X-ray Imaging Apparatus Camera-Based Segmentation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray imaging systems require manual adjustment of the X-ray generator and detector positions, leading to user fatigue and imprecise segmentation imaging regions, increasing imaging time and the risk of repetitive exposure to sensitive body parts.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus that captures a target object's image using a camera, allows users to designate segmentation regions on the image, and automatically controls the X-ray generator and detector positions based on these designations, optimizing the number of imaging times, locations, and angles for precise imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of X-ray generator and detector positions is used, then the system structure remains simple, but user fatigue increases and positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera to capture an optical image of the target object, which serves as a visual copy or representation of the object's external appearance. This optical image is then displayed on a display unit, allowing the user to designate imaging regions based on the visual copy rather than directly manipulating the physical X-ray generator and detector. This approach improves positioning precision by enabling accurate region selection through visual feedback while reducing user fatigue from manual physical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual designation of segmentation imaging regions is used, then the operation process remains simple, but imaging time increases and region precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregion designation precisionVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing the optical image of the target object before the actual X-ray imaging process. The display unit shows this pre-captured image, allowing the user to designate segmentation imaging regions in advance based on visual information. This preliminary visualization enables more precise region designation and reduces the time required during the actual imaging process, as the region selection is made efficiently before imaging begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical image captured by the camera is displayed on the display unit, providing visual feedback to the user about the target object's appearance and position. This feedback loop allows the user to accurately designate segmentation imaging regions by visually referencing the displayed image, thereby improving region designation precision and reducing the time needed for accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple segmentation imaging regions are imaged manually, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but user fatigue increases and exposure risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging accuracyVSAvoidrepetitive exposure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the optical image as a visual copy to plan and designate multiple segmentation imaging regions before actual X-ray exposure. By reviewing the displayed optical image, the user can accurately identify and designate all necessary imaging regions in advance, ensuring comprehensive coverage while minimizing the need for repeated manual adjustments and reducing repetitive exposure risk to sensitive body parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 reduces user fatigue and imaging time while ensuring precise positioning of the X-ray generator and detector, minimizing repetitive exposure to sensitive areas and improving the accuracy of segmentation imaging.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator to generate and irradiate X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an image capturer to capture an image of the target object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical imaging: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3173022B1X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3173022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3173022B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3173022B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof precisely designates an imaging region and reduces user fatigue by designating a segmentation imaging region using an image of a target object captured by a camera and automatically controlling an X-ray generator according to the designated segmentation imaging region. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to perform X-ray imaging of a target object by generating and irradiating X-rays, an image capturer to capture an image of the target object, an image display to display the image captured by the image capturer, an input part to receive designation of a region for which segmentation imaging is to be performed on the image displayed on the image display, and a controller to control the X-ray generator to perform segmentation imaging with respect to the designated region.