Radiographic Image Capturing System Irradiation Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiographic image capturing devices face challenges in detecting irradiation without an interface with the irradiation device, leading to potential errors in image data due to noise from current detecting means and the occurrence of linear defects in images, which can affect diagnostic accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic image capturing system with a control device that performs cyclic reading operations to detect irradiation by calculating leak data and image data using various methods, allowing for accurate detection of irradiation start and correction of linear defects in the image data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an interface is formed with an irradiation device to exchange signals, then irradiation detection can be coordinated, but interface compatibility issues arise when devices are from different manufacturers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation detection reliabilityVSAvoidinterface compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiographic image capturing device independently detects irradiation using its own radiation detection elements without requiring an external interface with the irradiation device. The control device monitors signals from the radiation detection elements to determine when irradiation occurs, making the system self-sufficient and compatible with any irradiation device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The irradiation detection function is extracted from the interface communication with the irradiation device and implemented directly within the radiographic image capturing device using its existing radiation detection elements. This eliminates the need for manufacturer-specific interfaces while maintaining reliable irradiation detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If current detecting means is used to detect irradiation, then irradiation start can be detected, but noise from the detecting means affects image data quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation detection accuracyVSAvoidnoise in image data
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detection elements serve as an intermediary between the radiation and the control device. Instead of using separate current detecting means that introduce noise, the system uses the existing radiation detection elements to indirectly detect irradiation by monitoring changes in their output signals, thereby avoiding direct electrical contact and noise injection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical current detection method is replaced with a signal processing approach. The control device analyzes the output signals from the radiation detection elements to detect irradiation, substituting direct electrical measurement with a non-intrusive signal analysis method that does not introduce noise into the image data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If cyclic reading operations are performed to detect irradiation, then accurate irradiation start detection is achieved, but reading time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation detection accuracyVSAvoidreading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary cyclic reading operations continuously before irradiation occurs, establishing a baseline of normal signal levels. When irradiation starts, the control device detects the deviation from this baseline, allowing for accurate and timely detection without requiring extended reading times during the actual irradiation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses feedback from the cyclic reading operations to dynamically adjust detection thresholds and determine irradiation start. By continuously monitoring the signals and comparing them against established patterns, the system achieves accurate detection while minimizing the time required, as the feedback loop quickly identifies when irradiation begins.

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

Enables accurate detection of irradiation and correction of linear defects, improving the quality of radiographic images by identifying and repairing defects based on calculation methods used for irradiation detection.

Implementation Method 1

a so-called direct type radiographic image capturing device wherein electric charge is generated by a detection element in response to the dosage of applied radiation such as X-ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a so-called indirect type radiographic image capturing device wherein, after the applied radiation has been converted into electromagnetic waves of another wavelength such as visible light by a scintillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentEP2493176B1Radiographic image capturing system and radiographic image capturing device
Publication Date: 2017.08.09 KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHICS INC
  • EP2493176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2493176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2493176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation image capturing system includes: a detecting section provided with a plurality of radiation detection elements arranged two-dimensionally in small regions each partitioned by a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of signal lines, wherein, prior to radiation image capturing operation, processing of reading out leak data from the radiation detection elements is repeated, a start of irradiation is detected when any one of values calculated by calculation of the leak data using a plurality of mutually differing calculation methods exceeds a corresponding set threshold value among the threshold values set to the plurality of the calculation methods, a scope of the image data containing a defect based on information of the calculation method is identified, and then the image data in the identified scope is repaired with a reparation method corresponding to the calculation method.