X-ray Diaphragm Control for Dynamic Region of Interest Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray diagnosis apparatuses face challenges in accurately setting and moving the region of interest to follow the movement of devices within blood vessels during procedures, leading to inefficient exposure and potential excessive radiation.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray diagnosis apparatus incorporates a system control circuit that acquires blood vessel running information and device position data to control the X-ray diaphragm, dynamically adjusting the region of interest's size and shape to align with the device's movement, ensuring precise X-ray irradiation and minimizing exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the region of interest is manually set and kept fixed, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of device position tracking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice position tracking accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously acquires the actual position of the device during the procedure and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the region of interest based on this feedback, ensuring the ROI accurately follows the device movement without requiring complex manual repositioning by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically tracks and adjusts the region of interest based on device position information without requiring continuous manual intervention. The control unit autonomously manages the ROI positioning, reducing operator workload while maintaining high tracking precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the region of interest is enlarged to cover all possible device positions, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of energy increases due to unnecessary X-ray exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice position tracking accuracyVSAvoidX-ray exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The region of interest is dynamically adjusted based on the actual device position rather than being statically enlarged to cover all possible positions. The control unit modifies the ROI boundaries in real-time according to acquired device location data, ensuring X-rays are only applied to the necessary area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies X-ray exposure locally only to the region where the device is actually located, rather than uniformly exposing a large predetermined area. This localized approach maintains tracking precision while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the region of interest is manually repositioned frequently, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to operational interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregion of interest positioning accuracyVSAvoidprocedural efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically repositions the region of interest based on acquired device position information without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates operational interruptions while maintaining accurate ROI positioning, thereby improving procedural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous tracking of the device position and continuously adjusts the region of interest accordingly, eliminating gaps or interruptions in the imaging process. This continuous operation ensures both measurement precision and procedural efficiency are maintained throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the X-ray diaphragm is not dynamically adjusted, then the device complexity is low, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to excessive radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoiddiaphragm control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback on device position and uses this information to dynamically adjust the X-ray diaphragm. This feedback mechanism ensures the diaphragm openings are precisely positioned to match the device location, minimizing radiation exposure to areas outside the region of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the X-ray diaphragm (opening position, size, and shape) based on the acquired device position information. These dynamic parameter adjustments allow precise control of the radiation field to match the region of interest, reducing harmful radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables efficient and safe X-ray imaging by ensuring the region of interest accurately follows the device's movement, reducing unnecessary exposure and improving procedural efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator (1) that emits X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector (2) that detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11191504B2X-ray diagnosis apparatus comprising a blood vessel running information acquiring function, a position specification function, and a diaphragm control function
Publication Date: 2021.12.07 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US11191504B2 patent drawing
  • US11191504B2 patent drawing
  • US11191504B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray diaphragm, an X-ray detector, an image capturing unit, a blood vessel running information acquiring unit, a device position specifying unit, and a diaphragm controller. The X-ray generator emits X-rays. The X-ray diaphragm restricts a region to be irradiated with X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator. The X-ray detector detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator. The image capturing unit acquires an X-ray image based on a detection result obtained by the X-ray detector. The blood vessel running information acquiring unit acquires blood vessel running information. The device position specifying unit specifies the position of a device in the X-ray image. The diaphragm controller controls the X-ray diaphragm based on the blood vessel running information and the position of the device.