Medical Image Processor Power Management via Dynamic Processing Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image processing apparatuses with battery power supply face challenges in prolonging operation time and reducing charging frequency due to high power consumption during computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) processing, especially in mobile radiography applications where power efficiency is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a first processor and a second processor that execute image processing using different power consumption methods, with the first processor selecting the appropriate method based on battery residual quantity, purpose of processing, or execution schedule, and optionally utilizing a third processor with a different power supply for image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CAD processing is executed using a GPU in a mobile radiography apparatus, then diagnosis support is performed promptly at the destination, but the amount of power consumed from the battery increases, shortening operation time or increasing charging frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the image processing system adaptable and adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically selects between different image processing approaches (full CAD processing vs. simplified processing) based on battery charge levels and operational context, allowing the system to optimize between speed and power consumption in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to operate at high productivity when power is available and conserve power when battery levels are low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on battery status. When battery charge is sufficient, the system executes full CAD processing with the GPU for rapid diagnosis support. When battery charge drops below a threshold, the system switches to simplified image processing or disables CAD processing, thereby reducing power consumption. This parameter-based adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining high diagnostic speed and preserving battery life.
2Use of energy by moving object
If multiple processing methods with different power consumption are used, then power consumption can be optimized based on battery status, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing functionality into multiple levels: full CAD processing, simplified image processing, and basic image correction. Each segment serves a specific power consumption profile and diagnostic need. The controller selectively activates appropriate segments based on battery status, achieving power optimization without requiring all processing capabilities to operate simultaneously. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, selectively-activated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the same GPU and processing infrastructure serve multiple purposes: full CAD processing when power is abundant, simplified processing when power is limited, and various image correction functions across all operating modes. This universal approach allows a single hardware platform to handle diverse processing requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power consumption optimization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The medical image processing apparatus includes a first processor, a second processor that executes image processing on a medical image in response to an instruction from the first processor, and a battery that supplies power to the first processor and the second processor. The second processor executes the image processing with a selected processing method among a plurality of processing methods that are different in amount of power consumption.