X-ray Image Processing Apparatus for Uniform Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray image processing methods for lower legs angiography result in significant variations in pixel values across divisional images due to body thickness and bone density, leading to discontinuities in the continuous image, making diagnosis difficult and increasing the burden on operators to manually adjust gradations, thus reducing throughput.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray image processing apparatus that includes a memory for storing X-ray image data, a region of interest (ROI) setting unit, an index value calculator, a gradation calculator, and a gradation processing unit to adjust and uniform the display gradations across overlapping edges of consecutive images, ensuring a continuous image of relatively uniform density is generated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If divisional X-ray imaging is performed to cover a wide range area, then the imaging coverage is improved, but the pixel value variation among divisional images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging area is divided into multiple divisional regions that are imaged separately and then pasted together to form a continuous wide-range image, allowing coverage of large areas that cannot be captured in a single exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The X-ray amount is dynamically adjusted at each imaging position based on body thickness and bone density variations, and gradation processing is applied to normalize pixel values across divisional images, reducing density variations in the pasted continuous image
2Adaptability or versatility
If X-ray amount is changed at every imaging position to compensate for body thickness and bone density variations, then the imaging adaptability is improved, but the density continuity in the continuous image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray amount and gradation parameters are adjusted at each position to adapt to local variations in body thickness and bone density, while post-processing normalization ensures density continuity across the entire continuous image
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures pixel values in overlapping edge portions and uses this feedback to calculate normalization parameters that ensure consistent density across divisional images when pasted together
3Manufacturing precision
If manual gradation adjustment is performed for each divisional image, then the image quality is improved, but the operational burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs gradation normalization by measuring pixel values in overlapping regions and applying calculated correction parameters, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and reducing operational burden while maintaining image quality
4Speed
If the bolus chase method is used to perform divisional imaging during movement, then the imaging speed is improved, but the control of X-ray radiation amount deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates normalization parameters based on pixel values measured in overlapping edge portions before final image assembly, allowing rapid processing during movement while maintaining precise control over radiation dosage and image quality
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 solution effectively reduces the operational burden of adjusting density variations, improves the continuity of X-ray images, and enhances the diagnostic quality by generating a continuous image with reduced pixel value variations, thereby increasing the efficiency of the inspection process.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray radiation is emitted from an X-ray tube passing over an examining body, e.g., a patient, and is detected by an X-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
The detector converts X-ray data that penetrates through the examining body into analog electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray image processing apparatus and method for processing X-ray images for generating a continuous X-ray image of relatively uniform converted gradations by pasting a plurality of consecutive divisional X-ray images. The plurality of consecutive divisional X-ray images are obtained along an examining body. Each of the consecutive divisional X-ray images is overlapped at its edge with an adjoining image. An index value for the respective divisional X-ray images is calculated based on pixel values in the overlapped portion between the images. Each of pixel values for the respective plurality of consecutive divisional X-ray images is adjusted or corrected so as to be relatively uniform to an index value for an adjoining divisional image. The gradation corrected divisional images are pasted together in order to produce the continuous image.