Radiography Imaging Support With Synchronized Optical Motion Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiography systems face issues with misregistration of the imaging site due to slight subject movement, leading to unclear depictions in radiation images, necessitating unnecessary reimaging, and there is a lack of precise synchronization between optical and radiation image capture.

Innovation Solution

An imaging support device with an optical camera capturing motion pictures synchronized with radiation image detection, allowing for precise alignment by superimposing still optical images onto motion pictures for real-time display, reducing time lag and improving positioning accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical camera captures still images for alignment reference, then positioning accuracy improves, but time lag between optical and radiation image capture increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidtime lag
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical camera captures motion pictures continuously at regular intervals, providing multiple optical images at different time points. This periodic capture allows the system to select the most appropriate optical image for alignment that minimizes time lag with the radiation image capture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static still image capture to dynamic motion picture capture. By using a sequence of optical images from motion pictures, the system can dynamically select the frame that best aligns with the radiation image timing, adapting to subject movement during the imaging process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple optical images are captured for alignment, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical camera serves multiple functions: it captures both still images and motion pictures, provides real-time visual feedback, and supplies alignment reference images. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems while improving alignment accuracy through multiple image options.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical copies (images) of the subject from motion pictures as reference for alignment with the radiation image. These optical copies serve as virtual models that guide positioning without requiring additional physical positioning aids or complex mechanical alignment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If reimaging is performed to correct misregistration, then image quality improves, but loss of time and increase in exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidreimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment by displaying optical images from motion pictures before radiation image capture. This preliminary visual guidance allows the operator to position the subject correctly in advance, preventing misregistration and avoiding the need for time-consuming reimaging procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying optical images that show subject position and movement. This feedback allows the operator to make real-time adjustments to positioning, ensuring correct alignment before radiation exposure and eliminating the need for corrective reimaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4129184B1Imaging assistance device, method for operating same, and operation program
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4129184B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129184B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4129184B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging support device used in a radiography apparatus including a radiation source and a radiation image detector that detects a radiation image of a subject on the basis of radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject includes an optical camera that outputs an optical image by optically imaging a region including an irradiation field of the radiation applied to the subject from the radiation source, and at least one processor, in which the processor associates the optical image acquired by the optical camera with the radiation image on the basis of a timing signal transmitted from the radiation image detector side.