X-ray Apparatus Automatic Detector Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray apparatuses face inefficiencies in selecting the appropriate X-ray detector for imaging based on orientation information, leading to increased user effort and radiation exposure due to manual selection processes.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray apparatus that acquires and utilizes orientation information of both the X-ray radiation unit and detector to automatically select and activate the optimal X-ray detector for imaging, ensuring proper alignment and reducing user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual detector selection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and user effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically selects the appropriate X-ray detector by acquiring orientation information from sensors in both the radiation unit and detector, comparing their relative positions and orientations, and activating the optimal detector without user intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by automating the detector selection process, improving productivity while managing complexity through integrated sensing and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in orientation parameters (position and angle data from sensors) to dynamically determine which detector should be activated. By monitoring these parameter changes in real-time, the system can automatically select the appropriate detector based on the current geometric configuration, thereby improving imaging efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If manual detector selection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector selection timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Orientation sensors in both the radiation unit and detectors continuously acquire and store position and orientation data before imaging is required. This preliminary action ensures that when imaging is needed, the system can immediately compare pre-acquired orientation information and activate the appropriate detector without delay, reducing time loss while managing complexity through proactive data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a feedback loop where orientation information from sensors continuously informs the control unit about the relative positions and orientations of the radiation unit and detectors. This real-time feedback enables automatic detector selection based on current geometric conditions, reducing the time required for detector selection while maintaining manageable system complexity through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual detector selection is used, then radiation exposure is minimized, but user effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effortVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal detector activation based on orientation information, eliminating the need for users to manually select detectors. This self-service capability reduces user effort while simultaneously minimizing radiation exposure by ensuring that only the necessary detector is activated, avoiding redundant exposures that might occur with manual selection errors or delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2856942B1X-ray apparatus and X-ray detector
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2856942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2856942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2856942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit configured to radiate X-rays to an object; and a main control unit configured to acquire orientation information of the X-ray radiation unit and orientation information of an X-ray detector and select the X-ray detector based on the orientation information of the X-ray radiation unit and the orientation information of the X-ray detector.