X-ray AEC via Visible Light Image Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems require physical automatic exposure control (AEC) chambers, which increase costs and complexity, and lack flexibility in patient positioning.
Innovation Solution
An automatic exposure control method for X-ray imaging that acquires a visible light image, defines an initial Region of Interest (ROI), pre-exposes the subject, and calculates a main exposure dose based on a reference pixel value, eliminating the need for physical AEC chambers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical AEC chambers are used to calculate pre-estimated dose, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible light image copying technology to create a digital replica of the patient's anatomy. This visible light image serves as a substitute for physical AEC chambers, allowing ROI definition and dose calculation without adding physical measurement devices to the X-ray detector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical AEC chamber system with a computational approach using visible light imaging and image processing. Instead of physical dose measurement chambers, the system uses software-based ROI analysis on visible light images to determine the required exposure dose.
2Measurement precision
If physical AEC chambers are installed, then dose calculation capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light image acts as a digital copy that replaces expensive physical AEC chambers. This copying approach eliminates the need to manufacture and install additional hardware components, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining dose calculation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive visible light imaging technology instead of expensive dedicated AEC chamber hardware. The visible light image is a temporary, single-use representation that suffices for the dose calculation task, eliminating the need for costly permanent physical measurement devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pixels or pixel groups are used to replace AEC chambers, then AEC functionality is achieved, but detector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visible light image copy to define ROIs and calculate doses, completely avoiding the need to modify detector pixel structures or add control mechanisms for individual pixels. The visible light image serves as the reference for all AEC decisions without requiring detector complexity increases.
4Measurement precision
If multiple AEC chambers are added, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The visible light image provides a comprehensive view that replaces multiple physical AEC chambers. Instead of installing several discrete measurement devices, the single visible light image captures all necessary anatomical information for defining multiple ROIs and calculating doses for different regions simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic exposure control method for X-ray imaging, a storage medium and a medical device. According to one embodiment, an automatic exposure control method for X-ray imaging comprises: acquiring a visible light image of a subject under test, defining an initial region of interest (ROI) on the visible light image, pre-exposing the subject under test with a set pre-exposure dose to obtain a first image, defining an ROI on the first image based on the initial ROI, defining a reference pixel value based on the ROI, and calculating a main exposure dose for an actual exposure according to the reference pixel value. With the imaging quality guaranteed, the present invention can spare a physical automatic exposure control (AEC) chamber, and the number, positions and sizes of ROIs can be adjusted according to the actual requirements. The present invention is more flexible in patient positioning.