Scattered Ray Estimation in Radiation Imaging Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation imaging techniques using flat panel detectors face challenges in accurately processing images due to scattered rays, which can affect energy subtraction methods unless the amount of scattered rays is considered.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus that generates material characteristic images using multiple radiation energy levels, calculates evaluation information to estimate the correlation between these images, and estimates the amount of scattered rays included in the images, allowing for improved image processing by accounting for scattered radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation images are processed using energy subtraction method, then material separation capability is improved, but scattered rays affect the accuracy of processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air cavity as an intermediary medium between the object and detector. This air cavity serves as a reference region that captures scattered rays without containing the target material, allowing the scattered ray component to be separated and removed from the main radiation image through subtraction processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection field into multiple regions: a first region containing the object to be imaged and a second region (air cavity) containing only scattered rays. By segmenting the detection areas and processing each region separately, the scattered rays can be isolated and removed while preserving the material information in the object region
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiation images of different energy levels are used to generate material characteristic images, then material separation capability is improved, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by generating material characteristic images from multiple radiation images of different energy levels before final image reconstruction. This preliminary action separates the material decomposition step from the scattered ray removal step, making the overall processing more systematic and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the air cavity region as a feedback reference to continuously monitor and estimate the scattered ray component. By comparing the detected signals from the air cavity with the object region, the system can iteratively refine the scattered ray estimation and improve the accuracy of material separation
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 estimation and removal of scattered rays, leading to clearer and more accurate material separation images, particularly in medical imaging applications, by accounting for the amount of scattered radiation in the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation detection apparatus configured to detect radiation that has been transmitted through the object to obtain image signals
Implementation Method 2
processing by an energy subtraction method
Implementation Method 3
If radiation that has been transmitted through an object is scattered inside the object and scattered rays are generated
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus comprises an image generating unit configured to generate a material characteristic image by using a plurality of radiation images of different radiation energy levels; an evaluation information calculation unit configured to calculate evaluation information which indicates a correlation between a plurality of material characteristic images; and a scattered ray amount estimation unit configured to estimate, based on the evaluation information, an amount of scattered rays included in the plurality of radiation images.