Radiographic Image Capturing System Cassette Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radiographic image capturing systems where both CR and FPD apparatuses coexist, there is a risk of careless radiation emission due to the default controlling method prioritizing CR apparatus settings, leading to improper image capturing and increased exposure doses when switching between CR and FPD methods.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic image capturing system that includes a FPD apparatus, a CR apparatus, a radiation emission device, and a console that selects image capturing order information and sends signals to control radiation emission, ensuring the FPD apparatus is in a ready state before emitting radiation, and immediately emits radiation when using the CR apparatus, preventing careless exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the default controlling method prioritizes CR apparatus settings, then CR image capturing can be performed immediately, but careless radiation emission may occur when switching to FPD method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmediate radiation emission capabilityVSAvoidradiation emission control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of the inserted cassette type (CR or FPD) and pre-configures the appropriate controlling method before radiation emission. The console detects whether a CR cassette or FPD cassette is inserted and automatically switches the controlling method in advance, preventing careless radiation emission while maintaining immediate readiness for the correct operation mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the system waits for FPD apparatus ready state before radiation emission, then careless exposure is prevented, but image capturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure control accuracyVSAvoidimage capturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the radiation emission control流程 based on the detected cassette type. When a CR cassette is detected, the system allows immediate radiation emission without waiting for apparatus ready state. When an FPD cassette is detected, the system waits for the FPD apparatus to reach ready state before allowing radiation emission. This dynamic adaptation eliminates unnecessary time delays while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the controlling method is fixed for CR apparatus, then操作简单, but cannot adapt when FPD apparatus is used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrolling simplicityVSAvoidmethod switching capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The console is designed with multi-functionality to support both CR and FPD controlling methods through a single device. The system universally handles both cassette types by automatically detecting the inserted cassette type and switching between CR controlling method (immediate emission) and FPD controlling method (wait for ready state). This eliminates the need for separate controlling systems while maintaining simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Prevents careless radiation emission and ensures appropriate method switching, maintaining proper exposure control and reducing the burden on patients by ensuring the FPD apparatus is ready before radiation is emitted and allowing immediate radiation emission when using the CR apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

radiation which transmitted through a subject such as the body of a patient, the radiation being emitted from a predetermined radiation source, is received by the stimulable phosphor plate and radiation energy holding the subject information is accumulated therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhosphorescence: Phosphorescence

Implementation Method 2

detects the emitted radiation with radiation detection elements and obtains as image data, the radiation detection elements such as photodiodes or the like being arranged on a substrate in a two dimensional manner (in matrix)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2845540B1Radiographic image capturing device
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHICS INC
  • EP2845540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2845540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The console (58) of the radiographic image capturing system (50) sends a first signal indicating that the image capturing is to be performed by using the CR apparatus (1C) to the radiation emission device (57) when the image capturing order information which indicates that the image capturing is to be performed by using the CR apparatus (1C) is selected, and when the exposure switch (56) is operated in a state where the first signal is not received from the console (58), the radiation emission device (57) makes the radiation source (52) emit the radiation when an interlock release signal is received from the FPD apparatus (1F), and when the exposure switch (56) is operated after the first signal is received from the console (58), the radiation emission device (57) makes the radiation source (52) emit the radiation immediately.