Radiation Source Replacement Detection in Radiographic Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The image quality of radiographic images obtained from radiographic imaging apparatuses is compromised when the radiation source is replaced, as existing systems fail to update correction data accordingly, leading to suboptimal image quality.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing control apparatus that includes a communication unit, a radiation irradiating unit with a radiation source, a storage unit for correction information, and a controller that issues an alarm and generates new correction information when the radiation source or related components are replaced, ensuring accurate image correction for each combination of imaging apparatus and radiation source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the radiation source is replaced, then the imaging system can use new or improved radiation components, but the image quality deteriorates because correction information is not updated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement of radiation sourceVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by detecting radiation source replacement through ID comparison between the current and previously stored radiation source IDs. When a mismatch is detected, the system automatically triggers the generation of new correction information, ensuring that image quality is maintained despite component replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by proactively generating new correction information immediately when radiation source replacement is detected, before any radiographic imaging is performed. This prevents image quality deterioration by ensuring correction data is ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If correction data is stored for every electronic cassette and radiation source combination, then image quality is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidcorrection data management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by automatically detecting radiation source replacement through ID comparison and autonomously generating new correction information without requiring manual intervention. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive correction data for different component combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The correction information management system serves multiple functions: it stores correction data for different electronic cassette and radiation source combinations, detects component replacements, and generates new correction data as needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual updates of correction information are performed after radiation source replacement, then image quality can be restored, but time is lost and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating correction information immediately when radiation source replacement is detected, eliminating the need for manual updates and associated delays. This ensures imaging productivity is maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from radiation source ID detection to automatically trigger correction information generation, creating a closed-loop system that responds to component changes without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining high imaging productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively suppresses image quality deterioration by ensuring that correction information is updated when radiation source components are replaced, maintaining optimal image quality in radiographic imaging.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source for generating the radiation and irradiates the radiation from the radiation source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation generation: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS8021047B2Image capturing control apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.09.20 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

There is provided an image capturing control apparatus including: a communication unit which communicates with a radiographic imaging apparatus which captures a radiographic image represented by irradiated radiation and generates image information indicating the captured radiographic image; a radiation irradiating unit which is provided with a radiation source for generating the radiation and irradiates the radiation from the radiation source; a storage unit which stores correction information for correcting the radiographic image generated by the radiographic imaging apparatus; and a controller which controls an alarm unit to issue an alarm in a case where the radiation source provided to the radiation irradiating unit or a part which influences irradiation by the radiation source is replaced.