Radiation Image Capturing System with Multi-Apparatus Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation image capturing systems face challenges in accurately performing long length capturing due to subject movement during image capture, requiring multiple shots and increased radiation exposure, and are costly to implement with dedicated multi-apparatus setups.

Innovation Solution

A radiation image capturing system that uses a bucky apparatus loaded with multiple portable image capturing apparatuses, where a console controls the apparatuses to advance to a capturing state based on capturing order information, allowing simultaneous irradiation of multiple apparatuses for long length capturing, thereby reducing subject movement issues and costs by utilizing existing CR cassettes or affordable bucky apparatuses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple radiation image capturing apparatuses are used for long length capturing, then capturing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapturing accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single radiation image capturing apparatus capable of performing both simple capturing and long length capturing by loading multiple image capturing apparatuses on a bucky apparatus. The console controls which mode to execute based on capturing order information, allowing one system to serve multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each capturing type.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple radiation image capturing apparatuses are used for long length capturing, then capturing accuracy is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapturing accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing CR cassettes and affordable bucky apparatuses to be used for both simple and long length capturing. By making the system multi-functional, expensive dedicated multi-apparatus setups are replaced with a single versatile system that can perform both capturing types, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining capturing accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses multiple portable radiation image capturing apparatuses that can be loaded on the bucky apparatus. These portable apparatuses are cheaper alternatives to fixed imaging systems, and their temporary deployment for long length capturing reduces the need for expensive permanent installations while achieving the same capturing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If sequential capturing is performed while moving the apparatus, then subject movement occurs, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent loads multiple radiation image capturing apparatuses on the bucky apparatus before radiation irradiation begins. The console controls all apparatuses to be in the capturing state simultaneously before the irradiation starts, ensuring that all images are captured in one shot without subject movement. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for sequential capturing and reduces radiation exposure to the minimum necessary dose.

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 accurate long length capturing with reduced radiation exposure and enhanced cost-effectiveness by allowing multiple apparatuses to be used for both simple and long length capturing, improving the overall efficiency and affordability of the radiology department's imaging system.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation irradiating apparatus which is able to simultaneously irradiate radiation to the plurality of portable radiation image capturing apparatuses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

portable radiation image capturing apparatuses...capture a plurality of radiation images

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3949861B1Radiation image capturing system
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP3949861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3949861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3949861B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A radiation image capturing system capable of performing long length capturing by irradiating radiation on three radiation image capturing apparatuses. The system includes three radiation image capturing apparatuses; and a control unit that does not allow the radiation image capturing apparatus to advance to a capturing possible state when the plurality of radiation image capturing apparatuses are not loaded on the capturing stage in a continuous state in a body axis direction of a subject.