X-ray Image Reconstruction Using Small Detector Scanning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray image processing devices face challenges in reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs while maintaining a sufficient field of view (FOV) due to the need for large X-ray detectors, and using small detectors results in reduced FOV and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray image processing method and device that obtains multiple divided projection images at various angles by moving a small X-ray detector across a rotating axis, generating synthetic projection images, and reconstructing these images to achieve a three-dimensional representation of the entire FOV, even with a detector width less than 50% of the conventional width.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large X-ray detector is used, then the FOV is sufficient and image quality is maintained, but the manufacturing cost and maintenance cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the FOV into multiple regions and captures them separately using a small detector at different positions and angles. Multiple divided projection images are obtained by moving the detector to different locations along the rotating axis and capturing images at multiple imaging angles, then synthesizing these into a complete FOV representation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a small X-ray detector is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the FOV is correspondingly reduced and may not secure the field of interest

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidFOV
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the imaging process from a single-plane detection to a multi-dimensional approach by moving the detector along the rotating axis and capturing images at multiple angles. This adds spatial dimensions (position and orientation) to the imaging process, allowing a small detector to cover a large FOV through synthetic reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the width of the X-ray detector is reduced below half-beam detector, then the manufacturing cost is significantly reduced, but the FOV coverage and reliability of securing field of interest deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidFOV coverage reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by systematically planning and executing detector movements to multiple predetermined positions and angles before reconstruction. Multiple divided projection images are acquired in advance at different locations and orientations, ensuring complete coverage of the entire FOV through coordinated multi-angle and multi-position imaging sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for the reconstruction of a large FOV using a small X-ray detector, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring a comprehensive field of interest while maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source and an X-ray detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3434189B1X-ray image processing device and method for reconfiguring projection image obtained using small x-ray detector
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 VATECH EWOO HLDG
  • EP3434189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3434189B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2d
  • EP3434189B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The present invention relates to an X-ray image processing device and an X-ray image processing method using a small X-ray detector, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide an X-ray image processing device and method for reconfiguring, as three-dimensional images, projection images having a width smaller than the width of a field of view (FOV) of an X-ray image device, specifically, having a width of less than 50%. To this end, the device of the present invention comprises: a control unit for performing control such that an X-ray source and an X-ray detector obtain m(m is an integer of 2 or more) number of consecutive split projection images at each of preset n (n is an integer of 1 or more) number of capturing angles, while rotating around a rotary shaft and facing each other; a projection image synthesizing unit for generating a synthetic projection image by synthesizing the m number of split projection images obtained in correspondence to each capturing angle; and an image reconfiguration unit for generating a reconfiguration image by reconfiguring the synthetic projection image.