings and controls for uninterrupted imaging.
Implementation Method 1
captures a radiographic image by emitting radiation from a radiation source toward the breast of a subject and detecting radiation transmitted through the breast using a radiation detector
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic image capturing system including (i) an instruction unit, (ii) a mammography apparatus that performs contrast imaging so as to compress a breast, by a compression plate, and to continuously execute first imaging, in which a first radiographic image is generated, and second imaging, in which radiation a second radiographic image is generated, and (iii) a controller that performs control to have the mammography apparatus perform the contrast imaging in a case in which an instruction signal is inputted into, and a period during which outputting of the instruction signal is stopped does not exceed a predetermined time, and to display information indicating a predetermined warning on a display unit prior to an interruption of contrast imaging, in a case in which the instruction signal is stopped before the second imaging is completed after start of the first imaging.