X-ray Imaging Apparatus Dose Display with Filter Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray imaging apparatuses lack the ability to intuitively provide users with information about the actual dose of X-rays, including the filter effect, making it difficult for users to select proper X-ray irradiation conditions that minimize radiation exposure while maintaining image quality.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method that includes an X-ray source, a display, and a controller to provide users with a graphic user interface for selecting X-ray irradiation conditions, calculating and displaying the actual dose of radiation, including the filter's influence, by storing relationships between dose and tube current, and adjusting parameters based on filter usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If filter is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation exposure is reduced, but user cannot intuitively recognize actual dose

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidactual dose information
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary that calculates the actual radiation dose by considering filter attenuation effects, then presents this processed information to the user through the display. The display serves as a visual intermediary, converting complex dose calculations into intuitive graphical representations that users can easily understand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation from standard tube current (mAs) to an equivalent tube current that reflects the actual dose after filter attenuation. This parameter transformation allows users to intuitively compare different imaging conditions while accounting for filter effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If filter attenuation is not considered in dose calculation, then calculation is simpler, but dose information is inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose calculation complexityVSAvoiddose measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of filter attenuation effects and stores correction values in advance. When a user selects imaging conditions, the controller retrieves pre-calculated correction values based on the selected filter and tube voltage, avoiding complex real-time calculations while ensuring accurate dose representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If detailed dose information is provided, then user can select proper dose, but information presentation becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedose selection capabilityVSAvoidinformation presentation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display uses color-coded visual representations to indicate different dose levels and filter effects. This allows users to quickly grasp dose information without interpreting complex numerical data, maintaining ease of operation while providing comprehensive dose details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system presents dose information in multiple dimensions - showing both the equivalent tube current and the actual dose values, allowing users to view the same information from different perspectives to facilitate informed decision-making without overwhelming complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 users to intuitively recognize and select X-ray irradiation conditions that minimize radiation exposure while ensuring proper image quality by providing clear information on the actual dose of X-rays, including the filter's effect, thereby optimizing X-ray imaging procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source configured to generate and irradiate X-rays according to an X-ray irradiation condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a condition for low dose of X-ray irradiation by providing the user with information about an actual X-ray dose to which an X-ray filter effect is reflected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray filtration/attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3354200B1X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3354200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3354200B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3354200B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof, for guiding the user to intuitively recognize an actual dose of X-rays and select a proper dose, ultimately a condition for low dose of X-ray irradiation by providing the user with information about an actual X-ray dose to which an X-ray filter effect is reflected. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source configured to generate and irradiate X-rays according to an X-ray irradiation condition including at least one of a tube voltage, a tube current, or a filter; a display configured to provide a graphic user interface to receive a choice about the X-ray irradiation condition; and a controller configured to obtain a parameter that represents a dose of radiation, to which an influence of the filter is reflected, based on the selected X-ray irradiation condition and control the display to display the parameter.