Radiological Image Grid Figure Removal via Digital Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiological image processing methods require acquiring a correction image without an object, which is impractical and difficult to maintain consistent radiographic environments, leading to low-precision grid figure removal due to varying grid stripe frequencies across the image.
Innovation Solution
A radiological image processing apparatus and program that separates the image into a grid image and a non-grid image, adjusts the grid image intensity based on the non-grid image, and subtracts the adjusted image to generate a corrected image free of grid influences, allowing for high-precision correction without pre-acquired correction data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an oscillating system is used to reduce grid figure, then grid figure is reduced, but the apparatus is enlarged and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical oscillating system with a digital image processing method. Instead of physically oscillating the grid during radiography to reduce grid figure, the invention uses software-based techniques to separate and remove grid pattern components from the captured image, thereby eliminating the need for complex mechanical oscillation mechanisms while achieving the same goal of reducing grid figure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the grid figure components from the radiological image through frequency analysis and filtering techniques. By identifying and separating the periodic grid pattern frequencies from the overall image spectrum, the method removes only the harmful grid figure elements while preserving the diagnostic image content, avoiding the need for complex mechanical systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an image for correction is acquired beforehand without an object, then grid figure removal is attempted, but radiographic environments cannot be maintained consistently leading to low precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary frequency analysis on the captured image to identify grid figure characteristics in situ. Rather than relying on pre-acquired correction images taken under different conditions, the method analyzes the actual image's frequency spectrum to detect grid pattern frequencies and applies针对性的 filtering, ensuring precision by adapting to the specific radiographic conditions of each image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the frequency filtering parameters based on the actual image being processed. By analyzing the power spectrum of each radiological image and identifying the specific frequency components corresponding to grid figures, the method adapts the correction parameters to match the actual radiographic conditions, thereby maintaining high precision across varying environments.
3Device complexity
If spatial filtering is applied assuming steady grid stripes, then processing is simplified, but frequency bands vary across image positions reducing correction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple frequency analysis windows across different spatial regions. By dividing the image into zones and performing local frequency analysis in each region, the method captures the variation in grid stripe frequencies across the image while maintaining manageable processing complexity through systematic segmentation and localized filtering.
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
Enables high-precision grid figure removal in a single radiographic operation without requiring consistent radiographic environments or pre-acquired correction data, accounting for pixel variations to improve image quality.
Implementation Method 1
A radiological image processing apparatus accumulates radiation energy transmitted through an object under examination, in an image sensor called 'flat panel radiation detector (FPD: Flat Panel Detector)', and converts it into electric signals for visualization
Implementation Method 2
a radiation absorbing layer which uses lead or the like with a high rate of radiation absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A radiological image processing apparatus of this invention includes a separating device, an adjusting device and a removing device. Since a corrected image is generated using the radiological image taken through an object under examination, each image can be acquired by one radiographic operation without acquiring data for grid correction beforehand. The radiological image taken through the object is separated into a grid image and a non-grid image, and a corrected image is generated by adjusting intensity of the grid image on real space based on the non-grid image. Thus a high-precision correcting process is realized by one radiographic operation.