Radiological Imaging Subject Thickness Calculation via Laser Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiological image photographing technologies face challenges in accurately calculating subject thickness when the distance between the radiation source and the detector is not easily obtainable, leading to variations in image quality due to scattering and decreased transmissivity.
Innovation Solution
A radiological image photographing apparatus and method that includes a radiation source, detector, and distance measurement units to calculate subject thickness using a standard line with fixed reference points, allowing for subject thickness calculation even when the radiation source-detector distance is not easily measurable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between radiation source and detector is used to calculate subject thickness, then calculation accuracy is improved, but measurement complexity increases when the distance is not easily obtainable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser distance measurement device as an intermediary tool to measure the distance between the radiation source and detector. This mediator enables accurate subject thickness calculation without requiring direct access to the radiation source-detector distance, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process into two independent parts: (1) measuring the distance between radiation source and detector using laser distance measurement, and (2) calculating subject thickness using this distance along with image data. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently, improving overall measurement accuracy while managing complexity.
2Reliability
If subject thickness is not accurately calculated, then image quality deteriorates due to scattering and decreased transmissivity, but obtaining distance measurements increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The laser distance measurement device serves as an intermediary that provides accurate distance data without requiring complex integration with the radiological imaging system. This mediator enables reliable image quality through accurate subject thickness calculation while keeping the added system complexity manageable and independent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical measurement methods with laser-based distance measurement, which provides higher precision and non-contact measurement capabilities. This substitution improves image quality through more accurate subject thickness calculation while avoiding the complexity of mechanical measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple distance measurement points are used to calculate subject thickness, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement by capturing a radiological image first, which provides initial information about the subject. This preliminary action allows the system to focus subsequent laser distance measurements on specific critical points, improving accuracy while reducing the total number of measurements needed and thus minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a selective approach to distance measurement, measuring distances at key points (such as multiple points on the subject surface) rather than attempting to measure every point. This partial measurement strategy achieves sufficient accuracy for subject thickness calculation while significantly reducing measurement time compared to comprehensive full-surface measurement.
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
Enables accurate calculation of subject thickness, improving image quality by accounting for scattering and transmissivity variations, and allowing for optimal photographing conditions to be determined.
Implementation Method 1
an influence of the occurrence of scattering of a radioactive ray in the photographic subject
Implementation Method 2
a decrease in radiological transmissivity
Data Source
AI summary
A distance between a radiation source standard point indicating a position of a radiation source and a photographic subject on a standard line passing through the radiation source standard point and a detector standard point indicating a position of a detector is measured, a distance between a first reference point positioned in a first direction which is directed towards the detector standard point from the radiation source standard point with respect to the detector standard point and the detector standard point is measured, a distance between a second reference point positioned in a direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the radiation source and the radiation source standard point is measured, and a subject thickness of the photographic subject is calculated by using the distances and a distance from the distance from the first reference point to the second reference point.