X-ray lead marker detection system for x-ray imaging systems

Abstract

An artificial intelligence (AI) lead marker detection system (100) for scanning post-exposure x-ray images (106) as a component of an x-ray imaging system (10) or separate from the x-ray imaging system (10) to detect and insert various lead markers (104, 108”) to digitize information provided by the type and location of the lead markers (104) and to employ the marker information in different x-ray system workflow automation. The marker information obtained by the AI lead marker detection system (100) can also provide useful data for use in downstream clinical and quality applications separate from the x-ray system (10), such as AI or non-AI analysis applications.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 283,347, filed November 26, 2021, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to X-ray imaging systems, and more particularly to X-ray imaging systems that include an auxiliary image processing system to improve the quality of images produced by the X-ray system. Background Technology

[0004] Various X-ray imaging systems of different designs are known and currently in use. These systems are typically based on the generation of X-rays directed at a subject of interest. The X-rays traverse the subject and strike a detector (e.g., film, imaging plate, or portable cassette). The detector detects the X-rays that are attenuated, scattered, or absorbed by the subject's interventional structures. For example, in the context of medical imaging, such systems can be used to visualize a subject's internal structures, tissues, and organs for screening or diagnostic purposes.

[0005] During X-ray radiographic imaging using an X-ray system, radiologists typically use indicators, such as lead markers. Lead markers are easily identifiable within the images output by the X-ray system and are often used as a simple way to directly indicate the left-right orientation of the X-ray patient and other important details (such as position, surgical time, and the initials of the radiologist who performed the X-ray) within the images produced by the X-ray system.

[0006] In particular, lead markers, as a concrete and easily identifiable supplement to X-ray images, add valuable information about the patient, the radiologist, and the procedure performed. They not only help reduce radiologist errors and liability but are also an effective way for radiologists to emphasize important aspects of anatomy to the diagnostic physician and clarify the purpose of the particular image. Therefore, many hospitals now require radiologists to use X-ray lead markers during X-ray imaging procedures to accurately record information about the performed procedure, not only to improve image readability but also for legitimate and accurate documentation purposes.

[0007] However, the process of positioning lead markers requires the X-ray technician to manually select the appropriate marker and place it adjacent to the anatomical structures of the patient being imaged. Therefore, X-ray technicians or radiologists may often misplace the X-ray markers relative to the anatomical structures being imaged, use the wrong lead marker for a particular image, or may be unable to place the lead marker in the imaging area at all. In cases where the marker is not positioned within the image, the technician may also be unable to report the error in the image and cannot utilize the post-exposure markers available for inclusion in the image.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a system and method for detecting the presence of lead markers in post-exposure X-ray images on an X-ray imaging system, which would enable the correction of errors in the post-exposure images regarding the presence, location, and / or information provided by the lead markers, thereby overcoming these limitations of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an artificial intelligence (AI) lead marker detection system is used, as a component of or separate from an X-ray imaging system, to scan post-exposure X-ray images to detect and insert various lead markers, digitizing information provided by the type and location of the lead markers, and for incorporating the marker information into the automation of different X-ray system workflows. The marker information obtained by the AI ​​lead marker detection system can also provide useful data for use in downstream clinical and quality applications (such as AI or non-AI analytics applications) separate from the X-ray system.

[0010] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the AI ​​lead marker detection system detects both or either the presence or absence of lead markers in a post-exposure X-ray image. Combined with information about selected clinical protocols and available sensor information from devices operatively connected to the X-ray system (such as cameras), the AI ​​lead marker detection system enables it to provide quality checks on post-exposure X-ray images.

[0011] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an AI lead marker detection system is operable to add appropriate lead markers to a post-exposure X-ray image to improve clarity and diagnostic accuracy.

[0012] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an X-ray system includes: an X-ray source; an X-ray detector positioned aligned with the X-ray source; and a processing unit operatively connected to the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to generate an X-ray image based on data transmitted from the X-ray detector, wherein the processing unit includes a lead marker detection system configured to detect the presence or absence of a representation of physical lead markers within the X-ray image.

[0013] According to another aspect of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a method for determining the presence of lead markers in an X-ray image includes the steps of: providing an X-ray system having an X-ray source; an X-ray detector positioned to be aligned with the X-ray source; and a processing unit operatively connected to the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to generate an X-ray image based on data transmitted from the X-ray detector, wherein the processing unit includes a lead marker detection system configured to detect representations of physical lead markers in the X-ray image; and applying the lead marker detection system to the X-ray image.

