Radiographic Image Control Apparatus for Automated Quality Assessment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiographic imaging systems require manual visual confirmation by operators to determine if images require re-imaging, which is inefficient and prone to errors due to the need for visual comparison of image quality.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus that receives and processes radiographic images in stages, displaying a low-resolution image when the image meets standards and a high-resolution image when it does not, allowing for immediate detection of substandard images and facilitating decision-making on re-imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the operator performs visual confirmation work to determine whether re-imaging is necessary, then the accuracy of determination is improved, but the processing time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of determinationVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical visual confirmation process with an automated image processing system that compares radiographic images against standard images using computer algorithms, thereby eliminating manual visual inspection while maintaining or improving determination accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate image processing unit that acts as a mediator between the radiographic imaging apparatus and the operator, automatically analyzing images and providing assistance information to guide the operator's decision-making process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high-resolution images are always displayed to ensure accurate determination, then the accuracy of determination is improved, but the data transmission time and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of determinationVSAvoiddata transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image data transmission by sending reduced-resolution images first for initial processing and determination, then transmitting only specific regions of interest at full resolution if needed, thereby reducing overall data transmission time while maintaining determination accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial processing by initially analyzing only essential image regions or using reduced images for preliminary determination, and only processes full-resolution images when absolutely necessary for final confirmation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11302004B2Control apparatus, radiographic imaging system, control method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 CANON KK

AI summary

A control apparatus includes a reception unit that receives a plurality of reduced images included in a radiographic image in stages from a radiographic imaging apparatus, and a display control unit that, in a case where the radiographic image meets a pre-determined standard, displays a first image generated from the reduced images on a display unit, and in a case where the radiographic image does not meet the pre-determined standard, displays on the display unit a second image generated from more reduced images than the reduced images from which the first image is generated.