X-ray Imaging Apparatus Skin Dose Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in accurately displaying the skin dose distribution on patients due to variations in body shape and size, making it difficult for operators to recognize high skin dose positions without compromising accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that displays a two-dimensional virtual plane image superimposing skin dose images with distance and angle scales, allowing operators to visualize skin dose distribution independently of patient body shape, using a top board and imaging unit that can move to adjust irradiation positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a three-dimensional model of the patient is generated and skin dose is displayed on the three-dimensional model, then the skin dose distribution can be visualized, but the accuracy deteriorates because actual patients are different in body shape and size and positioning is not consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-dimensional virtual plane image that copies and represents the skin dose distribution information from the three-dimensional space. Instead of displaying dose on a 3D model, the system projects dose data onto a 2D plane that can be accurately registered with the patient's actual position, maintaining measurement precision while achieving visualization ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional skin dose distribution into a two-dimensional virtual plane image. By changing the dimensionality from 3D to 2D, the system eliminates the accuracy problems associated with 3D model variations while preserving the essential dose distribution information through appropriate projection and scaling.
2Ease of operation
If the angular position of the three-dimensional model is synchronized with the imaging apparatus movement, then the model orientation is maintained, but it remains difficult to make operators recognize high skin dose positions without compromising accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding in the two-dimensional virtual plane image to indicate different skin dose levels. High dose positions are displayed with distinct colors that are easily recognizable by operators, while the color scale is calibrated to maintain accurate dose representation. This allows simultaneous achievement of ease of recognition and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from 3D model display to 2D virtual plane image, the system provides a simplified view that enhances operator recognition of high dose positions. The 2D representation eliminates the complexity of 3D orientation while maintaining accurate dose information through proper scaling and registration with the patient's actual anatomy.
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional virtual plane image is displayed with superimposed skin dose image and scale image, then operators can easily recognize high skin dose positions, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skin dose image and the scale image into a single two-dimensional virtual plane image. By combining these elements, the system maintains measurement precision through accurate dose representation while avoiding the complexity of separate display systems. The merged image provides all necessary information in one integrated view.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional virtual plane image serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays skin dose distribution, provides spatial scaling, and enables accurate position registration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
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 operators to easily recognize high skin dose positions while maintaining accuracy, allowing for safer X-ray irradiation by visualizing skin dose distribution on a two-dimensional plane, reducing the risk of exceeding skin dose thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiation unit (21) including an X-ray source (21a) for emitting X-rays to a subject
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detection unit (22) for detecting the X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a moving unit for changing an irradiation position which is a position of a subject to be irradiated with X-rays by moving at least one of an imaging unit for emitting X-rays to a subject and a top board, and a control unit for performing control for displaying on a first display unit a two-dimensional virtual plane image which is a two-dimensional image in which an image indicating the skin dose for each of a plurality of irradiation positions and a scale image indicating at least one of the distance and the angle with respect to a reference position are superimposed on a virtual plane.