Radiographic Image Resolution via Half-Pixel Detector Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic image processing techniques face challenges in improving sharpness and granularity without increasing the amount of radiation emitted to the object, as increasing radiation or pixel size compromises image quality.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image processing apparatus that acquires two images from overlapping detectors deviating by half a pixel, estimates pixel values based on positional relationships, and generates a processed image with higher resolution, thereby enhancing sharpness and granularity without increasing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the amount of radiation emitted to the radiation detector is increased, then the sharpness and granularity of the acquired radiographic image are improved, but the amount of radiation emitted to the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detectors (first detector and second detector) with different pixel sizes. The first detector has smaller pixels for high-resolution imaging, while the second detector has larger pixels for better radiation collection. By segmenting the detection function across multiple devices with complementary characteristics, the system achieves both sharpness and granularity without increasing radiation to the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of two different detectors by aligning their pixel grids and combining the image data. The first radiographic image from the high-resolution detector and the second radiographic image from the high-radiation-collection detector are merged to produce a final image that combines the advantages of both detectors, achieving improved sharpness and granularity without increasing radiation exposure.
2Quantity of substance
If the pixel size of the radiation detector is increased, then the amount of radiation emitted to a unit area of the detector is increased, but spatial resolution is reduced and sharpness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detectors (first detector and second detector) with different pixel sizes. The first detector has smaller pixels for high-resolution imaging, while the second detector has larger pixels for better radiation collection. By segmenting the detection function across multiple devices with complementary characteristics, the system achieves both sharpness and granularity without increasing radiation to the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pixel size across different detectors to optimize for different functions. The first detector uses smaller pixel sizes to maximize spatial resolution, while the second detector uses larger pixel sizes to maximize radiation collection efficiency. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both high sharpness and high radiation collection without compromising either aspect.
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 method generates high-resolution radiographic images with improved sharpness and granularity without increasing radiation to the object, maintaining image quality while allowing for increased pixel size for better radiation distribution.
Implementation Method 1
by irradiating the first detection unit and the second detection unit with radiation which has been emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through an object
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition unit acquires first and second radiographic images acquired by irradiating a first radiation detector and a second radiation detector which overlaps the first radiation detector so as to deviate from the first radiation detector by a half pixel with radiation which has been emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through an object. A corresponding positional relationship acquisition unit acquires a corresponding positional relationship between the position of pixels of the first radiographic image and the position of pixels of the second radiographic image. A resolution enhancement unit estimates a pixel value corresponding to a position between the pixels of the first radiographic image, on the basis of the corresponding positional relationship, a pixel value of the first radiographic image, and a pixel value of the second radiographic image, and generates a processed radiographic image having a higher resolution than the first and second radiographic images.