[0014] These and other exemplary aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings illustrate the currently conceived best mode for practicing the present invention.

[0016] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging system employing an AI lead marker detection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an operation method for an AI lead marker detection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 3A to 3H A pair of matched post-exposure X-ray images are shown before and after analysis by an AI lead marker detection system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] One or more specific implementations will be described below. To provide a concise description of these implementations, not all characteristics of the actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in the development of any such implementation to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints that may differ between implementations. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but remain routine tasks of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0020] When describing elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to mean the presence of one or more such elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to the listed elements. Furthermore, any numerical examples in the following discussion are intended to be non-limiting, and therefore the additional values, ranges, and percentages are within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “largely,” and “about” indicate a condition within reasonably achievable manufacturing and assembly tolerances relative to the ideal desired condition suitable for achieving the functional purpose of a component or assembly. Moreover, as used herein, “electrically coupled,” “electrically connected,” and “electrically communicated” mean that the referenced elements are directly or indirectly connected such that current can flow from one to the other. This connection may include a direct conductive connection (i.e., without intervening capacitors, inductors, or active elements), an inductive connection, a capacitive connection, and / or any other suitable electrical connection. Intervening components may be present. As used herein, the term “real-time” means a level of processing responsiveness that is sufficiently immediate for the user to sense or that enables the processor to keep up with external processes.

[0021] refer to Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary x-ray imaging system 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment illustrated is shown. The x-ray imaging system 1000 includes an x-ray source 111 radiating x-rays, a stand 132 on which a subject 105 stands during examination, and an x-ray detector 134 for detecting x-rays radiated by the x-ray source 111 and attenuated by the subject 105. As a non-limiting example, the x-ray detector 134 may include a scintillator, one or more ionization chambers, a photodetector array, an x-ray exposure monitor, an electrical substrate, etc. The x-ray detector 134 is mounted on the stand 138 and configured to be vertically movable according to the imaging area of ​​the subject.

[0022] The operation console 160 includes a processor 161, a memory 162, a user interface 163, a motor driver 145 for controlling one or more motors 143, an X-ray power unit 114, an X-ray controller 116, a camera data acquisition unit 121, an X-ray data acquisition unit 135, and an image processor 150. X-ray image data transmitted from the X-ray detector 134 is received by the X-ray data acquisition unit 135. The collected X-ray image data is processed by the image processor 150. A display device 155, communicatively coupled to the operation console 160, displays the image-processed X-ray image on it.

[0023] The X-ray source 111 is supported by a support column 141, which may be mounted to the ceiling (e.g., as depicted) or on a movable stand for positioning within an imaging chamber. The X-ray source 111 can be moved vertically relative to the subject or patient 105. For example, one of one or more motors 143 may be integrated into the support column 141 and may be configured to adjust the vertical position of the X-ray source 111, for example, by increasing or decreasing the distance between the X-ray source 111 and the ceiling or floor. For this purpose, a motor driver 145 of an operating console 160 may be communicatively coupled to one or more motors 143 and configured to control one or more motors 143. The one or more motors 143 may be further configured to adjust the angular position of the X-ray source 111 to change the field of view of the X-ray source 111, as further described herein.

[0024] The x-ray power unit 114 and x-ray controller 116 provide power to the x-ray source 111 with appropriate voltage and current. A collimator (not shown) can be fixed to the x-ray source 111 to specify the field of view of the x-ray beam. The x-ray beam radiated from the x-ray source 111 is applied to the subject via the collimator.

[0025] The X-ray source 111 and camera 120 can pivot or rotate relative to the support column 141 in the angular direction 129 to image different parts of the subject 105.

[0026] Memory 162 stores image data / X-ray image 106 in electronic storage location 170 and executable instructions in electronic storage location 172, which, when executed, cause one or more of processor 161 and image processor 150 to perform one or more actions. Further details are provided herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lead marker detection system 100 and AI application 102 describe exemplary methods that can be stored as executable instructions 172.

[0027] The processor 161 also includes a lead marker detection system 100. The lead marker detection system 100 is formed by an artificial intelligence (AI) application 102, which can scan and detect X-ray images 106 after exposure. Figure 1 and Figures 3A to 3H Various physical X-ray lead markers 104 ( Figure 1 and Figure 3A to Figure 3H The AI ​​application 102 (which may be a deep learning neural network) is an image-based object detection application configured to detect lead markers 104 in the exposed X-ray image 106 and information provided by any lead markers 104 present in the X-ray image 106 (such as information provided by the position, shape, and / or configuration of the lead markers 104 in the X-ray image 106) and digitize them. The AI ​​application 102 employs this information in various ways. For example, when no lead marker 104 is detected in the X-ray image 106, the AI ​​application 102 can alert the radiologist to the missing lead marker 104 in the X-ray image 106 and can help the radiologist decide whether to re-expose with the appropriate lead marker 104 or insert the exposed digital lead marker 104 into the X-ray image 106.

