Radiographic System Field-Specific Dose Index Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiographic systems struggle to determine whether a sufficient amount of radiation is incident on the measuring fields during radiographic imaging using Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), as they display exposure index values and set target values based on the entire radiographic image rather than specific measuring fields.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic system that allows operators to determine if a desirable amount of radiation is incident on measuring fields by calculating and displaying exposure index values and target values specifically for these fields, using a control apparatus that communicates with the radiographic apparatus and radiation generation apparatus to manage radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If exposure index values are calculated and displayed based on the entire radiographic image, then the system can provide dose information, but it cannot determine whether sufficient radiation is incident on specific measuring fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiographic image into multiple regions including measuring fields and non-measuring fields. The control apparatus calculates exposure index values separately for each region type, enabling precise dose assessment for measuring fields while maintaining overall dose monitoring. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both comprehensive and specific dose information simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If radiation exposure is controlled based on overall image dose, then dose control is simplified, but unnecessary radiation may be applied to specific fields
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus calculates exposure index values for measuring fields in real-time during radiographic imaging and compares them against reference values. When the measured EI exceeds the reference, the system automatically stops radiation irradiation. This feedback mechanism enables precise field-specific dose control while preventing unnecessary radiation exposure, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and radiation optimization.
3Extent of automation
If automatic exposure control stops irradiation when overall dose threshold is reached, then exposure control is automated, but it cannot ensure optimal dose for specific measuring fields
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments dose monitoring by calculating separate exposure index values for measuring fields and non-measuring fields. The automated stop condition is specifically tied to measuring field EI values compared against reference values, ensuring that automation decisions are based on field-specific dose information rather than overall image dose, thus achieving both automation and dose optimization precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical dose monitoring systems with digital image analysis. The control apparatus extracts measuring fields from captured images and calculates EI values digitally, substituting physical dosimeters with computational methods. This enables automated, precise field-specific dose control without additional hardware, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and dosing precision.
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
Enables operators to accurately assess and control radiation exposure on specific measuring fields, reducing unnecessary radiation and ensuring optimal imaging conditions by displaying dose index values and deviation indices for each field.
Implementation Method 1
radiographic apparatus that includes a matrix substrate including a pixel array formed by combining switches, like thin-film transistors (TFTs), with conversion elements, like photoelectric conversion elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiographic system that includes a radiation generation apparatus configured to emit radiation, a radiographic apparatus configured to generate a radiographic image based on the radiation, a control apparatus configured to communicate with the radiographic apparatus to receive the radiographic image and control operation, the radiographic system includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain a plurality of dose index values using the radiation image generated based on the radiation.