Radiation Detection Apparatus Automatic Exposure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detection apparatuses face challenges in accurately and efficiently specifying the detection region for automatic exposure control, particularly in situations where the set detection region shifts from the actual region of interest due to the size of the object or positional relationships, leading to potential overexposure or underexposure during short radiation irradiation times.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detection apparatus that includes an obtaining unit for target region settings and radiation transmission characteristics, a setting unit for candidate regions, a monitoring unit for radiation dose during incidence, and an output unit to specify detection regions based on the monitored radiation dose within determined ranges, allowing for precise automatic exposure control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a plurality of images are generated and compared with a reference image to accurately specify the detection region, then the accuracy of detection region specification is improved, but the time required to specify the imaging part increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection region specification accuracyVSAvoidtime to specify imaging part

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing reference images and their corresponding detection region information before actual imaging. During the imaging process, the system directly compares the current image with the pre-prepared reference image to quickly specify the detection region, eliminating the need for real-time complex image processing and significantly reducing the time required while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the radiation irradiation time is kept short (about 10 ms) for efficient imaging, then the productivity is improved, but it becomes difficult to stop radiation irradiation at appropriate timing for accurate exposure control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidexposure control timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the radiation dose during the imaging process and comparing it with the predetermined radiation transmission characteristic. When the monitored radiation dose falls within the expected range, the system confirms appropriate exposure control and can stop irradiation at the correct timing, even during short exposure periods of about 10 ms, thus maintaining both high productivity and reliable exposure control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the set detection region is used directly for automatic exposure control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection region may shift from the actual position of the region of interest leading to overexposure or underexposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection region setting simplicityVSAvoiddetection region positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual detection region setting system with an automated image-processing system. By using image processing techniques to automatically identify and specify the detection region based on the captured image and reference image comparison, the system eliminates manual positioning errors while maintaining operational simplicity, thus achieving both low device complexity and high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 accurate and efficient automatic exposure control by adjusting the monitored region based on radiation transmission characteristics, reducing the risk of overexposure or underexposure and minimizing user and patient burden by streamlining the radiation irradiation process.

Implementation Method 1

information representing a radiation transmission characteristic of an object corresponding to the target region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation transmission: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12200368B2Radiation detection apparatus and output method

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 CANON KK

AI summary

A radiation detection apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain information representing a setting of a target region that is a target of automatic exposure control, and information representing a radiation transmission characteristic of an object corresponding to the target region, a setting unit configured to set a candidate region based on the target region, a monitoring unit configured to monitor a radiation dose during incidence in the candidate region, a specifying unit configured to specify, as a detection region, a region where the monitored radiation dose falls within a range determined in accordance with the radiation transmission characteristic, and an output unit configured to output the radiation dose monitored in the detection region.