Radiation Imaging Protocol Reuse via Group Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation imaging systems require operators to repeatedly adjust protocol information for each imaging operation, leading to inefficiencies as previously set values are reset, even when the same protocol is used for subsequent operations.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging control apparatus with a setting unit for adjustable radiation generation conditions, a transmission unit for conditional protocol information transmission, and a transmission control unit that determines whether to transmit protocol information based on the type of imaging operation, group, target region, and direction, thereby reducing unnecessary adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If protocol information is transmitted for every imaging operation, then the radiation generation condition can be adjusted for each operation, but the operator's workload increases due to repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol information adjustmentVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of imaging operations into groups with similar characteristics before execution. By pre-identifying that consecutive operations belong to the same group, the system prepares to reuse protocol information automatically, eliminating the need for operators to re-adjust settings for similar operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and stores protocol information templates based on the first adjusted protocol in a group. For subsequent operations in the same group, the system copies these stored protocol settings automatically, allowing the operator to reuse adjusted settings without manual re-adjustment while maintaining adaptability through group-based classification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If protocol information is reused across operations, then operator workload is reduced, but the system loses the ability to adjust settings for each specific operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator workloadVSAvoidprotocol information adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts protocol information transmission based on operation group classification. When operations are identified as belonging to the same group, the system automatically reuses protocol information. When operations differ significantly (different groups), the system allows fresh adjustment. This dynamic approach balances workload reduction with necessary adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different protocols to different operation groups locally. Instead of a uniform approach for all operations, the system classifies operations into distinct groups (e.g., chest imaging, abdominal imaging) and applies protocol reuse selectively to each group, maintaining adaptability within each local context while reducing overall workload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of radiation generation condition is required for each operation, then precise control is achieved, but time is lost due to repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation generation condition controlVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of imaging operations into groups before execution. By pre-identifying that consecutive operations belong to the same group, the system prepares to reuse protocol information automatically, eliminating the need for operators to re-adjust settings for similar operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If automatic transmission control is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission control parameter based on operation group classification. When operations are identified as belonging to the same group, the transmission control parameter switches to 'reuse protocol'; when operations differ, it switches to 'transmit new protocol'. This parameter-based control achieves automatic efficiency improvement with relatively simple implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9241394B2Radiation imaging control apparatus and method for controlling the same

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A radiation imaging control apparatus configured to control a radiation imaging operation using a radiation generation apparatus in which a radiation generation condition is adjustable by a manual operation includes a setting unit configured to set the radiation generation condition for the radiation imaging operation, a transmission unit configured to transmit the radiation generation condition to the radiation generation apparatus, and a transmission control unit configured to limit transmission of the radiation generation condition by the transmission unit in a case where a radiation imaging operation belonging to the same group as that of the radiation imaging operation is performed.