X-ray CT Apparatus Real-time Abnormal State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray computed tomography apparatuses lack real-time monitoring for abnormal states, requiring regular checks and phantom scans to detect issues, which can lead to unnoticed malfunctions until a routine inspection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a system with an X-ray tube, detector, reconstruction unit, storage, and notification unit that collects and analyzes correction parameters over time to determine abnormal states, issuing notifications when thresholds are exceeded, allowing for timely maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If regular phantom scans are performed for routine checks, then abnormal states can be detected, but the apparatus cannot be monitored in real-time and malfunctions remain unnoticed until inspection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of abnormal stateVSAvoidtime to detect malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring by continuously acquiring correction parameters during normal operation and comparing them against reference values before actual malfunctions occur. This allows early detection of deteriorating trends in detector response, enabling preventive maintenance before complete failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where correction parameters are continuously measured, compared to reference values, and used to generate notifications. The notification unit alerts operators when deviations exceed thresholds, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that provides real-time feedback on apparatus health without requiring regular phantom scans

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If service technicians manually check output or reconstruction images during routine checks, then abnormal states can be confirmed, but extensive technical expertise is required and monitoring cannot occur between checks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of abnormal stateVSAvoidtechnical expertise required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically comparing correction parameters against reference values and generating notifications when abnormalities are detected. This eliminates the need for service technicians to manually analyze reconstruction images or interpret complex output data, as the system autonomously identifies and reports its own anomalies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms complex image quality assessment into simple parameter comparison by monitoring correction parameters that quantify detector response characteristics. Instead of requiring technicians to visually inspect images, the system tracks changes in numerical parameters like gain and offset values, making monitoring accessible to operators with minimal technical training

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If no monitoring system is implemented, then the apparatus operates without interruption, but malfunctions remain undetected until regular checks reveal them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operationVSAvoiddetection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces correction parameters as intermediary indicators that mediate between the physical state of the X-ray detector and the operator. Instead of directly monitoring complex detector performance or image quality, the system tracks intermediate correction parameters that reflect detector health, enabling indirect but effective monitoring during continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 real-time monitoring and early detection of malfunctions, reducing downtime by alerting operators to potential issues before they cause significant problems, and allowing for proactive maintenance without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray tube which generates X-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector which detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10140701B2X-ray computed tomography apparatus and information processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A reconstruction unit (a pre-processor, a reconstruction unit and an image processor) generates a reconstruction image based on output from the X-ray detector. A correction parameter storage stores correction parameters in time series, the correction parameters being used for correction by which noise or artifact is reduced in processing performed by the reconstruction image unit. A correction parameter analysis unit determines whether or not an abnormal condition occurs based on a temporal change in the correction parameters stored in the correction parameter storage. A notification unit issues a notification indicating the occurrence of an abnormal condition where the correction parameter analysis unit determines that the abnormal state has occurred.