X-ray Talbot Imaging System Automated Image Direction Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray Talbot imaging systems using one-dimensional gratings struggle to efficiently compare and display reconstructed images of the same site taken at different subject set angles, as they do not effectively match image directions or perform uniform image adjustments, making it cumbersome for users to diagnose by comparing these images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system that includes an X-ray Talbot imaging device capturing moire images at various subject set angles and an image processing device capable of generating multiple types of reconstructed images, detecting grating directions and subject set angles, matching image directions, and performing uniform adjustments for image quality across all images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reconstructed images of the same site at different subject set angles are displayed in line using existing techniques, then the images can be viewed simultaneously, but the image directions cannot be matched and uniform image adjustment cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical image alignment operations with automated computational image processing. The image processing device automatically detects image directions, calculates rotation angles, rotates images to match reference directions, and performs uniform adjustments, eliminating the need for manual mechanical alignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of reconstructed images by detecting image directions and calculating rotation angles. Each image is rotated by a specific angle to align its direction with a reference direction, enabling uniform orientation across multiple images taken at different subject set angles.
2Ease of operation
If multiple types of reconstructed images are grouped by subject set angle and type, then image organization is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary grouping of reconstructed images by subject set angle and image type before display. The image processing device automatically organizes images into groups based on these criteria, so that when users want to compare images, they are already properly organized and ready for retrieval without requiring complex manual sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it groups images by subject set angle, groups images by type, detects image directions, calculates rotation angles, rotates images, and performs uniform adjustments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate processing steps into a single integrated system.
3Measurement precision
If the same site of a subject is imaged multiple times at different subject set angles, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the number of reconstructed images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large number of reconstructed images into organized groups by subject set angle and image type. This segmentation allows the system to manage and display multiple images efficiently, presenting them in an organized manner that helps users compare images from different angles without being overwhelmed by the total quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds organizational dimensions to the image set by grouping images according to subject set angle and image type. This creates a multi-dimensional organization structure that allows efficient retrieval and comparison of images, transforming a simple collection of images into a structured dataset that can be navigated and analyzed systematically.
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 system enables efficient comparison and display of reconstructed images by aligning image directions and applying consistent adjustments, enhancing diagnostic efficiency by allowing users to easily view and analyze images of the same site taken at different angles.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source, a plurality of gratings and an X-ray detector disposed in line in an X-ray emission axis direction, and emits an X-ray from the X-ray source to the X-ray detector through a subject and the gratings
Implementation Method 2
images (i.e., takes an image of) a same site of the subject multiple times at different subject set angles, thereby capturing, with the X-ray detector, moire images having the different subject set angles
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray Talbot imaging device and an image processing device. The image processing device includes a hardware processor and a display. The hardware processor generates multiple types of reconstructed images based on each of moire images having different subject set angles captured by the X-ray Talbot imaging device; groups the reconstructed images by subject set angle and by type; detects, in each reconstructed image, a grating direction of the gratings and the subject set angle relevant to the grating direction; matches an image direction in each of the grouped reconstructed images with a reference direction based on the grating direction and the subject set angle; performs a same image adjustment process on the grouped reconstructed images; and causes the display to display the reconstructed images grouped by subject set angle or by type.