Dual Energy Subtraction Imaging for X-ray Diagnostic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual energy subtraction methods in radiation diagnostic apparatuses are inefficient in generating subtraction images, resulting in only half as many processed images as the number of X-ray radiations, and struggle with image clarity due to overlapping non-relevant sites like bones, which hinders the visualization of heart muscles during PCI procedures.
Innovation Solution
A radiation diagnostic apparatus that alternately radiates X-rays of different energy levels and detects these rays to generate subtraction images by processing the difference between consecutive images, allowing for efficient generation of dual energy subtraction images and improved image clarity by eliminating non-relevant sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional dual energy subtraction method is used (alternating odd and even frame subtraction), then subtraction images can be generated, but only half as many processed images are obtained as the number of X-ray radiations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subtraction process into multiple independent calculation paths. Instead of waiting for complete odd-even frame pairs, the system performs subtraction calculations for multiple different frame combinations simultaneously (e.g., frame 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, etc.), allowing parallel processing and increasing the number of output images per radiation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs subtraction calculations in advance for multiple frame combinations before display is needed. By pre-calculating subtraction images from consecutive frames as they are acquired, the system prepares multiple processed images ready for immediate display, eliminating waiting time and increasing productivity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional single energy X-ray imaging is used, then images can be obtained, but non-relevant sites like bones overlap with blood vessels making it difficult to visualize heart muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes dual energy X-ray imaging by changing the energy parameter of the X-rays to two different levels. By acquiring images at two distinct energy levels and performing subtraction processing, the system exploits the different attenuation characteristics of various tissues at different energies to eliminate bones and highlight blood vessels, thereby improving image clarity without excessive complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple X-ray radiations are performed to generate sufficient subtraction images, then more processed images can be obtained, but radiation exposure to the subject increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous X-ray radiation at a single optimal dose level while performing multiple subtraction calculations from the acquired frames. Instead of delivering multiple separate radiation doses to generate more images, the system continuously processes consecutive frames from a single radiation sequence, maximizing the number of usable subtraction images while minimizing total radiation exposure.
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 enables the efficient generation of dual energy subtraction images, reducing the need for repeated image taking and minimizing radiation exposure, while enhancing the visualization of blood vessels and contrast agents, thereby improving diagnostic and treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation radiating unit that alternately radiates radiation rays having a first level of energy and radiation rays having a second level of energy that is different from the first level of energy onto a subject
Implementation Method 2
which utilizes the fact that different sites have different X-ray absorption rates
Implementation Method 3
a radiation detecting unit that detects radiation rays that have passed through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray image generating unit alternately generates X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a higher level of energy and X-ray images each obtained by radiating X-rays having a lower level of energy. Further, every time an X-ray image has been generated by the X-ray image generating unit, a dual energy subtraction image generating unit generates a dual energy subtraction image by using the X-ray image that has just been generated and the X-ray image generated immediately preceding the X-ray image.