[0028] Information obtained by AI application 102 regarding the representation of the physical lead marker 104 present in X-ray image 106 can also be combined with other AI algorithms (not shown) incorporated in or used separately from X-ray system 1000 for automatically detecting the correct location and placement of lead marker 104 within X-ray image 106. Therefore, digitizing the lead marker 104 located by AI application 102 for inclusion in or associated with X-ray image 106 allows for automatic and proper repositioning of lead marker 104 within X-ray image 106 as a digital marker 104, saving additional user interface clicks and accelerating workflow and further processing of X-ray image 106.

[0029] Information obtained by AI application 102 based on the detection and digitization of lead markers 104 can also be aggregated with information from other sensors (such as cameras) and analytical information about the context of the X-ray examination available to AI application 102, to automate and streamline the workflow of post-exposure processing of X-ray images 106 by radiologists. Simultaneously, this data aggregation ensures that the most complete and accurate information associated with X-ray images 106 is recorded to help radiologists read / view X-ray images 106 to make accurate diagnoses.

[0030] Now for reference Figure 2In an exemplary embodiment of the operation method of the lead marker detection system 1000, initially in block 200, an X-ray image 106 generated by the X-ray system 1000 is provided to the lead marker detection system 100. In decision block 202, an AI application 102 of the lead marker detection system 100 analyzes the X-ray image 106 to determine the presence and / or absence of any physical lead marker 104 represented within the X-ray image 106.

[0031] If the AI ​​application does not detect lead marker 104 within X-ray image 106, then in box 204, AI application 102 will analyze various characteristics and other information related to X-ray image 106 to determine what lead marker should be present in X-ray image 106. These characteristics and information may include, but are not limited to, determining the anatomical structures present within X-ray image 106 and their lateralization and / or the view and / or orientation of the detected anatomical structures in X-ray image 106. Once determined, such as by using any suitable image analysis algorithm (not shown) located on or operatively connected to system 1000 and / or forming part of AI application 102, AI application 102 can proceed to box 206 to digitally insert the desired marker 104 into image 106 for review and confirmation by a technician.

[0032] Subsequently, in box 210, information from the detected lead marker 104 (box 208) or inserted into image 106 by AI application 102 is associated with image 106 and stored in an electronic storage location 170, such as within the x-ray system 1000, and / or in a separate storage location 174 operatively connected to the x-ray system 1000, such as via a suitable wired or wireless connection. In box 212, utilizing this stored information, when image 106 is accessed and viewed by an individual or by post-processing algorithms, etc., to determine information in image 106 for diagnostic purposes, a diagnosis can be performed, in part, directly on the digitized and stored information from lead marker 104, to aid in the accurate determination of any diagnosis based on image 106 including lead marker 104.

[0033] Some examples of actions that AI application 102 may take in boxes 204 and 206 in response to determining that image 106 does not contain lead marker 104 include, but are not limited to, the following exemplary cases and combinations thereof: A. Case 1: Warning – AI application 102 detects the absence of laterality in other desired markers and alerts the user. The user can then decide to re-expose or use the user interface to insert a post-exposure L or R digital marker into image 106.

[0034] B. Case 2: Lateral Markers - AI application 102 detects the absence of lateral or other markers and uses a lateral detection algorithm to automatically locate the left or one side of image 106 and place an L or R digit marker on image 106; additionally or alternatively, it alerts the user to confirm the type and placement of the digit marker.

[0035] C. Case 3: Expiratory Markers – Most chest examinations are performed while the patient is inhaling to reduce motion artifacts, but some procedures explicitly require them to be performed during exhalation. It is common practice to use “expiratory” lead markers to indicate to the radiologist that the image was taken during exhalation. AI application 102 can use information from image 106 and optionally from an auxiliary sensor source (such as a camera (not shown)) to check for the presence or absence of such markers on image 106 identified as an expiratory image (image 106 should contain “expiratory” markers), and subsequently alert the user or automatically place missing markers. The exact imaging conditions can be determined using other image quality checking algorithms (inspiratory / expiratory checking algorithms).

