Radiation Imaging System Dual Image Processing for Transmission Failures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation imaging systems with medical trolleys face issues with image processing and transmission delays or failures due to malfunctions in access points, LAN lines, or image processing controllers, preventing operators from checking radiation images on portable terminals, which hinders subsequent imaging procedures.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging system that includes a radiation imaging unit for generating data and an image processing unit capable of performing both first and second image processing, transmitting these images to a portable terminal, ensuring that the system can determine the success or failure of imaging even in cases of communication or processing malfunctions by using simple image processing performed by the radiation imaging apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If image processing is performed by a dedicated image processing controller and transmitted via access point and LAN line, then image processing quality is improved, but system complexity and vulnerability to communication failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides image processing into two segments: first image processing performed by the dedicated image processing controller to generate high-quality processed images, and second image processing (simple processing) performed by the radiation imaging apparatus to generate quickly transmittable images. This segmentation allows the system to leverage both dedicated processing quality and rapid local processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters by implementing two different processing modes: comprehensive first image processing with full quality parameters, and simplified second image processing with reduced parameters for speed. The system dynamically selects which processed image to transmit based on communication status and operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If radiation images are transmitted to portable terminals for operator review, then operational efficiency is improved, but reliability decreases due to communication failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation imaging apparatus performs second image processing and prepares simplified images in advance before transmission is needed. This preliminary action ensures that processed images are ready for immediate transmission if communication is available, or can be used locally if transmission fails, thereby maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dual-image strategy where simplified second processed images act as intermediaries between the imaging apparatus and the portable terminal. These intermediary images can be transmitted quickly and used as fallback when communication fails, bridging the gap between imaging and review functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If simple image processing is performed by the radiation imaging apparatus, then transmission speed is improved, but image processing quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidimage processing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial image processing (second processing) that performs only essential operations needed for quick transmission and basic review. This partial action achieves sufficient quality for operational decisions while enabling rapid transmission, accepting that full quality processing is not performed on all images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Manufacturing precision

If dedicated monitors and image processing controllers are used for each imaging station, then image review quality is improved, but the number of required articles increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage review qualityVSAvoidnumber of articles

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation imaging apparatus is given multiple functions: it performs radiation detection, first image processing, second image processing, and can display images locally. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated monitors and processing controllers at each imaging location, as the imaging apparatus itself becomes a universal station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11213271B2Radiation imaging system, information terminal, radiation imaging method, and computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 CANON KK

AI summary

A radiation imaging system, including: a radiation imaging unit configured to perform radiation imaging and generate radiation image data based on detected radiation; and an image processing unit configured to perform first image processing on the radiation image data to generate a first image and capable of transmitting the first image to an information terminal, wherein the radiation imaging unit is configured to subject the radiation image data to second image processing to generate a second image and transmit the second image to the information terminal.