Tomosynthesis Filter Switching Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In tomosynthesis imaging, the frequent switching of filters between different energy levels increases the complexity and time required for capturing radiographic images at multiple irradiation positions.
Innovation Solution
A radiography system and method that optimizes filter switching by setting the filter used for the second imaging operation at one irradiation position as the filter for the first imaging operation at the next position, thereby reducing the number of filter switches during the entire tomosynthesis imaging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the filter is switched whenever radiation is emitted at each irradiation position to capture multiple radiographic images, then the imaging quality and energy differentiation are improved, but the number of filter switches increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-planning the filter switching schedule based on the irradiation position sequence. The control device determines in advance which filter to use at each position, and switches filters only when necessary before the next irradiation sequence begins. This reduces unnecessary filter switches while ensuring the correct filter is ready for each imaging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different filter configurations at different irradiation positions based on local requirements. Each position can use the most appropriate filter for its specific imaging needs, while the overall system optimizes the total number of switches by considering the sequence of positions to be imaged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the filter is switched whenever radiation is emitted at each irradiation position, then dual energy subtraction imaging capability is improved, but the imaging time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary planning of the imaging sequence and filter switching schedule before actual imaging begins. The control device determines the optimal filter switching points that maintain dual energy capability while minimizing the total time lost to filter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by organizing imaging into sequences where filters are switched periodically at predetermined irradiation positions rather than at every single irradiation event. This allows the system to maintain dual energy capability while reducing the frequency of filter switches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters are used at each irradiation position for radiation with different energy levels, then image processing flexibility is improved, but the operational complexity and filter switching frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary determination of the optimal filter sequence based on the planned imaging protocol. This automation reduces operational complexity by eliminating manual filter selection and switching decisions, while still providing access to multiple energy levels for flexible image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors the imaging progress and adjusts filter switching timing based on actual imaging requirements. This ensures optimal use of multiple filters while adapting to real-time conditions, reducing unnecessary switches.
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 approach significantly reduces the number of filter switches, simplifying the imaging process, reducing time, and improving operational efficiency in tomosynthesis imaging.
Implementation Method 1
irradiates an object with radiation at a plurality of irradiation positions having different irradiation angles
Implementation Method 2
a radiography apparatus comprises a plurality of types of filters and captures a radiographic image using a filter selected from the plurality of types of filters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided are an imaging control device, a radiography system, an imaging control method, and an imaging control program that can reduce the number of times filters are switched in the entire tomosynthesis imaging in which images are captured a plurality of times at each of a plurality of irradiation positions. In tomosynthesis imaging which uses a radiation source (29) that generates radiation and an Al filter (30) and a Cu filter (32) that change the quality of the radiation, irradiates a breast (W) with the radiation emitted from the radiation source at a plurality of irradiation positions having different irradiation angles, and switches the Al filter and the Cu filter at each of the irradiation positions such that the radiation having different qualities is emitted to capture a plurality of radiographic images of the breast at each of the irradiation positions, a CPU (40A, 50A) performs control to set a last filter used at an n-th irradiation position as an initial filter used at an (n+1)-th irradiation position.