Radiographic Imaging Apparatus with Dynamic Zone-Specific Exposure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiographic imaging apparatuses face challenges in obtaining high-quality images while minimizing radiation exposure doses, particularly in varying object zones, as existing systems often require manual input of object size and characteristics.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a radiation irradiator and detector, with a controller that adjusts movement speed and radiation irradiation range based on radiation intensity changes, determining optimal tube currents and zone divisions to maintain constant exposure doses and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual input of object size and characteristics is required, then image quality can be optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radiographic imaging apparatus automatically detects object characteristics and adjusts imaging parameters without requiring manual input from the operator. The system performs self-measurement of object size and density, then autonomously optimizes tube current and exposure settings to achieve high-quality images while minimizing radiation dose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes imaging parameters (tube current, exposure time, collimation settings) based on automatically detected object characteristics. The controller adjusts these parameters in real-time according to the measured object properties, enabling optimal image quality without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If uniform radiation exposure is applied to the entire object, then simplicity of control is maintained, but radiation dose efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidradiation exposure dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different radiation exposure levels to different zones of the object based on locally detected characteristics. The collimator and tube current are adjusted for each zone according to its specific density and size requirements, enabling optimized radiation dose distribution without complex manual control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The object is divided into multiple zones with different imaging requirements. The system segments the radiation field and applies zone-specific parameters for tube current and collimation, allowing differentiated radiation dosing across the object while maintaining automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If high tube current is used for all zones, then image quality is ensured, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidradiation exposure dose
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tube current is dynamically adjusted for each zone based on detected object characteristics. High tube current is applied only to dense zones requiring higher penetration, while less dense zones receive lower tube current, optimizing the balance between image quality and radiation dose reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Different tube current levels are applied to different zones according to their specific attenuation properties. The system matches the radiation intensity to the local requirements of each zone, ensuring sufficient penetration where needed while minimizing exposure in less dense areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the irradiation field is adjusted for each zone, then radiation dose is minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposure doseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator and tube current control systems serve multiple functions: they define the irradiation field boundaries, adjust radiation intensity for different zones, and optimize dose distribution. This multi-functionality enables zone-specific radiation control without adding separate dedicated components for each function

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

This approach allows for the acquisition of high-quality radiographic images while minimizing radiation exposure, even without prior knowledge of object size or characteristics, enhancing user convenience and image readability.

Implementation Method 1

a radiographic imaging apparatus which captures an internal region of an object using a characteristic that radiation, such as X-rays, are absorbed by or transmitted through the object according to characteristics of materials included in the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation transmission and absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3213057B1Radiographic imaging apparatus and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3213057B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3213057B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3213057B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A radiographic imaging apparatus includes a radiation irradiator configured to irradiate radiation to an object; a radiation detector configured to detect an intensity of the radiation passing through the object; and a loader configured to load the object, and at least one of a movement speed of the loader and a range of radiation irradiation of the radiation irradiator is changed according to a change in the intensity of the radiation, when the change in the intensity of the radiation is greater than or equal to a threshold value.