Radiographic Exposure Index Segmentation for Scattered Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiographic imaging systems fail to accurately determine whether the intended radiation dose has reached the detector and if the achieved image quality is as intended, due to the inclusion of scattered radiation in the exposure index, which affects the quality of the radiograph.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires radiograph data, calculates an exposure index related to noise by creating a density histogram, extracting specific pixels, performing frequency analysis, and notifying users based on the calculated image quality index, allowing for accurate determination of both dose and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exposure index includes scattered radiation, then the dose measurement is simplified, but the image quality assessment becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exposure index into two distinct components: a dose index that measures total radiation dose (including scattered radiation) and a quality index that assesses image quality (excluding scattered radiation effects). This segmentation allows each index to serve its specific purpose accurately without the confusion caused by combining scattered radiation in a single metric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the scattered radiation component from the overall exposure assessment by introducing a separate quality index that specifically evaluates image quality without scattered radiation interference. This extraction enables accurate image quality assessment while maintaining simplified dose measurement through the dose index.
2Device complexity
If a single exposure index is used, then the evaluation system is simplified, but the ability to determine both dose and image quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system is segmented into two independent indices: a dose index for radiation dose determination and a quality index for image quality assessment. This segmentation prevents information loss by ensuring each aspect (dose and quality) has its own dedicated measurement metric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional evaluation system where the dose index universally measures radiation exposure while the quality index universally assesses image quality. Together, these two universal indices provide comprehensive evaluation capability without requiring a single complex index to handle multiple functions.
3Ease of manufacture
If scattered radiation is included in the exposure index, then the measurement process is simplified, but the noise assessment becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts scattered radiation from the quality assessment process by introducing a quality index that specifically excludes scattered radiation effects. This extraction enables accurate noise assessment in the quality index while maintaining measurement process simplicity through the separate dose index that does include scattered radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a hardware processor that acquires image data of a radiograph, calculates an exposure index related to noise in the radiograph on the basis of the image data that is acquired, and causes a notifier to notify of a matter based on the exposure index that is calculated.