X-ray Diaphragm Control for Composite Fluoroscopy Image Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray diagnosis apparatuses face challenges in reducing radiation dose while maintaining image quality, particularly in spot fluoroscopy, which lacks image information for the region of interest (ROI) peripheral portion.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus that transitions between ROI fluoroscopy and spot fluoroscopy by controlling an X-ray diaphragm apparatus to shield X-rays outside the aperture region of an X-ray filter, generating composite images by combining non-ROI and ROI images, and displaying these images during spot fluoroscopy to achieve dose reduction similar to spot fluoroscopy while including ROI peripheral information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spot fluoroscopy is used to reduce radiation dose, then radiation dose to non-ROI area is reduced, but image information for ROI peripheral portion is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The image is divided into three distinct regions: ROI (region of interest), non-ROI (non-region of interest), and peripheral portion (the boundary area between ROI and non-ROI). This segmentation allows selective application of different processing strategies to each region, enabling dose reduction in non-ROI while preserving critical peripheral information through composite image generation that combines spot fluoroscopy data with ROI fluoroscopy data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines images from two different fluoroscopy modes (spot fluoroscopy and ROI fluoroscopy) to create a composite image. The spot fluoroscopy provides excellent dose reduction for the non-ROI area, while the ROI fluoroscopy ensures adequate image quality for the ROI peripheral portion. By merging these two image types, the system achieves both dose reduction and preservation of peripheral image information simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If ROI fluoroscopy is used to maintain image quality, then image information for ROI peripheral portion is preserved, but radiation dose to non-ROI area increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different quality requirements are applied to different regions of the image. The ROI peripheral portion requires higher image quality for diagnostic purposes, while the non-ROI area can tolerate lower quality in exchange for reduced radiation dose. The composite image generation technique implements this local quality differentiation by using ROI fluoroscopy data for the peripheral portion and spot fluoroscopy data for the non-ROI area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying full-dose ROI fluoroscopy to the entire image area, the system applies it only partially to the regions where it is most needed (ROI peripheral portion), while using lower-dose spot fluoroscopy for the remaining non-ROI area. This partial application of the higher-dose technique minimizes overall radiation exposure while maintaining necessary image quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If diaphragm blades are used to define non-ROI range, then radiation dose reduction is improved, but transition between fluoroscopy modes becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between spot fluoroscopy and ROI fluoroscopy modes based on real-time diagnostic needs. The processing circuitry automatically switches between the two modes and generates composite images as needed, allowing the system to adapt its radiation dose application to the specific requirements of each imaging moment while managing the complexity of mode transitions through automated control.
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 reduces radiation exposure to the non-ROI area, enhances image quality by compensating pixel values, and maintains optimal brightness levels during fluoroscopic transitions, effectively displaying the ROI peripheral portion during spot fluoroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray filter arranged on the periphery portion of a Region of Interest (hereinafter referred to as "ROI") may be adopted for radiation dose reduction
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, the X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray detector, X-ray diaphragm apparatus, and processing circuitry controlling the X-ray diaphragm apparatus to shield the X-rays from passing through a X-ray filter outside an aperture region or a partial region during a transition from first fluoroscopy employing an X-ray filter to second fluoroscopy employing diaphragm blades, generating a first and second fluoroscopic image during the first and second fluoroscopy respectively, generating a composite image during the second fluoroscopy by combining a non-ROI image of the first fluoroscopic image and a ROI image of the second fluoroscopic image, and displaying the first fluoroscopic image and the composite image on the display during the first and second fluoroscopy respectively.