Semiconductor Light Source for Uniform X-ray Field Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray diagnosis apparatuses face challenges with light source devices having short service life and poor time response, making it difficult for operators to identify the X-ray irradiation field due to non-uniform brightness and unclear boundaries, especially when using halogen lamps or multiple semiconductors.

Innovation Solution

A light source device comprising a light-emitting part with semiconductor lasers or LEDs, a reflective part with a parabolic surface to collect and direct light, and a light irradiation part that outputs light of uniform brightness, allowing for clear visualization of the X-ray irradiation field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a halogen lamp is used as the light source device, then the light emission point can simulate an X-ray focal point, but the service life is short and the time response is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission point simulationVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the light source from halogen lamp to light-emitting semiconductor (LED or semiconductor laser), transitioning from thermal radiation to electroluminescence mechanism, thereby achieving long service life and fast response while maintaining adequate brightness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal light generation system (halogen lamp with filament heating) with a semiconductor-based electroluminescence system, eliminating the limitations of thermal response time and filament lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple light-emitting semiconductors are used to increase brightness, then the service life is extended, but the light irradiation field suffers from non-uniform brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidbrightness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light-emitting semiconductors into multiple individual elements arranged in an array, where each semiconductor has its own light emission point, allowing independent control and uniform distribution of light across the irradiation field

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple light emission points from individual semiconductors into a unified light irradiation field through optical integration, achieving both high brightness and uniformity by combining the emissions in a controlled manner

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple light-emitting semiconductors are used, then the service life is extended, but the boundary of the light irradiation field becomes unclear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidirradiation field identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring each light-emitting semiconductor provides a localized point source of light with sufficient intensity, and the collective arrangement of these point sources creates a well-defined irradiation field boundary that is easily identifiable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical integrating element as an intermediary between the multiple semiconductor light sources and the irradiation field, which uniformizes the light distribution while maintaining clear boundary definition through controlled optical pathways

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a halogen lamp is used, then the light source can be simple in structure, but the operator has difficulty in knowing the operating state due to poor time response

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight source structureVSAvoidtime response
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-inertia-based halogen lamp system with a semiconductor electroluminescence system that responds instantaneously to electrical control signals, enabling real-time indication of operating state without mechanical or thermal delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the ability of light-emitting semiconductors to respond rapidly to periodic or pulsing electrical signals, allowing the light intensity to be modulated according to the operating state for clear visual feedback to the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides a light source device capable of emitting light of sufficient and uniform brightness, enabling clear identification of the X-ray irradiation field and improving the operator's understanding of the X-ray diagnosis apparatus's operating state.

Implementation Method 1

The light-emitting part includes a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

The light source device includes a reflective part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10022093B2X-ray diagnosis apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2018.07.17 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US10022093B2 patent drawing
  • US10022093B2 patent drawing
  • US10022093B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray irradiator, a light source device, and a light emission control unit. The X-ray irradiator emits X-rays to a subject. The light source device includes a light-emitting part and a light irradiation part. The light-emitting part includes a semiconductor laser or a light-emitting diode for emitting light. The light irradiation part emits the light as output light indicating the irradiation field of the X-rays. The light emission control unit controls the light-emitting part according to the operating state of the X-ray irradiator.