Tabletop Aluminum Filtration Detection From a Single X-Ray Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring aluminum equivalence filtration of tabletops in radiographic imaging systems are inaccurate, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, particularly with the decline of radiographic film technology.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a single X-ray image capture of a tabletop and an aluminum filtration scale, followed by brightness identification, conversion to air KERMA, and scatter correction to determine equivalent aluminum filtration, using a non-medical X-ray imaging system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional radiographic film methods are used to measure aluminum equivalence filtration, then measurement can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical radiographic film development process with a digital X-ray imaging system using a detector array and computer processing. The system captures X-ray images digitally and uses software algorithms to automatically measure aluminum equivalence filtration, eliminating the need for physical film handling, chemical development, and manual measurement processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the X-ray transmission data through detector readings instead of using physical radiographic film. The detector array captures X-ray intensity information that is then processed computationally to determine filtration values, replacing the physical film copying and development process with digital data acquisition and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional radiographic film methods are used to measure aluminum equivalence filtration, then measurement can be performed, but accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the X-ray imaging system captures images of the tabletop with known aluminum equivalence values, compares the measured values against reference standards, and uses this comparison to calibrate and validate the measurement system. This feedback loop ensures measurement accuracy and reliability by continuously verifying against known standards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration and validation of the X-ray imaging system before actual measurements are taken. The system pre-establishes the relationship between X-ray transmission data and aluminum equivalence values using reference materials, ensuring that subsequent measurements are accurate and reliable without requiring repeated calibration during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If conventional radiographic film methods are used to measure aluminum equivalence filtration, then measurement can be performed, but it requires significant resources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive and resource-intensive radiographic film with a reusable digital detector array and software system. The digital system eliminates the need for continuous consumption of film, chemical developers, and other materials associated with conventional radiographic processing, significantly reducing resource consumption while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Provides a more accurate, faster, and less resource-intensive method for measuring tabletop filtration, enabling precise adjustments for improved imaging data quality.

Implementation Method 1

Upon irradiating the object, the X-ray radiation penetrates through the object and the tabletop, and is captured by the detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation penetration: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

converting the brightness of the aluminum filtration scale to an air kinetic energy released per unit mass (KERMA) of the aluminum filtration scale

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption and attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12578288B2Methods and systems for aluminum filtration detection

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for X-ray imaging systems. In one example, a method for measuring an equivalent aluminum filtration of a tabletop comprises acquiring a single X-ray image of a tabletop and an aluminum filtration scale using a detector; identifying a brightness of the tabletop and a brightness of the aluminum filtration scale in the single X-ray image; computing an aluminum equivalence of the tabletop, converting the brightness of the aluminum filtration scale to an air KERMA of the aluminum filtration scale and converting the aluminum equivalence of the tabletop to an air KERMA of the tabletop; and comparing the air KERMA of the tabletop to the air KERMA of the aluminum filtration scale to identify an air equivalent aluminum filtration of the tabletop.