Virtual Grid Scattered Radiation Elimination in Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation image processing methods fail to accurately eliminate scattered radiation without a grid, leading to inconsistent image quality and difficulties in diagnosis due to uneven scattered radiation elimination across the image.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image processing device and method that acquires virtual grid characteristics to perform scattered radiation elimination processing based on the distribution of scattered components, mimicking the effect of a practical grid, thereby ensuring consistent image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grid is disposed between the subject and radiation detector to eliminate scattered radiation, then scattered radiation elimination performance is improved, but device complexity and burden on patient increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual grid through image processing that copies the scattered radiation elimination effect of a physical grid. The processing unit applies grid characteristics (such as grid ratio, grid density) to the radiation image digitally, reproducing the scattered radiation elimination performance without requiring actual physical grid placement, thereby resolving the contradiction between elimination performance and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical grid system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using actual grid structures that require physical placement and adjustment, the invention uses computational algorithms to simulate grid effects on the radiation image, substituting mechanical complexity with digital processing while maintaining scattered radiation elimination performance
2Reliability
If a physical grid is used for scattered radiation elimination, then scattered radiation elimination performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to burden of disposing the grid
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual grid processing copies the functional effect of physical grid placement without requiring actual physical manipulation. The system applies grid characteristics through software processing, eliminating the need for operators to physically dispose and position grids, thereby maintaining elimination performance while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system automatically applies virtual grid characteristics to radiation images without requiring manual intervention for grid placement. The processing unit self-service applies the appropriate grid parameters based on imaging conditions, eliminating the operational burden of physical grid disposal while maintaining scattered radiation elimination performance
3Ease of operation
If imaging is performed without a grid to reduce burden, then ease of operation is improved, but scattered radiation elimination performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the scattered radiation elimination effect of physical grids through virtual grid processing. By applying grid characteristics (grid ratio, grid density, convergence angle) to the radiation image digitally, the system reproduces the elimination performance of actual grids while maintaining the operational simplicity of grid-free imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the radiation image through virtual grid processing, applying transformations that simulate the effect of physical grids. By adjusting image parameters (contrast, frequency components) according to virtual grid characteristics, the system achieves scattered radiation elimination performance equivalent to physical grids while maintaining ease of operation
4Reliability
If a convergence type grid is used to eliminate scattered radiation, then scattered radiation elimination performance is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to concentration unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual grid processing copies the scattered radiation elimination effect of convergence type grids without reproducing their physical imperfections. The digital processing applies convergence angle and grid characteristics mathematically, eliminating the manufacturing tolerances and alignment issues that cause concentration unevenness in physical grids while maintaining the elimination performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the physical convergence type grid system with a digital processing system that calculates and applies virtual grid effects. This replacement eliminates the mechanical sources of concentration unevenness (grid misalignment, manufacturing variations) while preserving the scattered radiation elimination performance through computational methods
Data Source
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AI summary
It is possible to allow image processing on a radiation image such that the same effect of scattered radiation elimination as when imaging is actually performed using a grid is obtained. When performing processing for eliminating scattered radiation included in radiation transmitted through a subject M on a radiation image imaged by irradiating the subject M with radiation, a characteristic acquisition unit 32 acquires a virtual grid characteristic as a characteristic of a virtual grid assumed to be used to eliminate scattered radiation at the time of imaging of the radiation image. A scattered radiation elimination unit 36 performs scattered radiation elimination processing of the radiation image based on the virtual grid characteristic.