X-Ray Diagnosis Condition Setting with Device-Dwelling Pixel Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray condition setting methods, such as Auto Brightness Control (ABC), fail to optimally adjust conditions for the region of focus due to inclusion of non-focus regions or movement of the focus relative to the region of interest, leading to suboptimal image quality and exposure dose.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus that determines the region including a medical device in sequential images, calculates the degree of device dwelling, assigns weights to pixels based on this degree, and sets X-ray conditions based on these weights and pixel values to improve focus visibility and reduce exposure dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If X-ray conditions are adjusted according to the luminance of the entire X-ray image, then regions other than the region of focus become visible, but the region of focus does not receive optimal observation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different weights to different regions within the region of interest based on the degree of device dwelling. Pixels where the medical device dwells longer receive higher weights, ensuring that the region of focus receives optimized X-ray conditions while other regions are adjusted according to their specific needs. This resolves the contradiction by making the image quality optimization localized rather than uniform across the entire image.
2Extent of automation
If a region of interest is set to adjust X-ray conditions, then the setting process becomes automated, but the region of focus may move relative to the region of interest causing inappropriate condition setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by continuously tracking the medical device's position across sequential X-ray images and dynamically adjusting the weights of pixels based on the calculated degree of dwelling. The region of interest is not fixed but adapts to the moving region of focus through real-time weight recalibration. This dynamic approach maintains high automation while ensuring reliable condition setting that follows the moving focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by calculating the degree of device dwelling based on the trajectory of the medical device through multiple images, then using this information to adjust pixel weights and subsequently optimize X-ray conditions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the automated system continuously adapts to the actual region of focus, maintaining reliability even as the focus moves.
3Device complexity
If uniform weights are assigned to all pixels in the region of interest, then the calculation process is simplified, but the visibility of the region of focus is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different weights to different pixels within the region of interest based on the degree of device dwelling. Pixels where the medical device dwells longer receive higher weights, ensuring that the region of focus receives optimized X-ray conditions while other regions are adjusted according to their specific needs. This resolves the contradiction by making the image quality optimization localized rather than uniform across the entire image.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment is provided with processing circuitry configured to: acquire a plurality of X-ray images sequentially from a subject with a medical device inserted into a body of the subject; determine a region including the medical device in the X-ray images; calculate a degree to which the medical device is dwelling in the region based on the X-ray images, assign weights to a plurality of pixels included in the region based on the degree, and calculate a parameter related to the region based on the weights and pixel values of the pixels; and set an X-ray condition based on the parameter.