Unified Image Processing Computer for Radiography and Fluoroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems for fluoroscopy and radiography require separate image processing computers and radiation receivers due to differences in image resolution and frequency, leading to distinct operating workflows and increased complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A combined medical imaging system that processes image data from both fluoroscopy and radiography on a single image processing computer, using a single radiation receiver or separate but identical computer systems, with image chain components designed to handle both matrix sizes and frequencies, allowing for parallel connection of specific parts for each image type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate image processing computers are used for fluoroscopy and radiography, then each system can be optimized for its specific requirements (resolution, frequency, processing algorithms), but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single image processing computer capable of performing both fluoroscopy and radiography image processing. The system uses a unified hardware platform with configurable software that can adapt to different processing requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated computers while maintaining optimization for each modality through parameter adjustment and algorithm selection
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration where the image processing computer can dynamically adjust its parameters, algorithms, and processing pipelines based on the active modality (fluoroscopy or radiography). This allows the same hardware to optimize performance for each specific application by changing software settings, filter configurations, and processing priorities in real-time
2Measurement precision
If separate radiation receivers are used for fluoroscopy and radiography, then each detector can be optimized for its specific resolution and frequency requirements, but the device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal radiation receiver that can operate in both fluoroscopy and radiography modes. The detector is designed with sufficient resolution and frequency response capabilities to handle both modalities, controlled by software configuration and processing parameters rather than requiring physically different detectors for each application
3Manufacturing precision
If different image processing algorithms are used for fluoroscopy and radiography, then each modality achieves optimal image quality, but the software complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing algorithms into modular, selectable components that can be independently configured for different modalities. The system provides separate processing pipelines for fluoroscopy and radiography that can be activated based on the current application, allowing optimal image quality for each while maintaining a unified software architecture that simplifies user interaction through context-aware automatic selection
Data Source
AI summary
A combination radiography and fluoroscopy system includes in one embodiment a radiography radiation generator and radiography radiation receiver, a fluoroscopy radiation generator and fluoroscopy radiation receiver, and a single computer system connected to receive signals from the radiography radiation receiver and fluoroscopy radiation receiver. The single computer system includes signal processing paths for the radiography signal and for the fluoroscopy signal wherein some processes or modules are common between the paths and some are path specific. The path specific processes are preferably connected in parallel. Common controls and a common interface are provided to the monitor connected to the computer system. An alternative uses a single radiation receiver for both radiography and fluoroscopy, along with the single computer system Another alternative provides for separate computers for signal processing of the radiography and fluoroscopy signals, the two computers running substantially identical signal processing programs.