Radiological Image Correction for Mixed Pixel Types
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging systems face degradation in image quality due to imaging pixels with different properties, which are not adequately addressed by existing correction methods that do not consider varying imaging environments and conditions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that applies distinct correction processes to pixel values obtained from different types of imaging pixels, determining the appropriate correction based on pixel value information and imaging conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single correction method is applied to all pixel types, then the correction process is simple, but image quality degrades due to inadequate correction of pixel output differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different correction methods to different pixel types based on their specific characteristics. Main pixels use one correction approach while sub pixels use another, acknowledging that each pixel type has different output properties that require tailored correction strategies to maintain image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction process is segmented into multiple pathways: one for main pixels and another for sub pixels. This segmentation allows the system to handle each pixel type according to its specific needs, preventing the degradation of image quality that would result from a uniform correction approach.
2Productivity
If correction coefficients are determined without considering imaging environment and irradiation condition, then the correction process is efficient, but image quality degrades due to insufficient correction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores correction coefficients for various imaging environments and irradiation conditions. When imaging is performed, the system simply retrieves the appropriate pre-computed coefficients based on the current conditions, maintaining processing efficiency while ensuring accurate correction for each specific scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction coefficients are determined as functions of imaging environment parameters and irradiation condition parameters. By establishing the relationship between these parameters and optimal correction values in advance, the system can efficiently select appropriate coefficients during actual imaging while maintaining high correction accuracy for varying conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If compound pixels with different output properties are used, then multifunctionality is achieved, but image quality degrades due to pixel output differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements compound pixels where main pixels and sub pixels share common structural elements and processing pathways, enabling multifunctionality. The same pixel array structure serves both imaging and irradiation detection functions, while the correction system universally handles both pixel types through differentiated correction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the compound pixel structure, different regions (main pixel and sub pixel) are assigned different correction characteristics based on their specific output properties. This local differentiation in correction approach compensates for the inherent output differences while preserving the multifunctional benefits of the compound pixel design.
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
Improves the image quality of radiological images by effectively addressing the output differences between various pixel types, ensuring accurate and consistent image representation.
Implementation Method 1
a correction unit configured to perform property-based correction on the pixel values, wherein the correction unit is configured to switch a correction process in accordance with a type of imaging pixel, and perform the switched correction process on the pixel values
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method includes: obtaining a radiological image that includes a plurality of pixel values obtained from a plurality of imaging pixels through radiation imaging, wherein the plurality of imaging pixels are arranged; determining, from among the plurality of pixel values, a pixel value obtained from a first type of imaging pixel of the plurality of imaging pixels and a pixel value obtained from a second type of imaging pixel having a different configuration from the first type of imaging pixel; and performing a first correction process in which the pixel value obtained from the first type of imaging pixel is set as a correction target, and performing a second correction process that differs from the first correction process, and in which the pixel value obtained from the second type of imaging pixel is set as a correction target.