X-ray Image Processing Using Camera-Based Irradiation Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic image processing methods struggle to accurately detect the position of the irradiation field, leading to unreliable image processing due to non-rectangular field shapes and radiation scattering effects, which results in high contrast between irradiated and non-irradiated areas, hindering observation.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that utilize a camera attached to the radiation source to detect the position of the electronic cassette and irradiation field through irradiation field display light, allowing for precise image processing based on the detected positions, including multi-frequency processing and dynamic range compression for the irradiation field and blackening or trimming of the non-irradiation field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If radiographic image analysis is used to detect irradiation field position, then the method can be implemented without additional hardware, but the detection reliability is low due to unclear contours from radiation scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an irradiation field display light source as an intermediary device that visually marks the irradiation field boundaries. This light source serves as a mediator between the radiation source and the detection system, providing clear visual cues for field positioning without relying on ambiguous radiographic image analysis. The camera captures this light to accurately determine field position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/image-processing-based detection method (analyzing radiographic images for field boundaries) with an optical detection system. A camera captures visual information from the irradiation field display light, substituting complex image analysis with direct optical measurement for more reliable field position detection.
2Measurement precision
If the entire imaging region is displayed with high contrast between irradiated and non-irradiated areas, then the irradiation field boundaries are clearly defined, but observation is hindered due to excessive contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the image. The irradiation field corresponding portion undergoes multi-frequency processing and dynamic range compression to reduce contrast and improve observation, while the non-irradiation field corresponding portion is selectively blackened or trimmed. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between clear boundary definition and ease of observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the display parameters (brightness, contrast) of different image regions based on their irradiation status. By dynamically adjusting these parameters through multi-frequency processing and dynamic range compression, the system maintains clear field boundaries while reducing excessive contrast in the irradiated areas for better observation.
3Reliability
If multi-frequency processing and dynamic range compression are applied to the irradiation field, then image quality and diagnostic visibility are improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: first performing multi-frequency processing to enhance edge information, then applying dynamic range compression to the processed signal. This segmentation of processing steps allows each operation to be optimized independently while working together to improve overall diagnostic visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs multi-frequency processing as a preliminary step before dynamic range compression. By pre-enhancing the edge information and frequency components, the subsequent dynamic range compression operates on already-optimized data, improving final image quality while managing processing complexity through staged operations.
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 enables accurate detection of the irradiation field position and appropriate image processing, enhancing image quality by reducing contrast issues and improving diagnostic visibility.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation source includes an irradiation field display light source that emits irradiation field display light indicating the irradiation field
Data Source
AI summary
A detection unit of a CPU of a console detects the position of an electronic cassette and the position of an irradiation field on the basis of a camera image output from a camera that is attached to an X-ray source and captures an image of at least the electronic cassette. The image processing unit performs image processing for an X-ray image detected by the electronic cassette on the basis of information of the position of the electronic cassette and information of the position of the irradiation field.