Phase Contrast Imaging Thickness Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Phase contrast imaging using a light source that outputs polychromatic light results in thickness distribution images with low quantitativeness.
Innovation Solution
An observation apparatus and method that include a light source outputting light with a wavelength band, an imaging unit for acquiring phase contrast images, a thickness distribution image generation unit, and a correction unit that adjusts the thickness distribution image based on the light source's spectrum, iteratively calculating intensity distributions and update amounts to refine the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If phase contrast imaging is performed using a light source that outputs polychromatic light, then the imaging can be performed with a practical light source (e.g., X-ray tube), but the thickness distribution image generated has low quantitativeness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating the spectral parameters of the polychromatic light source into the image generation process. The thickness distribution image generation unit uses the spectrum information (wavelength distribution) as a parameter to correct the phase contrast image, thereby improving quantitativeness while maintaining polychromatic light source compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spectrum information as an intermediary element between the polychromatic light source and the thickness distribution image generation. The spectrum acts as a mediator that enables the system to account for the wavelength-dependent effects of polychromatic light, allowing accurate thickness measurement despite using practical polychromatic sources
2Measurement precision
If monochromatic light is used for phase contrast imaging, then the thickness distribution image has high quantitativeness, but the light source requirement becomes more stringent and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from requiring monochromatic light to using polychromatic light by incorporating spectral parameters into the image generation algorithm. This parameter change allows the system to maintain quantitativeness while using more practical and versatile light sources
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to make the light source monochromatic (traditional approach), the patent inverts the problem by accepting polychromatic light and compensating for its effects through spectral information processing. This inversion allows practical light sources to be used while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 approach enables the generation of thickness distribution images with excellent quantitativeness even when using a light source that outputs polychromatic light, improving accuracy and reducing noise-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that outputs light having a wavelength band, and irradiates an observation object with the light
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit that receives light output from the light source and passed through the observation object, and acquires a phase contrast image of the observation object
Data Source
AI summary
An observation apparatus includes a light source, an imaging unit, a thickness distribution image generation unit, and a thickness distribution image correction unit. The imaging unit receives X-rays output from the light source and passed through an observation object, and acquires a phase contrast image. The thickness distribution image generation unit generates a thickness distribution image based on the phase contrast image. The thickness distribution image correction unit corrects the thickness distribution image by setting the generated thickness distribution image as an initial image, and repeatedly performing calculation of an intensity distribution of the light after being passed through the observation object based on a spectrum and the thickness distribution image, calculation of an update amount based on the calculated intensity distribution and the phase contrast image, and update of the thickness distribution image based on the calculated update amount.