X-ray Apparatus Error Detection via Auto Exposure Control Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray mammography, users face difficulties in detecting errors such as filter errors, collimation errors, or implant-induced errors from pre-shot images, leading to the need for rephotographing, which can result in increased radiation doses and inefficient image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray apparatus that determines the existence and type of density abnormalities by comparing pixel values from an auto exposure control field in the first image, outputs an alarm if abnormalities are detected, and allows for rephotographing to adjust settings, thereby reducing the need for re-exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users manually inspect pre-shot images to detect errors, then error detection capability is maintained, but detection precision deteriorates due to user difficulty in identifying filter errors, collimation errors, or implant-induced errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image processing system that uses computer algorithms to analyze pre-shot images. The control unit automatically detects filter errors, collimation errors, and implant-induced errors by processing image data, substituting human visual inspection with mechanical/computational analysis to improve detection precision and reduce difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the X-ray imaging process and the final image output. This intermediary system includes a control unit that automatically analyzes the pre-shot image to detect errors before the main shot is taken, serving as a mediator that identifies issues that would be difficult for users to detect directly.
2Reliability
If rephotographing is performed to correct errors, then image quality is improved, but radiation dose increases due to additional exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary error detection by automatically analyzing the pre-shot image before the main shot is taken. The control unit identifies filter errors, collimation errors, or implant-induced errors in advance, allowing corrections to be made before additional radiation exposure. This preliminary action prevents the need for rephotographing and reduces cumulative radiation dose while ensuring image quality.
3Productivity
If manual error detection is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to need for rephotographing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the control unit automatically analyzes pre-shot images to detect errors without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying filter errors, collimation errors, and implant-induced errors, eliminating the need for users to manually inspect images and reducing the need for rephotographing, thereby improving productivity despite increased system complexity.
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
The system effectively identifies and addresses density abnormalities, reducing the frequency of rephotographing and minimizing radiation exposure by allowing for precise adjustments before acquiring the main-shot image.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray apparatus may acquire an X-ray image of an object by transmitting X-rays, which are emitted from an X-ray source, through the object and detecting the intensity differences between the transmitted X-rays by an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray apparatus may detect an internal structure of the object from the X-ray image to diagnose the object. The X-ray apparatus may easily detect the internal structure of the object on the basis of the principle that the X-ray transmittance varies according to the densities of the object and the atomic numbers of atoms constituting the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an X-ray apparatus. The X-ray apparatus includes: an X-ray photographing unit configured to acquire first image information by irradiating an X-ray of a first dose to an object; a control unit configured to determine existence/nonexistence of a density abnormality of the object on the basis of the first image information; and an output unit configured to display information about the existence/nonexistence of the density abnormality.