Penetrating Radiation Imaging via Statistical Fluctuation Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging technologies struggle to accurately represent internal motions and fluctuations in the attenuation of penetrating radiation, leading to inaccurate image reconstruction and error estimation, particularly in dynamic objects or living creatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involve collecting and processing multiple measurements of penetrating radiation to calculate statistical parameters describing the temporal distribution of these measurements, allowing for the reconstruction of images that depict relative movements and fluctuations within the object, thereby improving the accuracy of mean attenuation images and error estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measurements of penetrating radiation are collected to improve image accuracy and reduce noise, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the need for multiple measurements and complex statistical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing statistical processing (calculating mean, variance, and other parameters) on multiple radiation measurements during the data acquisition phase. This preprocessing approach prepares the data in advance, enabling faster and more accurate image reconstruction without requiring additional measurement time, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Reliability
If multiple measurements are processed to obtain statistical parameters for imaging fluctuations, then reliability of internal motion detection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based motion detection systems with a computational approach. By using statistical parameter calculations (mean, variance, standard deviation) on radiation attenuation measurements, the system achieves reliable internal motion detection through software processing rather than complex physical devices, thus improving reliability while managing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dose is reduced to minimize harmful effects, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to fewer photons detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the raw radiation measurement data into statistical parameters (mean, variance, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis) that describe the distribution characteristics. This transformation allows the system to extract meaningful information about internal motions and structures even from low-dose measurements with fewer photons, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing radiation dose to the object.
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 more precise imaging of internal motions and fluctuations, enhancing image quality, reducing radiation doses, and providing new contrast schemes for better visualization of structures, which is particularly beneficial in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation is attenuated by the object of interest, and a shadow image (projection) of the region of interest is formed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides for systems and methods which use penetrating radiation to obtain novel type of information about objects of interest. This information may be represented as novel type of image. In embodiments of the present invention, penetrating radiation is directed through the object of interest. The attenuated radiation emerging from the object of interest is detected by at least one detector. A plurality of measurements is collected. At least one statistical parameter describing variations of the measurements may be calculated and used for reconstructing an image representing fluctuations of the attenuation of the penetrating radiation in the object of study. At least one other statistical parameter representing the mean attenuation image, the error of the fluctuation image, or the error of the mean attenuation image may also be calculated and used to reconstruct images of the object of interest.