Radiographic Imaging Apparatus Calibration Timing Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiographic imaging systems face inefficiencies in calibration timing, leading to unnecessary calibration operations, especially in wireless cassettes where frequent power supply changes impair imaging efficiency and fail to address the need for immediate imaging in urgent situations.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic imaging apparatus and method that detects conditions such as power application, elapsed time, and connection status to determine if calibration information is appropriate, enabling calibration only when necessary, and allowing for emergency imaging notifications to prevent unnecessary calibration during urgent procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is carried out each time power supply is turned on, then calibration accuracy is maintained, but imaging efficiency deteriorates due to unnecessary calibration operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the calibration timing parameter from 'every power-on' to 'based on operational conditions'. It monitors power supply status, elapsed time, and connection status as parameters to determine when calibration is actually needed, avoiding unnecessary calibration operations while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis to determine whether calibration is needed. By monitoring its own operational parameters (power supply state, time elapsed, connection status), the system autonomously decides when calibration should be performed without external intervention or fixed scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of energy

If power supply is frequently turned on and off in wireless cassettes, then power consumption is reduced, but calibration timing becomes problematic and imaging is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimaging delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts calibration timing based on the actual power supply pattern and operational state. Instead of a fixed 'calibrate on every power-on' rule, the system adapts its calibration schedule according to the dynamic conditions of power supply changes, time elapsed, and connection status, allowing flexible operation with wireless cassettes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary assessment of calibration necessity before actually executing calibration. By checking power supply status, elapsed time, and connection status in advance, the system determines whether calibration is truly needed, preventing unnecessary delays in urgent imaging situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If calibration is performed regularly regardless of necessity, then detector deterioration is compensated, but system operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector performanceVSAvoidsystem operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from monitoring operational parameters (power supply status, elapsed time, connection status) to determine calibration timing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain detector performance by calibrating when needed while avoiding unnecessary operations that would increase complexity.

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 approach ensures efficient calibration without impairing imaging efficiency, particularly in wireless cassettes, by determining the necessity of calibration based on detected conditions and allowing for emergency imaging notifications, thus optimizing system performance.

Implementation Method 1

a FPD using a semiconductor, such as amorphous selenium, which generates an electric charge when exposed to radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2363733B1Radiographic imaging apparatus, method and program
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP2363733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2363733B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2363733B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Appropriate calibration is provided when a radiographic image is taken using a radiation detector. When a detecting unit (40) detects at least one of conditions including that power is applied to cassettes (22A, 22B), that a predetermined time period has elapsed from the application of power, and that the cassettes (22A, 22B) are connected is detected, a control unit (48) determines whether or not calibration information of the currently connected cassettes is appropriate. If a negative determination is made, calibration is carried out to obtain new calibration information.