Radioscopy Apparatus Gradation Function Pre-Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radioscopy apparatuses experience delays in starting appropriate gradation transformation processing, leading to prolonged wait times for operators before video display of radiographic images can begin, causing operational stress due to the need for repeated irradiation and radiation stop cycles until the processing becomes suitable.

Innovation Solution

A processing apparatus equipped with a processor that acquires subject body thickness using a measurement sensor, sets a customized gradation transformation function, and initiates processing, allowing for immediate start-up of appropriate gradation transformation processing, reducing the time needed for the apparatus to become operational.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a default gradation transformation function is used at the start of radioscopy, then the apparatus can begin operation immediately, but the video display quality is inappropriate until the function adapts to the subject's body thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime needed from radioscopy start until gradation transformation processing becomes appropriateVSAvoidquality of video display

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The body thickness measurement sensor measures the subject's body thickness before radioscopy begins, and the processor pre-sets the gradation transformation function according to this measurement. This preliminary action eliminates the adaptation delay while ensuring appropriate video display quality from the start.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the gradation transformation function adapts to body thickness during radioscopy, then video display quality improves, but operators experience stress due to delay and repeated irradiation cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of video displayVSAvoidoperator stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By measuring body thickness and setting the appropriate gradation transformation function before radioscopy starts, the system eliminates the need for operators to wait and repeatedly activate irradiation cycles, thereby reducing operator stress while maintaining high video display quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically measures body thickness and configures the optimal gradation transformation function without operator intervention, eliminating manual adjustments and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If a body thickness measurement sensor is added to pre-set the gradation transformation function, then start-up time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up time of appropriate processingVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operator adjustments and iterative trial-and-error processes with an automated optical measurement system (distance measurement camera) and algorithm-based function selection, reducing mechanical/operational complexity while improving speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution significantly reduces the time from the start of radioscopy to the initiation of appropriate gradation transformation processing, minimizing operator wait times and stress by enabling immediate video display of radiographic images.

Implementation Method 1

a distance measurement camera that outputs a distance image representing a distance to a surface of an object using a time-of-flight system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS11690588B2Processing apparatus, method of operating processing apparatus, and operation program for processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.07.04 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A body thickness conversion unit converts a body thickness from a distance image imaged by a distance measurement camera to acquire the body thickness. A setting unit sets a gradation transformation function for use in gradation transformation processing to a radiographic image corresponding to the body thickness. A radiographic image acquisition unit acquires the radiographic image output from a radiation detector in radioscopy. A gradation transformation processing unit starts the gradation transformation processing with the gradation transformation function set by the setting unit.