X-ray Apparatus Automatic Detector Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging systems lack an efficient method for automatically selecting and activating the appropriate X-ray detector based on orientation and motion information, leading to user inconvenience and increased radiation exposure during imaging.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray apparatus that acquires orientation and motion information of X-ray detectors and radiators to automatically select and activate the optimal detector, using a controller to transmit control signals and display identification information, ensuring proper alignment and efficient imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual detector selection is used, then system complexity is reduced, but user convenience and imaging efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the X-ray detector's position and orientation using sensors, and the controller autonomously selects the appropriate detector based on this information. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual detector selection by the user, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring significant additional system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of detector position and orientation before the actual imaging process. By acquiring this information in advance and pre-selecting the appropriate detector, the system prepares everything needed for efficient imaging, improving user convenience while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured preliminary actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic detector selection is implemented, then imaging efficiency is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging efficiencyVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors detector position and orientation through sensors and uses this feedback information to make real-time adjustments to detector selection. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct detector is selected on the first attempt, improving imaging efficiency while minimizing the need for repeated exposures and thereby reducing overall radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical detector selection with an automated electronic control system that uses sensor data and controller logic to select detectors. This substitution improves imaging efficiency by eliminating manual delays and reduces radiation exposure by ensuring accurate, first-attempt detector selection through precise electronic control

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple detectors are monitored, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector compatibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to work with multiple types of X-ray detectors by implementing a universal detection and selection mechanism. The sensor array and controller can identify and accommodate different detector positions and orientations, providing adaptability across various detector configurations without requiring separate specialized systems for each detector type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the monitoring task into separate sensor modules that independently detect different aspects of detector position and orientation. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple detectors with different configurations by processing information from individual sensor segments, improving adaptability while managing system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3223706B1X-ray apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3223706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3223706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3223706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray apparatus includes an X-ray radiator configured to radiate X-rays to an object and a controller configured to acquire orientation information indicating an orientation of the X-ray radiator and motion information indicating a movement of an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays radiated by the X-ray radiator and select the X-ray detector based on the orientation information and the motion information.