Radiographic Video Processing Device Offset Correction for Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiographic image capture devices experience disruption and unstable video image quality when increasing the binning number, leading to feed-through noise and reduced dynamic range, which affects the display of images.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic video processing device that acquires gradation signals from a radiation detector with a matrix formation of pixels and controls the use of these signals to improve image quality by using higher density range signals initially and gradually shifting to a lower range after a predetermined frame, preventing disruption and enhancing visual interpretability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the binning number is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio and reduce readout time, then productivity is improved, but feed-through noise increases and dynamic range decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadout speedVSAvoidfeed-through noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing offset correction using a predetermined offset value before the actual image readout occurs. The offset correction section corrects the image data using this pre-prepared offset value, which prevents feed-through noise from affecting the final image quality. This preliminary correction approach ensures that the harmful feed-through noise is eliminated before it can degrade the image, while still maintaining the benefits of high-speed binning readout.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If the binning number is increased to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then measurement precision is improved, but dynamic range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddynamic range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the offset correction value based on the binning number. When the binning number changes, the system selects an appropriate offset value from storage that corresponds to the current binning configuration. This allows the system to optimize the offset correction for each binning level, thereby maintaining both high signal-to-noise ratio and adequate dynamic range by preventing offset-related degradation specific to each binning configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If video image capture is performed at high frame rate to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but image quality becomes unstable due to offset fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidimage quality stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring and storing offset values in advance at different binning numbers and frame rates. The offset correction section then uses the appropriate pre-acquired offset value based on current operating conditions, rather than attempting real-time correction during high-speed video capture. This preliminary preparation ensures stable image quality even at high frame rates, as the offset correction is based on predetermined values that account for the specific capture conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the number of pixels for charge combination is increased to improve signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to switching element control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge detection sensitivityVSAvoidswitching element control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic offset correction that operates independently based on the current binning number and frame rate. The offset correction section automatically selects the appropriate predetermined offset value and applies it to the image data without requiring complex real-time control of the switching elements. This self-service approach simplifies the control system while maintaining high measurement precision, as the offset correction function autonomously adapts to different binning configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively prevents disruption in displayed images and improves video image quality by stabilizing noise cancellation and dynamic range, ensuring smooth transitions during changes in image capture conditions.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel including a sensor portion that generates charges according to irradiated radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9258464B2Radiation video processing device, radiation video capturing device, radiation video capturing system, radiation video processing method and program storage medium
Publication Date: 2016.02.09 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US9258464B2 patent drawing
  • US9258464B2 patent drawing
  • US9258464B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiographic video processing device includes: an acquisition section that acquires gradation signals expressing charges; and a control section that, if capture of a video image formed from plural frames is being performed with a radiation detector, and a number of the pixels, from which charges are combined and read by switching elements included in adjacent pixels of the radiation detector, has been increased, effects control such that, from a frame at a time of the increase up until a predetermined frame, the gradation signals distributed in a higher density range than that for frames subsequent to the predetermined frame are used as image data.