Radiography Apparatus Scout View Slit and Broad Beam Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiography apparatuses face challenges in accurately specifying and capturing sectional images of large objects due to high acquisition costs and exposure issues, particularly when using two-dimensional-type imaging means, which are difficult to scale and result in exposure problems when using large X-ray cone beams.

Innovation Solution

A medical radiography apparatus with a supporting means for X-ray generating and detecting sections, a moving means to adjust the position, and a control system to switch between X-ray slit and broad beams, allowing for precise specification and imaging of interested areas using a combination of first and second imaging means on a single imaging plane, enabling the generation of sectional images with reduced exposure and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a two-dimensional-type imaging means of large size is used to capture sectional images by irradiating with a large X-ray cone beam, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the acquisition cost increases significantly and exposure problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidexposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into two stages: first, a scout view image is captured to identify the interested area, then a sectional image is captured only of that specific area using a narrow cone beam. This segmentation allows the system to avoid irradiating the entire large area with a broad beam, thereby reducing exposure while maintaining the capability to image large objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A scout view image is captured in advance to specify the interested area before capturing the sectional image. This preliminary action allows the system to plan the subsequent imaging to cover only the necessary area, preventing unnecessary exposure of other regions while ensuring the target area is properly imaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Area of stationary object

If a two-dimensional-type imaging means of large size is used to capture sectional images, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the acquisition cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidacquisition cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into two stages: first, a scout view image is captured to identify the interested area, then a sectional image is captured only of that specific area using a narrow cone beam. This segmentation allows the system to avoid irradiating the entire large area with a broad beam, thereby reducing exposure while maintaining the capability to image large objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A scout view image is captured in advance to specify the interested area before capturing the sectional image. This preliminary action allows the system to plan the subsequent imaging to cover only the necessary area, preventing unnecessary exposure of other regions while ensuring the target area is properly imaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a narrow X-ray cone beam is used to irradiate only the interested area, then the exposure is reduced and costs are lowered, but the ability to capture overall transmission images is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveexposureVSAvoidimaging mode flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its imaging approach based on the imaging mode selected. In transmission image mode, it uses a broad beam to cover the entire area, while in sectional image mode, it switches to a narrow beam focused on the interested area. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain versatility while reducing exposure when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The radiography apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture both transmission images using a broad beam and sectional images using a narrow beam. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different imaging needs, providing versatility while enabling exposure reduction through selective narrow beam usage.

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

The apparatus effectively captures sectional images with reduced exposure and costs by allowing precise positioning and imaging of interested areas using a combination of X-ray slit and broad beams, addressing the limitations of existing technologies in scaling and exposure management.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generating section to generate an X-ray slit beam and an X-ray broad beam by switching control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detecting section to detect an X-ray image in response to the X-ray slit beam and an X-ray image in response to the X-ray broad beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS7711085B2Radiography apparatus with scout view function
Publication Date: 2010.05.04 J MORITA MANUFACTURING CORP
  • US7711085B2 patent drawing
  • US7711085B2 patent drawing
  • US7711085B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An X-ray detecting section (13) comprises a first imaging means (S1) to generate an X-ray image in response to the X-ray slit beam (B) and a second imaging means (S2) to generate an X-ray image in response to the X-ray broad beam (BB). The radiography apparatus (M) displays a first X-ray image generated by the X-ray slit beam (B) and said first imaging means (S1), specifies a desired interested area (R) on the first X-ray image, and generates a predetermined sectional image as a second X-ray image by using the X-ray broad beam (BB) and the second imaging means (S2) with respect to the specified interested area (R).