Corrected Image Generation with Multi-Distance Scatter Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices suffer from scatter effects that reduce image contrast and increase blurriness due to photons changing direction, leading to inaccurate representations of scanned objects, and conventional methods either increase patient radiation exposure or rely on predefined models that are not tailored to the actual target object.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple robotic arms to capture multiple image datasets at varying source detector distances, employing image processing and machine learning models to estimate scatter corrections based on actual object characteristics, reducing reliance on predefined models and enhancing image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional scatter correction methods are used, then image processing is simplified, but image accuracy deteriorates due to reliance on predefined models not tailored to the actual target object
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple image datasets at different source-detector distances before performing scatter correction. This preliminary multi-distance imaging enables the system to characterize the actual target object and calculate object-specific scatter correction factors, improving image accuracy without relying on generic predefined models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the source-detector distance parameter to capture multiple image datasets at varying distances. By varying this parameter and analyzing the changes in scatter patterns across different distances, the system can calculate accurate scatter correction specific to the actual target object, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If radiation exposure is increased to improve image quality, then image contrast improves, but patient safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of increasing radiation exposure to improve image quality with a computational approach. By capturing multiple image datasets at different source-detector distances and using image processing algorithms to calculate scatter correction, the system achieves improved image contrast without increasing patient radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational process (image processing and scatter correction calculation) between the raw imaging data and the final corrected image. This intermediary process enables the system to achieve high image contrast by mathematically correcting scatter effects rather than by increasing radiation exposure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image datasets are captured at varying distances, then scatter correction accuracy improves, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by capturing image datasets at discrete, periodically spaced source-detector distances. This periodic sampling approach enables the system to gather sufficient information for accurate scatter correction while minimizing the total number of images required, thus balancing scatter correction accuracy with imaging time efficiency.
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
Improves image quality by tailoring scatter corrections to the specific object, resulting in better volume reconstruction and reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
a source configured to emit a wave
Implementation Method 2
an initial image having a scatter effect
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to receive a signal indicative of the emitted wave
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for generating a corrected image are provided. A first robotic arm may be configured to orient a source at a first pose and a second robotic arm may be configured to orient a detector at a plurality of second poses. An image dataset may be received from the detector at each of the plurality of second poses to yield a plurality of image datasets. The plurality of datasets may comprise an initial image having a scatter effect. The plurality of image datasets may be saved. A scatter correction may be determined and configured to correct the scatter effect. The correction may be applied to the initial image to correct the scatter effect.