[0036] D. Case 4: Portable Markers - AI application 102 can detect missing markers and automatically add “portable” lead markers to images 106 obtained from portable X-ray equipment.

[0037] E. Case 5: Standing, Supine, Prone, and Lying Position (Patient Position) Markers – AI application 102 can detect the absence of any patient position markers and automatically insert them, wherein the actual patient position in image 106 can be inferred from the protocols used when image 106 was captured (these protocols are stored in association with image 106 and are accessible by AI application 102) and any available anatomical structure / view detection algorithms applied to X-ray or optical camera images to determine the patient's position in image 106.

[0038] F. Case 6: Weight-bearing markers – AI application 102 can detect the absence of “weight-bearing” markers. Typically, surgeries utilizing weight-bearing anatomy (such as the knee) are marked in this way to provide information to radiologists during review; additionally, any available anatomical structure / view detection algorithm applied to the patient's optical / camera images can help determine this information to automatically insert the marker.

[0039] G. Case 7: Date / Time Stamps - AI Application 102 can detect the absence of any desired date / time stamp and can insert date / time stamps.

[0040] Alternatively, in order to detect the absence of the desired lead marker 104, in box 202, AI application 102 may determine that a representation of the physical lead marker 104 is present within image 106. In this case, AI application 102 proceeds to box 208 to determine what information the marker 104 provides, for example, by comparing the detected representation of the physical lead marker 104 with a database (not shown) of known physical marker representations and associated definitions or information, and by digitizing the information provided by or otherwise associated with the marker 104 so that this information can be used for other workflows and analytical processes employed regarding image 106. Some examples of actions that AI application 102 may take in box 208 in response to determining that image 106 contains lead marker 104 include, but are not limited to, the following exemplary cases and combinations thereof: A. Case 1: Initials of Radiologist's Name - When AI application 102 detects markers 104 indicating the initials of a radiologist's name, AI application 102 can digitize them for use in downstream quality applications, including but not limited to "duplicate / rejection analysis" reporting tools.

[0041] B. Case 2: Inspiratory / Exhalative Markers — When AI application 102 detects an “inspiratory / exhalative” marker 104, AI application 102 digitizes this information for use by downstream clinical AI applications, such as pneumothorax size estimation algorithms, which require the inspiratory / exhalative state of image 106 in order to accurately estimate the size of any pneumothorax present in image 106.

[0042] C. Case 3: Portable Markers — When AI application 102 detects “portable” markers in image 106, the digitization of this information can help infer the frontal view location (anterior / posterior (AP) and posterior / anterior (PA)) of chest X-ray image 106, and can further help to apply downstream quantitative algorithms (e.g., cardiothoracic ratio estimators) to image 106.

[0043] D. Use Case 4: Standing and Supine Position Markers – When AI application 102 detects “patient position” markers in image 106, the digitization of this information (e.g., for chest X-rays) can be used to accurately estimate the severity of abdominal free air using detection algorithms, since the relative size and volume of free air varies depending on the patient’s position.

[0044] See now Figures 3A to 3H In the process of determining the presence or absence of lead marker 104 in image 106 by AI application 102, multiple pairs of images 106 are shown, including input image 106' ( Figure 3A , Figure 3C , Figure 3E , Figure 3G ) and associated output or digitized image 106” Figure 3B , Figure 3D , Figure 3F , Figure 3H In the input image 106' (which is the actual X-ray image 106 generated by the X-ray system 1000), the AI ​​application 102 analyzes the input image 106' using any suitable image viewing process or method in order to determine the presence, location, and shape / configuration of any lead markers 104 in the image 106'. Using the image viewing process, AI application 102 locates the pixels in image 106' that represent the physical lead marker 104, as shown in the output image 106". Using information about the location and shape of the pixels forming the marker 104, or, in the absence of the marker 104, other information about image 106 from outside of image 106, as previously described, AI application 102 can identify and digitize the information provided by the lead marker 104 to store in association with image 106' in storage devices or locations 170 and / or 174, or in another electronic storage device or medium for further processing of image 106'. Furthermore, the digitization of the lead marker 108" in image 106" (whether based on the lead marker 104 present in image 106 or as an inserted lead marker 104) enables AI application 102 to locate or reposition the lead marker 108" as needed to avoid blurring image 106" and to avoid treating the marker 108" as an artifact.

