X-ray Imaging Filter for Artifact Reduction in 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems face challenges in achieving high-quality 3D image reconstruction when the field of view is limited, leading to insufficient contextual information and increased artifacts due to reduced X-ray dosage, which affects the accuracy and quality of the reconstructed images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system with an adjustable filter that attenuates X-rays to define a limited field of view within a full field of view, using a processor to reconstruct 3D images, identify artifact-causing objects, and determine corrective parameters to eliminate non-uniform density distributions, thereby improving image quality by incorporating contextual information from attenuated portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a limited field of view is used to reduce X-ray dosage, then patient radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality and reconstruction accuracy deteriorate due to insufficient contextual information and increased artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct phases: a low-dose limited field of view (LFoV) scan for the primary region of interest, and a subsequent full field of view (FFoV) scan that captures only the peripheral contextual information. This segmentation allows the majority of the image to be acquired at low dose while supplementing only the necessary contextual data from the FFoV scan, thereby resolving the contradiction between dose reduction and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary low-dose LFoV imaging to capture the region of interest, then uses iterative reconstruction algorithms to identify and incorporate contextual information from FFoV projections. This preliminary action approach allows the system to first acquire the critical diagnostic data at minimal dose, then selectively enhance it with additional contextual information only where needed, maintaining image quality while minimizing overall radiation exposure.
2Measurement precision
If a limited field of view is used to focus on the anatomical structure of interest, then imaging specificity is improved, but contextual information is lost leading to truncation artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring FFoV projections only for the peripheral regions that contain contextual information, rather than fully scanning the entire FFoV area with the same intensity as the LFoV. The iterative reconstruction algorithm selectively incorporates only the necessary contextual projections needed to eliminate truncation artifacts, avoiding excessive scanning and processing while still resolving the information loss problem.
3Manufacturing precision
If iterative reconstruction with contextual information incorporation is performed, then image quality is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The iterative reconstruction algorithm performs preliminary identification of contextual information needs by comparing LFoV and FFoV projection data, then selectively incorporates only the necessary contextual projections in subsequent iterative steps. This preliminary identification step reduces the overall computational burden by avoiding processing of all possible projections, thereby managing complexity while maintaining improved image quality.
4Loss of information
If full field of view imaging is performed to maintain image quality, then contextual information is preserved, but X-ray dosage to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the field of view into a primary LFoV region requiring diagnostic detail and a secondary FFoV region providing contextual information. By scanning the LFoV with high dose and the FFoV periphery with lower or supplemental dose, the system preserves necessary contextual information while minimizing total patient radiation exposure compared to uniform full-dose FFoV imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different imaging qualities and dose levels to different regions: high-dose detailed imaging for the LFoV region of interest and supplemental lower-dose contextual imaging for the FFoV periphery. This local differentiation ensures contextual information is preserved where needed while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure in areas requiring less detail, resolving the contradiction between information preservation and dose reduction.
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
The system enhances 3D image reconstruction quality by providing additional contextual information around the anatomical structure of interest while limiting X-ray dosage, reducing artifacts and improving the accuracy of density distributions within the limited field of view.
Implementation Method 1
A filter is disposed between the X-ray emitter and the X-ray receiver. The filter includes at least one filter leaf that absorbs at least a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray emitter.
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray emitter that projects X-rays through an object which at least partially absorbs the X-rays
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method of X-ray imaging includes an X-ray emitter that projects X-rays. An X-ray receiver that receives X-rays from the X-ray emitter to produce a plurality of projection images. A filter with at least one filter leaf absorb at least a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray emitter to define a limited field of view within a full field of view with the X-rays being attenuated in at least one attenuated portion of the full field of view. A processor reconstructs a three dimensional image based upon the projection images of the full field of view. The limited field view is located within the reconstructed three dimensional image. At least one corrective parameter is determined from the reconstructed three dimensional image. A three dimensional image is reconstructed based upon the limited field of view and the at least one corrective parameter.