Image Processing Apparatus for Phase Map Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for phase analysis of elemental map data, such as those used in electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) systems, struggle to effectively display the characteristics of elemental composition for each phase, making it difficult to identify phases with highest or lowest X-ray intensities of elements like Si or Al.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires elemental map data, generates phase maps, and displays X-ray intensity or concentration as graphs for each phase, allowing for a clearer comprehension of elemental composition through graphical representations like pie charts and bar charts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If X-ray intensities of elements of each phase are displayed as a list, then the data can be presented in a simple format, but it becomes difficult to comprehend characteristics of elemental composition such as identifying which phase has highest or lowest X-ray intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional list data into two-dimensional graphical representations (bar charts and pie charts). The bar charts display X-ray intensity values as vertical bars where height corresponds to intensity magnitude, enabling visual comparison across phases. The pie charts represent elemental composition as proportional segments, providing intuitive visual understanding of relative abundances. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction by preserving all numerical information while adding visual dimension for easy comprehension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding in the graphical displays to represent different phases and elements. Each phase is assigned distinct colors in the bar charts, and different elements are represented by different colors in the pie charts. This color differentiation enables rapid visual identification and comparison of elemental composition characteristics across multiple phases, directly addressing the difficulty of identifying which phase has highest or lowest intensity values.
2Ease of operation
If graphical representations are generated for each phase, then elemental composition characteristics become easily comprehensible, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall data presentation task into distinct graphical components: bar charts for displaying X-ray intensity values and pie charts for showing elemental composition ratios. Each phase is processed independently to generate its own graphical representations. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by breaking down the comprehensive analysis into manageable visual modules, making the processing more systematic and easier to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized graphical templates and formatting rules that can be repeatedly applied to different phases. Once the graphical representation methodology is established for one phase, it can be copied and adapted for other phases, reducing the overall processing complexity. The systematic use of consistent chart types, color schemes, and labeling conventions across all phases minimizes the cognitive and computational burden of generating comprehensive visualizations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus including a processor and a memory, the processor executing a program stored in the memory to: acquire elemental map data representing a distribution of X-ray intensity or a distribution of concentration for each element; generate a phase map indicating a distribution of phases of compounds based on the elemental map data; and generate graphs representing X-ray intensity of each element or a concentration of each element as an area for the respective phases of the compounds included in the phase map and cause a display section to display the graphs.