X-ray Image Processing Apparatus Dynamic Gradation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray image processing technologies face challenges in maintaining image quality when the dose deviates from optimal ranges, leading to noise emphasis and loss of detail, particularly in digital imaging systems where dose control is crucial.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires a gradation conversion characteristic based on X-ray images, determines if the pixel value range is within a dynamic range with a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and corrects the gradation conversion characteristic to ensure the pixel value range is included within this range, thereby preventing noise emphasis and maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gradation conversion is performed without considering the output characteristic of the X-ray sensor, then the gradation number and contrast can be adjusted, but noise is emphasized and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gradation conversion function based on the actual output characteristics of the X-ray sensor. The system modifies conversion parameters (such as the conversion curve or lookup table) according to the sensor's response characteristics, ensuring that gradation conversion is performed within the optimal output range where the signal-to-noise ratio is maximized. This resolves the contradiction by making the conversion process adaptive to sensor characteristics rather than using fixed conversion parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the actual output characteristics of the X-ray sensor to guide the gradation conversion process. The system measures or obtains the sensor's output characteristics and uses this information to adjust the conversion function, creating a closed-loop control mechanism. This feedback ensures that conversion operations remain within the optimal range, preventing noise emphasis while maintaining conversion flexibility.
2Illumination intensity
If the pixel value range is expanded through gradation conversion, then the dynamic range is improved, but the pixel value range may exceed the optimal output characteristic range causing noise emphasis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to dynamically adjust the gradation conversion function based on the sensor's output characteristics. By modifying conversion parameters according to the actual sensor response, the system expands the dynamic range within the optimal output range, preventing noise emphasis while maintaining improved dynamic range performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gradation conversion function adaptive and variable rather than fixed. The conversion characteristics change dynamically based on the sensor's output characteristics, allowing the system to optimize the pixel value range expansion for each specific sensor state, thereby preventing noise emphasis while maximizing dynamic range improvement.
3Reliability
If manual dose adjustments are made to optimize image quality, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically determine and apply optimal dose settings based on the X-ray sensor's output characteristics. The system autonomously analyzes the sensor characteristics and adjusts the imaging parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio while eliminating the complexity and time consumption of manual dose adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback to automatically optimize dose settings by measuring the sensor's output characteristics and using this information to adjust imaging parameters. This closed-loop control system eliminates manual dose adjustment while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio, as the system continuously monitors and adapts based on actual sensor performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conversion acquisition unit configured to acquire a gradation conversion characteristic based on an X-ray image captured by an X-ray sensor, a storage unit configured to store a pixel value range in which a signal-to-noise ratio is higher than a threshold value according to a characteristic of the X-ray sensor, a determination unit configured to determine whether a pixel value range in which gradation is widened according to the gradation conversion characteristic is included in the stored pixel value range, and a correction unit configured to correct the gradation conversion characteristic depending on a result of determination by the determination unit.