Radiographic Imaging Apparatus Region Segmentation for AEC
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical radiographic imaging, existing automatic exposure control (AEC) systems face challenges in maintaining image quality due to increased noise at low radiation levels and artifacts at high radiation levels, particularly when correcting digital image signals for regions-of-interest, leading to decreased image quality.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus with a region determination unit that analyzes reference images to identify standard and non-interest regions, allowing for radiation exposure control based on image data from these regions to ensure optimal radiation levels without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a receptor field is designated for AEC monitoring in a region-of-interest, then automatic exposure control can be performed, but image quality of the region-of-interest decreases due to signal loss and correction artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The image region is segmented into a region-of-interest and a region-of-non-interest. The AEC monitoring is performed using sensors in the region-of-non-interest, while image acquisition is performed using sensors in the region-of-interest. This segmentation allows AEC functionality without compromising the quality of the region-of-interest image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The AEC monitoring function is extracted from the region-of-interest and placed in the region-of-non-interest. By designating a receptor field in the region-of-non-interest instead of the region-of-interest, the patent separates the exposure control measurement function from the diagnostic imaging function, preventing signal loss and correction artifacts in the region-of-interest.
2Manufacturing precision
If radiation amount is increased to reduce noise, then image quality improves, but artifacts are generated due to sensor saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the radiation amount through AEC using sensors in the region-of-non-interest during image acquisition. When the monitored radiation amount reaches a predetermined standard value, the irradiation is automatically ended. This feedback mechanism prevents both excessive radiation (causing saturation artifacts) and insufficient radiation (causing noise), maintaining optimal image quality.
3Extent of automation
If AEC monitoring is performed using control lines during radiation irradiation, then exposure control is achieved, but many signal components are lost requiring correction
Solution Approach 1:
The AEC monitoring function is extracted from the region-of-interest and performed using sensors in the region-of-non-interest. This extraction eliminates the need to activate control lines through the region-of-interest during irradiation, preventing signal component loss and the need for corrective processing in the region-of-interest image data.
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 accurate determination of radiation exposure levels for regions-of-interest, preventing decreases in image quality by using reference regions for exposure control, thus maintaining image quality during radiographic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
acquires the radiation that transmits through the subject as a digital image signal using a radiation detection device
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic imaging apparatus configured to perform radiographic imaging using a plurality of sensors includes a region determination unit configured to analyze a reference image and determine a standard region in a region-of-interest of a subject in the reference image and a reference region in a region-of-non-interest of the subject in the reference image, and a determination unit configured to determine whether an amount of radiation with which the sensor of a region that corresponds to the standard region is irradiated reaches a standard value based on image data of the standard region, image data of the reference region, and a signal read from the sensor of a region that corresponds to the reference region.