Digital X-ray Imaging System Reproducible Settings Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital x-ray imaging systems, reproducing image recording settings, especially mechanical settings made by hand, is difficult and error-prone, particularly when oblique irradiation and aperture adjustments are involved, leading to inconsistencies in subsequent image recordings.
Innovation Solution
The system stores mechanical setting information alongside image data in a DICOM header, allowing for automatic reproduction of settings using servo motors and consistent image processing parameters, eliminating the need for manual logbooks and ensuring reproducible image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual mechanical settings are used for x-ray imaging components, then the system is flexible and adaptable to different imaging situations, but the reproduction of settings becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs preliminary actions by storing all mechanical setting information (tube position, detector position, table position, aperture settings) and control variables in an image dataset before imaging. When reproducing images, these pre-stored settings are automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating manual reconfiguration and ensuring consistent reproduction across different imaging sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy of the complete imaging situation by storing setting information alongside image data in the DICOM header. This digital copy includes all mechanical settings and control variables, allowing exact reproduction of the original imaging conditions without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reproduction accuracy.
2Loss of information
If setting information is stored manually in logbooks, then some record of settings is maintained, but the information is not systematically linked to image data and requires additional manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges setting information with image data by storing both in the same image dataset (DICOM header). This integration eliminates the need for separate logbooks and manual record-keeping, as all setting information is automatically associated with its corresponding image, reducing workflow complexity while maintaining complete information retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, storing, and managing setting information without requiring manual entry. The imaging system itself generates and maintains the complete record of settings, eliminating the need for separate manual documentation processes and reducing overall system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If automatic exposure systems are used, then exposure time and filter settings are controlled automatically, but mechanical settings still require manual adjustment and are not reproduced consistently
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extends the automatic control capability to all mechanical settings, not just exposure parameters. The system universally manages both automatic exposure control and mechanical setting reproduction through integrated storage and retrieval of all setting information, making the entire system behave automatically rather than requiring manual intervention for any setting type.
Data Source
AI summary
Setting information relating to mechanical settings of a digital x-ray imaging system, settings of a control variable or settings of an image processing system, as had been performed during the recording of the relevant digital x-ray image, are stored for a digital x-ray image. It is thereby made possible for an operator to read out the setting information and restore the x-ray image recording situation. The setting conditions can even be restored automatically. This also applies to at least the major part of the mechanical settings.