Radiation Imaging for Bone Density Measurement with Dual Exposure Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone density measurement techniques using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) face inefficiencies in examination time and increased radiation dosage due to the need for multiple exposures and wide fields, which can reduce measurement accuracy and increase scattered rays.

Innovation Solution

A radiation imaging apparatus and method that utilizes a radiation generator, FPD, and image processing units to perform first and second bone density measurements with different exposure fields, allowing simultaneous imaging of multiple regions and reducing scattered rays through controlled exposure and energy subtraction techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a wide exposure field is used to simultaneously image multiple regions, then examination efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to scattered rays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the bone density measurement into two stages: a wide exposure field imaging stage for capturing multiple regions (lumbar vertebra and femur proximal portion) simultaneously, and a narrow exposure field imaging stage for obtaining high-accuracy images of specific regions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high examination efficiency and high measurement accuracy by using appropriate exposure fields for different measurement objectives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple imaging operations are performed to change exposure range and X-ray exposure conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but examination time increases and dosage on object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidexamination time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary wide exposure field imaging to capture multiple regions and obtain preliminary bone density measurements. Based on these preliminary results, the system determines which regions require narrow exposure field imaging for higher accuracy. This preliminary action avoids unnecessary narrow exposure field imaging operations, reducing both examination time and radiation dosage while maintaining measurement accuracy for regions that need it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple imaging operations are performed to change exposure range and X-ray exposure conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but dosage on object increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidradiation dosage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 examination efficiency and measurement accuracy while minimizing radiation dosage by optimizing exposure fields and energies, enabling precise bone density assessments with reduced scatter.

Implementation Method 1

a flat panel detector (to be referred to as an FPD hereinafter) formed by stacking two X-ray detection layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

there is known bone density measurement based on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (to be referred to as DXA hereinafter) using X-rays with two different energies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

a technique that can perform bone density measurement with DXA by performing an imaging operation twice with X-rays having different energies using a single-layer FPD

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy subtraction technique:

Data Source

PatentUS12357259B2Radiation imaging apparatus, radiation imaging method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 CANON KK

AI summary

A radiation imaging apparatus includes: an image obtaining unit configured to obtain image data corresponding to incident radiation; and an image processing unit configured to perform first bone density measurement based on image data obtained by the image obtaining unit with a first exposure field and perform second bone density measurement based on image data obtained by the image obtaining unit with a second exposure field narrower than the first exposure field.