Bone Tissue Characterization via Scattered Radiation Correction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for characterizing bone tissue using uncharged particle radiation imaging struggle with interference from soft tissues and scattered radiation, leading to inaccurate and dependent results on the imaging device and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving target and fixed calibration steps to correct the characterization parameter values by referencing them to predetermined mean grey levels and emission parameters, accounting for scattered photons and soft tissue interference, allowing for independent and precise bone tissue characterization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If uncharged particle radiation imaging is used to characterize bone tissue, then bone tissue can be visualized and analyzed, but interference from soft tissues and scattered radiation introduces errors in characterization parameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization parameter accuracyVSAvoidsoft tissue interference and scattered radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the radiation detection process by spatially separating direct radiation detection from scattered radiation detection using multiple detectors positioned at different locations. This allows independent measurement and subsequent subtraction of scattered radiation components from the total signal, thereby eliminating soft tissue interference effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces computational processing as an intermediary step between radiation detection and characterization parameter calculation. By implementing scattered radiation correction algorithms that use measurements from multiple detectors, the system mediates the interference problem through mathematical separation of direct and scattered radiation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If characterization parameters are determined from grey scale images, then bone tissue properties can be assessed, but results depend on the specific imaging device and conditions used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization independence from deviceVSAvoidcharacterization parameter accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal characterization method that works across different imaging devices by implementing scattered radiation correction that accounts for device-specific parameters. The methodology uses relative measurements and normalization techniques that make the characterization parameters independent of absolute device settings, enabling consistent results across different systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from using absolute grey scale values to using relative characterization parameters that are corrected for scattered radiation effects. By transforming the measurement parameters and applying correction factors based on detector geometry and radiation physics, the system achieves device-independent characterization.

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

The method effectively reduces or eliminates interference from soft tissues and scattered radiation, providing a more precise characterization of bone tissue that is independent of the imaging device and conditions, resulting in improved accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The uncharged particles pass through the medium investigated to a greater or lesser extent, depending on its density. Attenuation is greater in an osseous medium than in the soft tissues.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

uncharged particles scattered by other parts of the bone tissue and soft tissues which are not situated opposite the given point

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattered radiation: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10813613B2Method and system for characterising a bone tissue

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 MEDIMAPS GRP

AI summary

A method is provided for the characterization of a bone tissue with an imaging device, including:acquisition of at least one bone tissue grey scale image at a measurement value (MAS1), of an emission parameter relating to emitted radiation,image analysis measurement:of a measured value (SD1), of a standard deviation of the grey levels;of a measured value (GLA1) of a mean grey level; andof a measured value, of a characterization parameter (H1) of the bone tissue;target calibration, of the measured value (H1) with respect to a target value (GLAtarget), of a predetermined mean grey level for the sensor, the calibration producing a target value (Htarget);fixed calibration of the measured value (SD1) with respect to a fixed value (MASfixed), of the predetermined emission parameter; anddetermination of a corrected value (Hcorrected), of the value of the characterization parameter.