X-ray Image Processing for Stereoscopic Material Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging methods require multiple exposures to obtain information about different materials within an object, leading to increased radiation dose and limited ability to accurately measure stereoscopic structures from a single image.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray image processing method and apparatus that utilize a single X-ray image with a single energy band to extract information about soft tissue and bone by generating partial images and calculating their thickness, allowing for stereoscopic structure analysis and scatter correction to improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray imaging operations are performed to obtain information about different materials and stereoscopic structures, then measurement precision and information completeness are improved, but radiation dose exposed to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single X-ray image into multiple partial images corresponding to different materials (soft tissue, bone, etc.) through image processing. This segmentation allows extraction of material-specific information without requiring multiple physical exposures, thus reducing radiation dose while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the energy spectrum characteristics of X-rays and applies parameter changes in the image processing domain (e.g., using basis material decomposition with different attenuation coefficients) to differentiate materials from a single exposure. This enables multi-material analysis without additional radiation exposure.
2Loss of information
If multiple X-ray imaging operations are performed to obtain stereoscopic structure information, then information completeness is improved, but the number of imaging operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by processing the single 2D X-ray image to extract thickness information and stereoscopic structure data through computational methods. This transforms the problem from requiring multiple 3D imaging operations to achieving stereoscopic information from a single 2D image through advanced image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces partial images as an intermediary between the single X-ray image and the final material information. These partial images serve as intermediate processing results that enable extraction of thickness and stereoscopic data without requiring additional imaging operations.
3Measurement precision
If material information is measured more accurately from X-ray images, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the complexity of image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex physical imaging systems (multiple X-ray sources, detectors, and positioning mechanisms) with computational image processing methods. By using algorithms to decompose materials and extract thickness information from a single image, the system achieves high diagnostic accuracy while reducing mechanical and operational complexity.
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 minimizes radiation exposure and enables rapid, accurate measurement of material information, including stereoscopic structures, by processing a single X-ray image to obtain detailed thickness and distribution data of soft tissue and bone.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray apparatus may obtain an X-ray image of an object by transmitting X-rays emitted from an X-ray source through the object and detecting a strength difference between the transmitted X-rays by using an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray apparatus easily detects the inner structure of the object by using the fact that transmittances of the X-rays vary according to a density of the object and atomic numbers of atoms included in the object
Implementation Method 3
separating a first material and a second material from the X-ray image; obtaining first information related to a stereoscopic structure of the first material, based on the separated first material
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray image processing method, including obtaining a first X-ray image of an object including a plurality of materials including a first material and a second material; obtaining a first partial image generated by imaging the first material and a second partial image generated by imaging the first material overlapping the second material from the first X-ray image; obtaining first information related to a stereoscopic structure of the first material, based on the first partial image included in the first X-ray image; and obtaining second information about the second material based on the first information and the second partial image.