Radiography Mode Switching for Faster Fluoroscopy and General Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiography systems do not efficiently switch between fluoroscopy and general imaging, limiting imaging efficiency in medical applications such as gastric barium examinations and orthopedic treatments.

Innovation Solution

A radiography system capable of switching between fluoroscopy and general imaging modes, utilizing different processors for image processing and controlling irradiation conditions to optimize imaging efficiency, with separate image processing devices for fluoroscopy and general imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single system is used for both fluoroscopy and general imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging efficiency and operational flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct fluoroscopy processing units and general imaging processing units, each optimized for their specific function. This allows independent optimization of each mode while maintaining overall system efficiency, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and imaging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiography system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both fluoroscopy and general imaging operations. By integrating multiple processing capabilities within a single system framework, the invention achieves operational flexibility and improved imaging efficiency without requiring entirely separate systems.

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

2Speed

If separate processors are used for fluoroscopy and general imaging, then image processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing speedVSAvoidprocessor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is divided into separate fluoroscopy processors and general imaging processors, allowing each to be optimized for its specific processing requirements. This segmentation enables faster, specialized processing for each mode while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If the irradiation area is increased to cover the entire detection surface, then imaging coverage is improved, but the ability to perform both fluoroscopy and general imaging with optimal conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation areaVSAvoidimaging mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing the irradiation area to be changed based on the imaging mode requirements. This enables the system to optimize the irradiation area for each specific mode (fluoroscopy or general imaging) rather than being fixed, thereby maintaining versatility and optimal performance for both modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances imaging efficiency by allowing seamless switching between fluoroscopy and general imaging, improving operational flexibility and image processing speed.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source 10 that emits radiation R

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a radiation detector 11 that detects the radiation R transmitted through the subject P

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4574047B1Radiography system, radiography method, and radiography program
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4574047B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4574047B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4574047B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a radiography system, a radiography method, and a radiography program that can improve an imaging efficiency in a radiography system capable of executing fluoroscopy and general imaging in a switchable manner. A radiography system sets an imaging mode to a fluoroscopy mode in a case where a condition that an irradiation area of radiation on a detection surface of a radiation detector is equal to or less than a maximum area capable of detecting the radiation in the radiation detector is satisfied, and causes the radiation detector to start processing of continuously acquiring an image at a predetermined frame rate regardless of whether or not an instruction to start irradiation with the radiation is received in a case where the imaging mode is the fluoroscopy mode.