[0045] Finally, it should be understood that System 1000 may include necessary computers, electronic devices, software, memory, storage devices, databases, firmware, logic / state machines, microprocessors, communication links, displays or other visual or audio user interfaces, printing devices, and any other input / output interfaces for performing the functions described herein and / or achieving the results described herein. For example, as previously described, the system may include at least one processor / processing unit / computer and system memory / data storage structure, which may include random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). At least one processor of the system may include one or more conventional microprocessors and one or more auxiliary coprocessors, such as math coprocessors. The data storage structures discussed herein may include suitable combinations of magnetic, optical, and / or semiconductor memories, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drives, optical discs such as compact discs, and / or hard disks or drives.

[0046] Additionally, software applications / algorithms that adapt a computer / controller to perform the methods disclosed herein may be read from a computer-readable medium into the main memory of at least one processor. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" means any medium that provides or participates in providing instructions to at least one processor of system 1000 (or any other processor of the device described herein) for execution. Such media may take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical, magnetic, or optical disks, such as memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs or EEPROMs (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory), FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cassette tapes, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0047] Although in the embodiments, execution of a sequence of instructions in a software application causes at least one processor to perform the methods / processes described herein, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the methods / processes of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and / or software.

[0048] It should be understood that the compositions, apparatuses, and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments and methods, as these are subject to variation. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which will be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining the presence of lead markers (104) in an X-ray image (106), the method comprising the steps of: An X-ray system (10) is provided, the X-ray system comprising: X-ray source (14); and X-ray detector (18), the X-ray detector being alignable with the X-ray source (14); and Processing unit (40), operatively connected to the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray detector (18) to generate an X-ray image (106) based on data transmitted from the X-ray detector (18), wherein the processing unit (40) includes a lead marker detection system (100) configured to detect representations of physical lead markers (104) in the X-ray image (106); and The lead marker detection system (100) is applied to the X-ray image (106). The steps of applying the lead marker detection system (100) include: The presence or absence of the physical lead marker (104) indicated in the X-ray image (106) is detected; If the absence of the physical lead marker (104) represented in the X-ray image (106) is detected, one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are determined, and one or more digital lead markers (108") corresponding to the characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are inserted into the X-ray image (106"); and If the presence of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image is detected, one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are determined based on the representation of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image (106).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: After inserting one or more digital lead markers (108) corresponding to the characteristics of the X-ray image (106) into the X-ray image (106), the X-ray image (106) with the digital lead markers (108) is displayed for viewing.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: After inserting one or more digital lead markers (108) corresponding to the characteristics of the X-ray image (106) into the X-ray image (106), information corresponding to the digital lead markers (108) is stored in association with the X-ray image (106).

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: After inserting one or more digital lead markers (108) corresponding to the characteristics of the X-ray image (106) into the X-ray image (106), an alert is provided regarding the detected absence of the physical lead marker (104).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) includes accessing the protocol used by the X-ray system (10) when obtaining the X-ray image (106).

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the step of determining the one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) comprises at least one of the following steps: Determine the type of X-ray system (10) used to obtain the X-ray image (106); Determine the type of X-ray examination performed by obtaining the X-ray image (106); Determine the time parameters when the X-ray image (106) is obtained; and The user who operates the X-ray system (10) to obtain the X-ray image (106) is identified.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: After determining one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) based on the representation of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image (106), information corresponding to the detected physical lead marker (104) is stored in association with the X-ray image (106).

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of storing information corresponding to the detected physical lead marker (104) comprises the following steps: Digitize one or more of the properties of the X-ray image (106); and The digitized characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are stored in association with the X-ray image (106, 106).

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following steps: Digitize one or more properties of the X-ray image (106), the representation of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image (106), and combinations thereof; and The digitized characteristics are stored in association with the X-ray image (106, 106).

10. An X-ray system (10), the X-ray system comprising: X-ray source (14); X-ray detector (18), which can be positioned to be aligned with the X-ray source (14); and A processing unit (40) is operatively connected to the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray detector (18) to generate an X-ray image (106) based on data transmitted from the X-ray detector (18). The processing unit (40) includes a lead marker detection system (100) configured to detect the presence or absence of a representation of physical lead markers (104) within the X-ray image (106). In response to the detection of the absence of the physical lead marker (104) indicated in the X-ray image (106), one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are determined and one or more digital lead markers (108) corresponding to the characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are inserted into the X-ray image (106). In response to the detection of the presence of the representation of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image, one or more characteristics of the X-ray image (106) are determined based on the representation of the physical lead marker (104) in the X-ray image (106).

11. The X-ray system of claim 10, wherein the lead marker detection system (100) is configured to store information corresponding to the detected physical lead marker (104) in association with the X-ray image (106, 106").

Images