Radiation Imaging Gain Correction Using Mode-Specific Reference Images
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging systems face challenges in acquiring high-quality object images with minimal artifacts during gain correction, particularly when radiographing moving images, due to noise amplification and sensitivity irregularities, which can lead to false diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging system that includes a radiation imaging unit, a table storage unit for setting radiation conditions, and an image processing unit for performing gain correction using pre-stored images specific to each operation mode, ensuring high-quality image acquisition by matching the correction image to the selected operation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gain correction is performed using conventional methods without mode-specific pre-stored images, then the system can operate with fewer storage requirements and simpler processing, but noise amplification and sensitivity irregularities increase leading to image artifacts and reduced diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing correction images for each operation mode before actual radiography. These pre-stored images are created under controlled conditions and used during gain correction to compensate for noise amplification and sensitivity irregularities, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy without increasing real-time processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by selecting different correction images based on the specific operation mode (still image or moving image) and radiation conditions. This allows the gain correction to be optimized for each mode, reducing artifacts and improving image quality while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured parameter selection
2Productivity
If pixel addition is performed to shorten read time and improve S/N ratio, then the frame rate increases and signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the resolution deteriorates as multiple pixels are merged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamics by allowing flexible selection of pixel addition ratios (1:1, 2:2, 4:4, 9:9) based on the specific radiography requirements. This dynamic adjustment enables optimization between frame rate and resolution depending on whether moving images require high frame rates or still images require high resolution, resolving the contradiction through adaptive configuration
3Loss of time
If analogue signal addition is performed before AD conversion, then the data amount for AD conversion is reduced and read time is shortened, but the S/N ratio becomes worse compared to digital signal addition
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by performing pixel addition in the analogue domain before AD conversion, which reduces the data amount for conversion and shortens read time. The pre-stored correction images compensate for any S/N ratio degradation, allowing the system to achieve faster read times while maintaining acceptable image quality through the correction process
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 system enables the acquisition of high-quality object images with minimal artifacts, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing errors in diagnosis by using tailored gain correction based on pre-stored images for each operation mode.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray dosage is converted into electric signals by using a solid state imaging device in which x-ray detection elements (conversion elements) are disposed in a two-dimensional array pattern
Data Source
AI summary
When a gain correction is performed for the radiographed object image, the acquisition of the object image having a high grade quality and no artifact is realized. For that purpose, an image storing unit is provided for storing an image for correction radiographed based on conditions set with the table in a state in which no object exists to each operation modes of the plurality of operation modes; and an image processing unit is provided for performing a gain correction processing of the radiographed object image and performs the gain correction processing of the radiographed object image obtained based on the conditions set in the table of the operation mode selected by the selecting unit in a state in which the object exists using a corresponding image for correction extracted from the image storage unit based on the operation mode selected by the selecting unit.