Wireless X-Ray Detector Index Transfer for Faster Image Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless portable x-ray detectors face significant challenges in image transfer time due to slower wireless communication speeds compared to wired systems, leading to unacceptable transfer times for large images.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an imaging system that generates and communicates index values instead of pixel values, using a lookup table or equation within the image processing component to translate index values to pixel values, thereby reducing the data transfer volume and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pixel values are transmitted wirelessly from the detector to the image processing component, then complete image data is transferred, but the transfer time becomes unacceptably long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential index information needed to reconstruct the image, rather than transmitting complete pixel values. The index value represents the position in the ramp sequence, which is a compressed representation of the detector signal. This extraction principle reduces the data volume from full pixel values to compact index values, solving the time constraint while preserving image reconstruction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation from full pixel values to index values. Instead of transmitting the actual signal amplitude, the system transmits an index that points to a corresponding value in a ramp sequence. This parameter transformation maintains the essential image information while dramatically reducing the data transmission requirement, thereby resolving the contradiction between data completeness and transfer speed.
2Measurement precision
If full pixel data is transmitted, then image quality is maintained, but data transfer volume is too large for wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a ramp sequence as a reference copy that is processed locally at the image processing component. Instead of transmitting all pixel data, only index values are transmitted to point to corresponding positions in the ramp sequence. The actual pixel values are effectively copied from the locally stored ramp data, reducing transmission volume while maintaining image quality through accurate reconstruction.
3Loss of time
If index values are used instead of pixel values, then transfer time is reduced, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating the ramp sequence in advance at the image processing component before image reconstruction. The ramp sequence is prepared and stored locally, so that when index values are received from the detector, the corresponding pixel values are already available for immediate reconstruction. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time processing during image acquisition, reducing overall system complexity despite the additional initial setup step.
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 results in a significant reduction in data transfer time, achieving a 37.5% savings for single image pairs and up to 43.75% for sequences of dark images without compromising image quality, without the need for data compression.
Implementation Method 1
A scintillator is placed in front of the flat panel detector. For example, the scintillator receives x-rays from an x-ray source and emits light of an intensity related to the amount of x-rays absorbed.
Implementation Method 2
The light activates the photodiodes in the amorphous silicon flat panel detector. The photodiode acts as a capacitor and stores the charge.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide for an imaging system including an index value source, a transmitter, a receiver, and an image processing component. The index value source is capable of generating an index value. The index value source is part of and/or included in an imaging system detector. The transmitter is in communication with the index value source. The receiver is in communication with the transmitter. The image processing component is in communication with the receiver. The image processing component includes a lookup table. The image processing component is capable of generating a pixel value based at least in part on an index value and a lookup table. The pixel value has a bit-width greater than the index value. In an embodiment, the receiver is in wireless communication with the transmitter.