Tomosynthesis Radiation Source Position Calculation Using Virtual Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tomosynthesis imaging techniques face challenges in accurately aligning images due to vibration and mechanical misalignment, requiring marker-based solutions that limit flexibility and accuracy, especially when the X-ray tube movement path is not parallel to the detector plane.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus and method that uses at least one marker to detect positional information of radiation source positions relative to a reference position, allowing for optimal calculation of radiation source positions without relying on marker positional information, enabling flexible marker placement and accurate alignment even when radiation source positions deviate from predetermined paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If marker-based alignment techniques are used to calculate radiation source positions, then image alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requirements for precise marker placement and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment reference function from physical markers and transfers it to virtual markers generated from anatomical landmarks or implanted markers detected in the images. This eliminates the need for separate alignment markers, allowing radiation source position calculation without precise marker placement while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual markers by detecting anatomical landmarks or implanted markers in the acquired images and using their projected positions as reference points. These virtual markers replace physical alignment markers, enabling radiation source position calculation without requiring precise physical marker placement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If marker-based alignment techniques are used, then radiation source position calculation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate alignment marker system and integrates the reference function into the imaging process itself by using anatomical landmarks or implanted markers. This eliminates additional alignment hardware and procedures, reducing device complexity while maintaining radiation source position calculation accuracy through virtual marker generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging system multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously acquire diagnostic images and generate alignment references (virtual markers) from the same imaging data. This eliminates the need for separate alignment systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through integrated functionality.
3Measurement precision
If precise marker alignment is required for accurate radiation source position calculation, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to stringent alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual markers by detecting anatomical landmarks or implanted markers in the acquired images and using their projected positions as reference points for radiation source position calculation. This copying approach eliminates the need for precise physical marker alignment while maintaining calculation accuracy, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference parameter from physical marker positions (requiring precise alignment) to virtual marker positions derived from image data (anatomical landmarks or implanted markers). This parameter transformation maintains measurement precision while eliminating stringent alignment requirements, improving ease of operation.
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 ensures high-quality tomographic images by eliminating the need for precise marker placement and alignment, allowing for flexible imaging and accurate calculation of radiation source positions, even when markers are not perfectly aligned or detected correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source for applying radiation to a subject and at least one marker; detecting means for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic imaging apparatus includes: a radiation source for applying radiation to a subject and at least one marker; a detecting unit for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject; and an image obtaining unit for moving the radiation source relative to the detecting means, applying the radiation to the subject from a plurality of radiation source positions provided by the movement of the radiation source, and obtaining a plurality of images corresponding respectively to the radiation source positions. The apparatus further includes a radiation source position obtaining unit for obtaining positional information of each radiation source position of interest relative to a reference radiation source position among the radiation source positions based on at least one marker image contained in each of a reference image obtained with the reference radiation source position and an image of interest obtained with the radiation source position of interest.