Radiograph Control Device Automating Post-Processing Workflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the medical field, radiographers face challenges in efficiently executing a large number of radiographing operations and appropriate post-processing tasks within a limited time frame, leading to increased burden on technologists and prolonged waiting times for patients and hospital management, with existing solutions like JP 2016-87279A providing insufficient load reduction.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that automatically identify and prioritize radiographs requiring post-processing, using a hardware processor to obtain and filter radiographs based on predetermined conditions, and execute necessary post-processes, integrating with X-ray radiographic systems to streamline the radiography process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a technologist manually executes predetermined processes for each radiograph, then the quality of post-processing is maintained, but the time required and workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic execution of predetermined processes by the control device itself without requiring technologist intervention. The control device automatically identifies radiographs needing post-processing and executes the appropriate processes based on stored instructions, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual labor while maintaining processing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores predetermined processes in advance for different types of radiographs. When a radiograph is taken, the control device automatically retrieves and executes the pre-configured process corresponding to that radiograph type, eliminating the need for manual decision-making and execution during the actual processing phase.
2Measurement precision
If manual identification and processing of each radiograph is performed, then accurate selection of radiographs requiring post-processing is achieved, but the productivity decreases due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical manual identification process with an automated information processing system. The control device automatically identifies radiographs requiring post-processing by retrieving stored information about taken radiographs and comparing them against predetermined conditions, substituting human cognitive work with automated data retrieval and comparison operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored information about previously taken radiographs as feedback to automatically identify which current radiographs require post-processing. The control device retrieves historical data and uses it to make automated decisions about processing requirements, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy while improving speed.
3Productivity
If automated identification of radiographs is implemented, then processing speed increases, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs multiple functions: it controls the radiographic imaging process, stores information about taken radiographs, automatically identifies radiographs requiring post-processing, and executes predetermined processes. By consolidating these functions into a single control device, the system achieves automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the functions of radiograph acquisition, information storage, automated identification, and process execution into an integrated control system. By merging these previously separate functions into one unified control device, the system reduces the complexity that would arise from multiple independent automated components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual execution of post-processing is maintained, then flexibility in handling different radiograph types is preserved, but the burden on technologists increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores predetermined processes for different types of radiographs in advance. When a radiograph is taken, the control device automatically retrieves the appropriate pre-configured process based on the radiograph type, maintaining flexibility in handling different cases without requiring manual intervention. The adaptability is built into the pre-stored process library.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device automatically determines which radiographs require post-processing and executes the appropriate processes without technologist involvement. This self-service capability eliminates the burden on technologists while maintaining adaptability through automated retrieval and execution of predetermined processes tailored to each radiograph type.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a hardware processor that obtains a plurality of radiographs satisfying a predetermined condition, and identifies a radiograph to be subjected to a predetermined process, from among the plurality of radiographs obtained.