X-ray detector tilt correction using shadow analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile x-ray imaging systems often suffer from tilt artifacts due to the manual positioning of detectors, which can lead to suboptimal image quality, increased radiation exposure, and additional scanning requirements, especially in medical applications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method to detect and correct detector tilt using radiation blocking markers or anti-scatter grids, which analyze shadows in the x-ray image to determine tilt angles and generate corrected images through geometric analysis and rotation matrices, allowing for real-time tilt correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning of detectors is used in mobile x-ray imaging systems, then ease of operation is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to tilt artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual positioning of detectorsVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures an initial x-ray image, detects tilt artifacts in the image, calculates tilt angles, and applies corrections to generate a corrected image. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically compensate for manual positioning errors, maintaining image quality while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on mechanical precision in detector positioning, the system substitutes a computational approach by using image processing algorithms to detect and correct tilt artifacts. This replaces the need for precise mechanical alignment with software-based correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If detector tilt is not corrected, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to increased radiation exposure and additional scans

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetilt correction systemVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs tilt detection and correction as a preliminary step before final image interpretation. By detecting tilt artifacts and calculating correction parameters in advance, the system prevents the need for additional rescans, thereby reducing cumulative radiation exposure while maintaining acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If tilt correction is applied, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts tilt information from the x-ray image by detecting specific features and calculating tilt angles. By separating the tilt detection and correction functions into distinct processing steps, the system improves image quality while managing complexity through modular processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Manufacturing precision

If additional scans are performed to compensate for tilt, then image quality is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of performing additional physical scans, the system creates a corrected copy of the original tilted image through computational methods. This virtual correction process eliminates the need for time-consuming rescans while maintaining image quality, significantly reducing loss of time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 effectively reduces tilt artifacts, improves image quality, minimizes radiation exposure, and reduces the need for additional scans, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and patient safety.

Implementation Method 1

A portion of the radiation passes through the subject and impacts a detector. The detector includes an array of discrete picture elements or detector pixels and generates output signals based upon the quantity or intensity of the radiation impacting each pixel region.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The implementation of a method to detect and correct detector tilt using radiation blocking markers or anti-scatter grids, which analyze shadows in the x-ray image to determine tilt angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3771431B1Method and systems for correcting x-ray detector tilt in x-ray imaging

Publication Date: 2023.11.08 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

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AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for x-ray imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises acquiring, with an x-ray detector tilted at an angle with respect to an x-ray source, an x-ray image, calculating the angle from the x-ray image, generating a corrected x-ray image based on the calculated angle, and displaying the corrected x-ray image. In this way, tilt artifacts caused by the x-ray detector being tilted with respect to the x-ray source may be removed from an x-ray image.