Medical Image Diagnostic Apparatus Synchronized Imaging Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical image diagnostic apparatuses lack the capability to effectively capture the relationship between a body's action state and the timing of biological reactions, and do not allow for real-time control based on the state of these reactions.

Innovation Solution

A medical image diagnostic apparatus that includes a data collection unit for X-ray irradiation of body parts, a processing unit for forming internal images, an input unit for biological reaction information, and a control unit to manage the imaging process based on this information, enabling synchronized imaging and control during biological reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous imaging is performed to capture biological reactions, then the timing precision of capturing biological reactions is improved, but the exposure dose increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetiming precisionVSAvoidexposure dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs periodic imaging at predetermined time intervals to capture biological reactions. The control unit determines whether to acquire an image based on the elapsed time since the last image, creating a periodic imaging pattern that balances timing precision with reduced overall exposure dose compared to continuous imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the imaging parameter (whether to acquire an image) based on the elapsed time. The control unit adjusts the imaging decision by comparing the current elapsed time against stored time intervals, allowing optimization of both timing precision and exposure dose through parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging modes are integrated, then the versatility of the diagnostic apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic apparatus integrates multiple imaging modes (first and second imaging modes) within a single system. The control unit can selectively switch between different imaging modes based on the examination requirements, providing universal functionality that handles various diagnostic needs without requiring separate dedicated devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the control functions for multiple imaging modes into a single control unit. By combining the control logic for different imaging modes and using a unified time management mechanism, the system reduces operational complexity while maintaining multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If manual timing control is used for imaging, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically manages the imaging timing by itself. It stores predetermined time intervals and autonomously determines whether to acquire images based on elapsed time calculations, eliminating the need for manual timing input by the operator and significantly improving imaging efficiency while keeping the interface simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary setup by storing optimal time intervals for different imaging modes before actual imaging begins. This pre-configured timing information allows the control unit to automatically make timing decisions during imaging, improving productivity without requiring operators to have deep expertise in timing optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables the capture of internal images at the precise timing of biological reactions, allowing for a better understanding of the body's state and reducing exposure doses by optimizing imaging protocols.

Implementation Method 1

irradiation of X-rays to a body part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject by using an X-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9655581B2Medical image diagnostic apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.05.23 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US9655581B2 patent drawing
  • US9655581B2 patent drawing
  • US9655581B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a medical image diagnostic apparatus, including: a collection unit for collecting data by performing irradiation of X-rays to a body part of a subject who is moving a joint; a processing unit for processing the collected data to form a plurality of internal images indicating the body part of the subject; an input unit for inputting occurrence information indicating a biological reaction that accompanies movement of the joint; a display control unit for displaying information on a display unit; and a control unit for controlling at least one of the collection unit, the processing unit, and the display control unit based on the input occurrence information.