X-Ray Imaging Angle Selection Using Sorted Historical Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems take a long time to select a desired irradiation angle from multiple sets due to small display regions and the need to switch displays, leading to inefficiencies in selecting the appropriate angle for subsequent imaging.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a support section that allows rotational movement about two orthogonal axes, a control unit for setting and controlling the irradiation angle, a storage unit for storing past angles, and a display unit that sorts and displays angles without showing X-ray images, enabling quick selection of desired angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of X-ray images and irradiation angles are displayed on the monitor, then the operator can select from more historical imaging data, but it takes a long time to determine and select the desired irradiation angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display information by separating X-ray images from irradiation angle data. The touch panel display shows only irradiation angles and their basic information, while X-ray images are viewed on a separate monitor. This segmentation allows the touch panel to present angle options clearly without the visual complexity of multiple images, enabling faster angle selection while preserving access to historical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the irradiation angle information from the full imaging data sets and presents it separately on the touch panel. By taking out just the essential selection criteria (angles and basic info) from the complete imaging packages, the system enables rapid angle identification and selection without requiring the operator to analyze multiple full imaging displays simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a display with small display region size is provided on the side portion of the bed, then the display is accessible to the operator, but only a small number of sets can be displayed at a time requiring display switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential irradiation angle information from the full imaging data and displays it on the touch panel located on the bed side. This extraction allows the small display to show all necessary angle options without needing to switch between multiple displays, as each angle is presented with sufficient information for selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the touch panel display specifically for angle selection by showing irradiation angles and basic information in a format suited to the small display region. The display quality and information density are locally optimized for the touch panel's constraints, enabling complete angle selection functionality without requiring larger display area or multiple display switches.
3Loss of information
If both X-ray images and irradiation angles are displayed together, then complete imaging information is provided, but the display region size required increases reducing accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display system into two parts: the touch panel on the bed side displays irradiation angles and basic information, while the separate monitor displays X-ray images. This segmentation allows complete imaging information to be available across both devices while keeping the bed-side touch panel compact and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates the angle selection information from the full imaging data. The touch panel receives only the extracted angle information needed for selection, while complete imaging information remains available on the separate monitor, eliminating the need for a large integrated display.
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
Enables rapid selection of desired irradiation angles from past imaging sessions, reducing the time required to set up subsequent X-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a detection unit that is disposed to face the irradiation unit and detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays; a detection unit that detects the X-rays transmitted through the subject; a support section that supports the irradiation unit and the detection unit to face each other and is rotationally movable about each of two axes orthogonal to each other; a setting unit that sets an angle at which the subject is irradiated with the X-rays; a control unit that controls the support section such that the angle at which the subject is irradiated with the X-rays is set to the set angle and controls the irradiation unit such that an X-ray imaging operation of the subject is performed; a storage unit that stores, in a case where a plurality of the X-ray imaging operations are performed, the set angle in each of the X-ray imaging operations; and a display unit that sorts and displays a plurality of the angles stored in the storage unit, in which, in a case where an angle displayed on the display unit is designated, the setting unit sets the designated angle as the angle.