X-Ray Tabletop Interference Alerts for Clearer Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing X-ray imaging apparatuses, the tabletop moving rails or detection units may interfere with the X-ray irradiation field during imaging, leading to image quality degradation and increased radiation exposure due to the need for retakes or extended fluoroscopic imaging time.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a notification system that alerts the user when the tabletop unit-installed parts interfere with the irradiation field, using a control unit to analyze the irradiation field range and member positions, and displays this interference on an optical image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tabletop unit is moved in the transverse direction to adjust imaging position, then the imaging flexibility is improved, but the tabletop moving rails may interfere with the X-ray irradiation field causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the irradiation field range and member position before X-ray imaging occurs. The control unit calculates whether interference will occur and provides notification to the user in advance, allowing the user to adjust the tabletop position before imaging begins, thereby preventing image quality degradation without sacrificing imaging flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop by continuously monitoring the relationship between the irradiation field range and tabletop member positions. The notification unit provides real-time feedback to the user about potential interference, enabling the user to make informed adjustments to avoid both interference and unnecessary retakes
2Area of stationary object
If the first detection unit is moved in the transverse direction to adjust imaging position, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the detection unit may interfere with the X-ray irradiation field causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates the irradiation field range and detection unit position in advance before imaging begins. The notification unit alerts the user to potential interference conditions, allowing the user to adjust the detection unit position before imaging starts, thus achieving both wide imaging coverage and high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the spatial relationship between the detection unit and irradiation field, providing real-time feedback through the notification unit. This enables the user to optimize detection unit positioning for maximum coverage while avoiding interference that would degrade image quality
3Device complexity
If the user is not notified of the interference, then the system operation is simple, but the radiation exposure dose increases due to retaking of X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The notification unit provides essential feedback to the user about potential interference conditions. This additional information layer prevents unnecessary retakes by alerting the user to interference issues before imaging occurs, reducing radiation exposure despite the added notification system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical trial-and-error adjustments with an intelligent notification system. Instead of relying on users to physically adjust equipment and hope for good images, the control unit calculates interference conditions and notifies users, eliminating wasted radiation exposure from retakes
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
This solution allows users to avoid interference by adjusting the apparatus position, reducing the need for retakes and extending fluoroscopic imaging time, thereby minimizing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject with X-rays and an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject
Implementation Method 2
irradiation field range information related to a range of an irradiation field of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus 100 comprises an X-ray imaging unit 3 including an X-ray irradiation unit 31 that irradiates X-rays and an X-ray detection unit 32 that detects X rays; a tabletop unit 1 on which a subject 9 is placed and which is movable relative to the X-ray imaging unit 3; a tabletop unit-installed part 2 that is provided on the tabletop unit 1 and includes a material with a lower X-ray transmittance than a portion of the tabletop unit 1 where the subject 9 is placed; a notification unit 6; and a control unit 5 that performs control to cause the notification unit 6 to provide a notification that the tabletop unit-installed part 2 is interfering with an irradiation field, based on irradiation field range information related to a range of an irradiation field of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit 31 and member position information related to a position of the tabletop unit-installed part 2.