X-Ray Tube Angle Control for Consistent Diagnostic Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray diagnostic apparatuses require manual adjustment of X-ray tube angles by operators, which is inefficient and prone to variations due to skill differences, leading to increased radiation exposure and reduced imaging quality.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus with automated angle adjustment capabilities, utilizing processing circuitry to rotate and position the X-ray tube based on pre-defined clinical purposes and imaging regions, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of X-ray tube angles is performed by operators, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but efficiency decreases and variations occur due to skill differences

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveManual adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidAngle setting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the examinee's posture using image recognition technology, and the processing circuitry autonomously calculates and adjusts the X-ray tube angle based on the recognized posture, eliminating the need for manual angle adjustment by operators while maintaining optimal positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated control system that uses image recognition and processing circuitry to automatically position the X-ray tube at the correct angle, substituting human operation with automated technological systems

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of X-ray tube angles is performed by operators, then adaptability to different postures is possible, but measurement precision decreases due to skill variations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to different posturesVSAvoidAngle setting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures images of the examinee, recognizes the posture through image processing, and uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the X-ray tube angle, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise angle setting based on actual examinee positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation of the examinee's posture through image recognition, then uses this copied visual information to determine the appropriate X-ray tube angle, replacing subjective human judgment with objective image-based measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging regions require different incident angles, then comprehensive imaging coverage is achieved, but loss of time increases due to repeated manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveImaging coverage for different regionsVSAvoidTime for angle adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary image recognition to determine the examinee's posture and pre-calculates the appropriate X-ray tube angle before imaging begins, allowing the tube to be automatically positioned at the correct angle without requiring time-consuming manual adjustments between different imaging regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Improves efficiency in setting X-ray angles, reduces operator workload, and minimizes variations in angles, thereby decreasing unnecessary radiation exposure and enhancing imaging consistency.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube configured to irradiate an imaging region of a subject with X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS12484874B2X-ray diagnostic apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US12484874B2 patent drawing
  • US12484874B2 patent drawing
  • US12484874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any of embodiments includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector and processing circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to irradiate an imaging region of a subject with X-rays. The X-ray detector is configured to detect the X-rays. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire an incident angle of the X-rays corresponding to a clinical purpose of the imaging region, and acquire image data from an image sensor that images the imaging region. The processing circuitry is configured to rotate the X-ray tube in accordance with the acquired incident angle of the X-rays, and slide a position of a central path of the X-rays with respect to the imaging region based on the image data.