Radiation Image Processing via Frequency Component Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy subtraction methods, such as the one-shot and two-shot methods, face challenges in reducing noise and exposure dose, especially when imaging body parts with large thickness, leading to a poor signal-to-noise ratio in subtraction images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquire two radiation images with different energy distributions, perform frequency analysis to generate high- and low-frequency components, and synthesize these components to extract specific subject structures, reducing noise and exposure dose by weighting and subtracting corresponding pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the one-shot method is used for energy subtraction imaging, then the imaging speed is improved, but the S/N ratio deteriorates in body parts with large thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two separate shots with different radiation energies, allowing each shot to be optimized for its specific energy characteristics. This segmentation enables better control over the beam hardening effect and improves the S/N ratio in subtraction images for body parts with large thickness, while maintaining the efficiency of the one-shot approach through automated processing.
2Reliability
If the two-shot method is used for energy subtraction imaging of body parts with large thickness, then the S/N ratio is improved, but the exposure dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation energy parameters between two shots, using different energy distributions optimized for the specific body part being imaged. By carefully selecting and controlling the energy parameters of each shot, the system achieves improved S/N ratio in the subtraction image while minimizing the total exposure dose through intelligent parameter optimization.
3Device complexity
If beam hardening is utilized in the one-shot method, then the imaging process is simplified, but the energy difference between detection means becomes small in body parts with large thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary energy subtraction processing on the images obtained from the two detection means, applying beam hardening correction algorithms before the final subtraction. This preliminary action compensates for the reduced energy difference caused by beam hardening in body parts with large thickness, maintaining image quality while keeping the overall process simplified and automated.
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 effectively generates images with reduced noise and improved signal-to-noise ratio, even for body parts with large thickness, by synthesizing low-frequency components from images with varying radiation amounts, enhancing the extraction of specific subject structures while minimizing exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The one-shot method is a method for alternately irradiating two detection means with radiation rays having different energy distributions using a phenomenon in which a low energy component is absorbed in a case where radiation passes through a substance and radiation having a relatively large high energy component is transferred to a rear stage, that is, using beam hardening.
Implementation Method 2
perform frequency analysis to generate high- and low-frequency components, and synthesize these components to extract specific subject structures
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition unit acquires first and second radiation images from first and second radiation detectors. A first frequency analysis unit generates a first high-frequency component and a first low-frequency component of the first radiation image, and a second frequency analysis unit generates a second low-frequency component of the second radiation image. A subtraction processing unit generates a subtraction low-frequency component from the first low-frequency component and the second low-frequency component, and a synthesis unit synthesizes the subtraction low-frequency component and the first high-frequency component to generate a processed image.