Virtual X-ray Image Generation for Spectral Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectral imaging techniques face challenges in clinical practice due to the difficulty in using X-ray images acquired with extreme tube voltages, which are necessary for high processing accuracy, as they result in increased exposure doses and are not suitable for routine clinical use.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus that acquires X-ray images using both high and low tube voltages and generates a virtual X-ray image simulating an intermediate tube voltage image, allowing for improved processing accuracy while reducing exposure dose through virtual projection processing and machine learning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is performed using extreme tube voltages (high or low) to improve spectral imaging processing accuracy, then material discrimination accuracy is improved, but the exposure dose to the object increases and the images are not suitable for routine clinical use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of an intermediate tube voltage X-ray image by synthesizing images from high and low tube voltage acquisitions. The virtual image generation unit reconstructs what an intermediate tube voltage image would look like based on the spectral information from extreme voltage images, allowing clinical use without additional exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameters (tube voltage) of the X-ray imaging system to acquire images at extreme voltages for spectral analysis, then uses processing to generate virtual images at intermediate voltages suitable for clinical observation, effectively separating the optimal parameters for analysis from those needed for display
2Ease of operation
If separate X-ray imaging using intermediate tube voltage is performed in addition to extreme tube voltage imaging to obtain clinically suitable images, then clinical usability is improved, but the exposure dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of acquiring actual intermediate tube voltage images through additional exposure, the system creates a virtual copy by processing the spectral data from high and low tube voltage images. This synthetic image provides the desired clinical appearance without requiring additional radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate processing step (virtual image generation unit) that mediates between the extreme tube voltage acquisitions and the desired intermediate voltage clinical image, creating a synthetic representation that bridges the gap without additional exposure
3Measurement precision
If X-ray images acquired by extreme tube voltages are used for spectral imaging processing, then processing accuracy is improved, but the images are difficult to use in usual clinical practice
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging workflow into two distinct parts: spectral analysis using extreme tube voltage images for accurate material discrimination, and clinical display using generated intermediate tube voltage virtual images. This separation allows each function to use its optimal parameters independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses different tube voltage parameters for different purposes: extreme voltages (110-140 kV or 40-60 kV) for spectral analysis to maximize material discrimination accuracy, and generates virtual images at intermediate voltages (70-80 kV) optimized for clinical observation and user preference
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 enables the generation of images suitable for routine clinical use with enhanced processing accuracy, reducing exposure doses and improving diagnostic capabilities without the need for additional X-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
spectral imaging techniques...utilizing the fact that X-ray absorption characteristics that are different between each material
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes: an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a two-dimensional first X-ray image based on X-ray imaging using a first continuous X-ray spectrum, and acquire a two-dimensional second X-ray image based on X-ray imaging using a second continuous X-ray spectrum different from the first continuous X-ray spectrum; and a virtual image generation unit configured to generate a two-dimensional virtual third X-ray image that simulates an X-ray image using a third continuous X-ray spectrum different from the first continuous X-ray spectrum and the second continuous X-ray spectrum, based on the first X-ray image and the second X-ray image.