Radiographic Image Capturing Device Targeted X-Ray Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In interventional radiology, it is challenging to accurately locate the position of a vascular occlusion or cancer cells within an object during procedures, leading to increased radiation doses as the entire area is often imaged rather than just the specific region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image capturing device with a capturing unit, extraction unit, still-image display control unit, mark display control unit, and capture control unit that allows for the extraction of still images, marking specific areas of interest, and controlled X-ray exposure to only the marked regions, enabling precise imaging and reduced radiation doses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the entire portion whose image should be captured is imaged, then the position of the portion to be subjected to surgery can be grasped, but the radiation dose to the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into two distinct phases: a preliminary imaging phase to capture the entire portion and identify the target area, and a subsequent detailed imaging phase to capture only the specific portion to be subjected to surgery. This segmentation allows the system to first obtain positional relationship information from the wide-area image, then focus radiation only on the identified target region, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining complete positional awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of the entire portion before conducting detailed imaging of the target area. By first capturing the full context and identifying the precise location of the portion to be subjected to surgery, the system can then limit subsequent radiation exposure to only that specific area. This preliminary action ensures that positional relationship information is obtained before concentrated imaging begins.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If only the portion to be subjected to surgery is displayed in an enlarged manner, then radiation dose can be reduced, but it becomes difficult to grasp the position on the portion whose image should be captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested display structure where the detailed image of the portion to be subjected to surgery is overlaid or integrated with the broader context image of the entire portion. This nested presentation allows the operator to simultaneously view both the enlarged target area and its position within the overall anatomy, maintaining positional relationship information while focusing radiation only on the necessary small area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the display by showing multiple views or perspectives simultaneously - combining a wide-area view with an enlarged detailed view of the target region. This dimensional approach to information presentation allows the operator to grasp both the global positional context and the local detailed features without requiring full-radiation imaging of the entire area.
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 allows for precise localization of treatment areas, reducing the radiation dose to the patient by focusing X-ray exposure on specific areas, thereby improving procedural efficiency and minimizing exposure to unnecessary radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a capturing unit that captures a radiographic image based on radiation which penetrates through an object
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic image capturing device includes a capturing unit that captures a radiographic image based on radiation (for example, X-rays) which penetrates through an object. A system control section extracts one still image from the radiographic image that is captured by the capturing unit, and displays the extracted still image on a second display section of a graphical user interface. The system control section displays a mark on a predetermined portion, which corresponds to a portion to be subjected to surgery, of the still image that is displayed on the second display section. When the mark that is displayed on the still image is selected, the system control section performs control of capturing an image of a corresponding portion of the object that corresponds to the predetermined portion using the capturing unit.