Adaptive X-ray Image Processing for Radiography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current image processing techniques for X-ray imaging systems, such as digital and computed radiography, face challenges in achieving consistent image quality due to manual estimation of patient size or thickness, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies, which can result in misdiagnosis and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive image processing method that determines entrance and exit exposures to automatically adjust image processing parameters, using a computer-readable storage medium and imaging system with an image processor to calculate the exit-to-entrance exposure ratio, allowing for precise adjustment of image processing parameters based on object attenuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual estimation of patient size or thickness is used to select image processing parameters, then image quality can be improved, but accuracy and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidpatient size estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical estimation process with an automatic computational system. The image processor automatically calculates image processing parameters by analyzing the raw image data and determining patient thickness through computational algorithms, eliminating the need for manual visual estimation and measurement by technicians.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the imaging system to automatically determine patient-specific parameters and adjust image processing settings without human intervention. The image processor autonomously analyzes the raw image to calculate optimal processing parameters tailored to each patient's anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual estimation of patient size or thickness is used to select image processing parameters, then image quality can be improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage quality consistencyVSAvoidtime for manual estimation and parameter adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous automatic processing where the image processor continuously analyzes raw images and adjusts processing parameters in real-time without interruption. This eliminates the discrete manual steps of estimation and adjustment, creating a seamless continuous process that improves workflow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If broad classification of patient size is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of parameter selectionVSAvoidpatient size classification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by determining image processing parameters specific to each patient's actual anatomy rather than applying generic classification-based settings. The system analyzes the actual raw image data to calculate patient-specific parameters, ensuring that each patient receives tailored processing settings rather than broad classification-based settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes processing parameters based on actual measured patient thickness derived from the raw image data, rather than using fixed parameters associated with broad size classifications. This allows continuous adjustment of parameters to match the actual patient anatomy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach ensures accurate and automatic determination of image processing parameters, enhancing image quality by accounting for individual patient anatomy and reducing time and costs associated with manual estimation and adjustment processes.

Implementation Method 1

X-rays produced by the source travel through the patient's chest, and the x-ray sensor then detects the x-ray energy generated by the source and attenuated to various degrees by different parts of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8300905B2Adaptive image processing and display for digital and computed radiography images

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The presently described technology provides a method for adaptive image processing. The image processing method includes determining an entrance exposure of an object, determining an exit exposure of the object, and determining one or more image processing parameters based at least in part on the entrance and exit exposures. The presently described technology also provides a method for adaptive image display. The image display method includes determining an entrance exposure of an object, determining an exit exposure of the object, and displaying an attenuation map based at least in part on the entrance and exit exposures.