Super-Resolution Image Reconstruction With Physics-Guided AI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for reconstructing super-resolution microscopic images often result in artifacts and unsatisfactory signal-noise ratios due to the lack of constraint by imaging principles in trained machine-learning models.

Innovation Solution

An image processing model incorporating a first sub-model for a likelihood term and a second sub-model as a trained machine-learning model to optimize an objective function, ensuring the reconstruction adheres to imaging principles and reduces artifacts and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a trained machine-learning model is used to reconstruct super-resolution images, then the reconstruction speed and automation are improved, but artifacts and errors occur due to lack of constraint by imaging principles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage reconstruction automationVSAvoidimage reconstruction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing model is divided into two independent sub-models: a first sub-model that determines optimization terms based on imaging principles (likelihood term) and a second sub-model that is a trained machine-learning model (regularization term). This segmentation allows each sub-model to specialize in different aspects, with the first sub-model ensuring physical correctness and the second sub-model providing noise reduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between automation and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary objective function that combines both the likelihood term (from imaging principles) and the regularization term (from machine-learning models). This intermediary framework mediates between the physical constraints of imaging and the computational power of machine-learning, allowing the system to benefit from both while avoiding the artifacts of using either alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional reconstruction methods are used, then imaging principles are followed, but artifacts and poor signal-noise ratios result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstraint by imaging principlesVSAvoidartifacts and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two previously separate approaches: conventional imaging-principle-based reconstruction methods and machine-learning-based denoising. The first sub-model ensures constraint by imaging principles while the second sub-model addresses artifacts and noise. By combining these approaches in a unified optimization framework, the system achieves both reliability and reduced harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing model functions as a composite system, integrating different methodological materials (imaging principles and machine-learning algorithms) into a single cohesive structure. The first sub-model provides the structural framework based on imaging physics, while the second sub-model adds the noise-reduction layer, creating a composite approach that overcomes the limitations of individual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If a single sub-model is used for image processing, then the model complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle both imaging principles and noise reduction is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel structure complexityVSAvoidhandling of imaging principles and noise reduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The model is segmented into two specialized sub-models: the first sub-model handles imaging principles and likelihood optimization, while the second sub-model handles noise reduction and regularization. This segmentation increases versatility by allowing each sub-model to specialize in specific tasks, while the overall structure remains manageable through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual sub-model structure provides multi-functionality within a single image processing system. The first sub-model universally applies imaging principles across different imaging modalities, while the second sub-model universally handles noise reduction tasks. This multi-functional design enhances adaptability without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12573035B2Systems and methods for image processing
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PEKING UNIV
  • US12573035B2 patent drawing
  • US12573035B2 patent drawing
  • US12573035B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems for image processing are provided. The method may include obtaining image data generated by an image acquisition device; generating a preliminary image by processing the image data; and generating a target image by using an image processing model to process the preliminary image according to an optimization algorithm. The image processing model includes a first sub-model and a second sub-model. The first sub-model is configured to determine a first optimization term related to a likelihood term of an objective function, and the second sub-model is configured to determine a second optimization term related to a regularization term of the objective function, wherein the second sub-model is a trained machine-learning model.