X-Ray Device Parameter Switching for Multi-Object Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging technologies struggle to simultaneously optimize the visibility of multiple objects with different material properties, leading to suboptimal display of relevant features during medical interventions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves rapidly switching between multiple acquisition parameter sets to capture X-ray images, using different parameter combinations for the X-ray tube arrangement and image generation chain, and combining these images to generate fused output images that enhance the visibility of all relevant objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single acquisition parameter set is used for X-ray imaging, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the visibility of multiple objects with different material properties cannot be simultaneously optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility optimization for multiple objectsVSAvoidimaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between multiple acquisition parameter sets during the imaging process. The control device changes acquisition parameters (such as tube voltage, tube current, pulse width) based on the temporal position within the sequence, enabling adaptive optimization of object visibility without requiring manual reconfiguration for each object type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying acquisition parameters across different time points in the image sequence. Different parameter sets are assigned to different temporal positions, allowing the system to optimize visibility for different objects at different times. The fused output image combines information from images acquired with different parameters to achieve comprehensive visibility optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual selection of acquisition parameters is performed by the user, then the system configuration is simple, but the visibility of relevant objects is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject visibility precisionVSAvoidparameter selection operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically selecting and switching between acquisition parameter sets without requiring manual user intervention. The control device autonomously determines which parameter set to use based on the temporal position in the sequence, eliminating the need for users to manually configure parameters while achieving optimized visibility for multiple objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control device monitors the imaging process and automatically adjusts parameter selection based on the detected objects and their material properties. This feedback loop enables the system to adaptively optimize visibility without manual input from the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If acquisition parameters are optimized for a specific object class, then that object type is clearly visible, but other objects with different material properties become difficult or invisible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject representation accuracyVSAvoidmulti-object visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action by cycling through multiple acquisition parameter sets in a predetermined sequence. Each parameter set is applied for a specific temporal duration, creating a periodic pattern of parameter changes that ensures different objects are optimally visualized at different phases of the cycle. The fused output image integrates information from all phases to achieve comprehensive object visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging sequence is segmented into different temporal segments, each associated with a specific acquisition parameter set optimized for particular object types. By dividing the overall imaging process into segments with specialized parameters, the system can optimize visibility for different objects in different segments while maintaining overall multi-object visibility through fusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 improves the visibility of multiple objects with varying material properties by generating output images that clearly depict the structure and details of all relevant features, enhancing the clarity of medical interventions.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source arrangement, an X-ray detector for receiving X-ray radiation from an X-ray field emitted by the X-ray source arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector for receiving X-ray radiation from an X-ray field emitted by the X-ray source arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4588441A1Method for operating an x-ray device, x-ray device, computer program and electronically readable data carrier
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4588441A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4588441A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4588441A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an X-ray device (6), which has: - an X-ray emitter arrangement (9), - an X-ray detector (10) for receiving X-ray radiation from an X-ray field (13) emitted by the X-ray emitter arrangement (9), - an image generation chain (15) for determining an X-ray image (1, 4) of an acquisition area (14) from raw data recorded with the X-ray detector (10), and - an output device (17) for outputting an output image (5) comprising the X-ray image (1, 4) or determined therefrom, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - recording a sequence of X-ray images (1, 4) of an acquisition area (14), in particular for monitoring the acquisition area (14), and - determining a sequence of output images (5) to be output from the X-ray images (1, 4), wherein during the acquisition of the X-ray images (1, 4), a repeated switch is made between at least two acquisition parameter sets,which lead to the different representation of at least two different objects of the recording area (14) in the X-ray images (1, 4), and the output images (5) are each determined at least from one set of X-ray images (1, 4) which comprises X-ray images (1, 4) recorded with at least two of the at least two recording parameter sets.,