X-ray Source Status Monitoring via Integrated Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current x-ray source monitoring systems lack user-friendly and efficient methods for determining the status and maintenance needs of x-ray sources, relying on complex software applications or manual training, which are costly and time-consuming, and do not provide real-time status information.

Innovation Solution

A method for status monitoring of x-ray emitter arrangements that includes determining input information using sensors and processing means to derive and display status information on a dedicated display device, which can be integrated with the x-ray source or accessed via mobile devices, providing transport monitoring, usage predictions, and maintenance guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If complex software applications or manual training are used for monitoring x-ray source status, then status information can be obtained, but the cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatus information availabilityVSAvoidtime consumption for manual training
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The x-ray emitter arrangement is equipped with self-monitoring capabilities through integrated sensors and processing means that automatically determine and evaluate status information without requiring external complex software applications or manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own operational parameters, transport conditions, and maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A dedicated display device serves as an intermediary between the x-ray source components and the user, presenting processed status information in a user-friendly format. This intermediary translates complex sensor data into comprehensible visual displays, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with complex software systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If complex software applications are used for monitoring, then status information can be derived, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatus information completenessVSAvoidsoftware application complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensors for data acquisition, processing means for evaluation, and a display device for presentation. This segmentation distributes complexity across separate components rather than concentrating it in a single complex software application, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dedicated display device acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interface between the complex internal monitoring system and the user. It presents processed status information in an easily comprehensible format, shielding the user from the underlying system complexity while maintaining complete status information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If no integrated monitoring system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but real-time status information is not available at the x-ray source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time status information accessVSAvoidmonitoring system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring functions are merged directly into the x-ray emitter arrangement by integrating sensors, processing means, and a display device with the x-ray source. This combination enables real-time status information access at the source location without requiring separate external monitoring systems, maintaining operational simplicity while providing immediate feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The x-ray emitter arrangement provides its own status monitoring and information display capabilities, serving its own informational needs without requiring external complex software applications. The integrated system autonomously captures, evaluates, and presents status information, eliminating the need for separate monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3574833B1Method for monitoring the status of a x-ray source-comprising a x-ray radiator arrangement for an x-ray device, x-ray radiator arrangement, computer program and electronically readable data carrier
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP3574833B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3574833B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for status monitoring of an X-ray source arrangement (1) comprising an X-ray source (2) for an X-ray device, comprising the following steps: - Determining input information describing the use of the X-ray source (2) and/or the current state of the X-ray source (2) and/or its environment by means of at least one detection means (8), - Deriving status information to be output to a user using the input information by means of a processing means (9), and - Displaying the status information on a display device (5), in particular a display (16).