Radiation Imaging Apparatus Tomosynthesis Protocol Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
During pre-shot imaging for tomosynthesis, the imaging conditions for subsequent tomosynthesis imaging are often unknown, leading to the need for repeated positioning of the radiation irradiation unit, which can result in the X-ray tube being out of its movable range, especially when the imaging distance is long or the tomographic angle is large, causing inefficiencies and increased examination time.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus that includes a protocol storage and control unit to display and determine the imaging conditions for tomosynthesis imaging alongside pre-shot imaging, ensuring that the pre-shot imaging is performed with the correct conditions for subsequent tomosynthesis imaging, thereby avoiding the need for repeated positioning of the radiation irradiation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-shot imaging is performed before tomosynthesis imaging, then the positioning of the subject can be confirmed and imaging conditions can be determined, but the imaging position on pre-shot imaging may not coincide with the imaging position on actual tomosynthesis imaging, requiring repeated positioning and increasing examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit displays the tomosynthesis imaging position information before the pre-shot imaging is performed, allowing the operator to set the pre-shot imaging position to match the tomosynthesis imaging position in advance. This preliminary display of position information ensures that the positioning is done correctly the first time, eliminating the need for repeated positioning adjustments and reducing examination time.
2Manufacturing precision
If the imaging distance is set long or tomographic angle is set large for tomosynthesis imaging, then the imaging quality can be improved, but the radiation irradiation unit may move outside its movable range, causing imaging failure
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates the required movement distance of the radiation irradiation unit based on the tomosynthesis imaging conditions (imaging distance and tomographic angle) before the imaging starts. It then displays this calculated movement distance to the operator, allowing verification that the movement will stay within the movable range. This preliminary calculation and display prevent imaging failures due to exceeding mechanical limits.
3Productivity
If the operator manually adjusts positioning for pre-shot imaging without knowing subsequent tomosynthesis imaging conditions, then the pre-shot imaging can be completed, but repeated positioning adjustments are needed, increasing operator burden and examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides feedback to the operator by displaying the tomosynthesis imaging position information and the calculated movement distance before pre-shot imaging. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify that the positioning settings are appropriate, reducing the need for repeated adjustments and lowering operator burden while maintaining imaging efficiency.
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
This approach allows for efficient performance of tomosynthesis imaging without repositioning the radiation irradiation unit, reducing examination time and operator burden by ensuring the imaging conditions are aligned between pre-shot and tomosynthesis imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation detector that detects a radiation that is irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit and transmits through a subject
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus performs pre-shot imaging while considering the imaging condition on the tomosynthesis imaging which can be performed right thereafter without repeating a positioning of the radiation irradiation unit on the tomosynthesis imaging. The protocol for the per-shot imaging is read out. Reading out the protocol is executed by that the operator of operation unit of the console and the console 1 reads out the protocol for the pre-shot imaging from the radiology department information system along with the patient information. Therefore, the imaging condition of the protocol for the continuously executed tomosynthesis imaging is read out while linking the protocol of the pre-shot imaging.