X-ray Image Segmentation for Privacy and Threat Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray systems for detecting concealed objects on individuals face challenges in maximizing threat detection performance while minimizing anatomical detail display, particularly struggling with low atomic number materials and radiation exposure limits, which compromise image quality and privacy.
Innovation Solution
The system processes X-ray images by dividing them into regions of interest, using threshold calculations and mask images to separate and optimize different areas for enhanced threat detection and privacy, allowing for the detection of both organic and inorganic objects with minimal display of anatomical details.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray imaging techniques are used to detect concealed objects, then threat detection capability is improved, but anatomical details are displayed compromising privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the X-ray image into multiple regions of interest (ROIs) based on anatomical landmarks and threat detection algorithms. Each region is processed independently with different levels of detail and privacy protection, allowing threat detection in critical areas while suppressing anatomical details in sensitive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different image processing characteristics to different regions of the X-ray image. High-contrast enhancement and detail preservation are applied to regions where threats are detected, while anatomical details are blurred or suppressed in regions identified as sensitive, achieving localized optimization of both detection and privacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation exposure is reduced to protect individuals, then privacy and safety are improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies image processing enhancements selectively only to regions where threats are detected or suspected, rather than uniformly enhancing the entire image. This partial action approach allows for improved detection capability in critical areas while maintaining acceptable overall image quality at lower radiation doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts image processing parameters such as contrast, brightness, and edge enhancement based on the detected threat characteristics and radiation dose level. By changing these parameters adaptively, the system optimizes image quality for threat detection while operating at reduced radiation exposure levels.
3Measurement precision
If image processing is applied to enhance threat visibility, then detection accuracy is improved, but anatomical details are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into threat regions and anatomical regions, applying enhancement algorithms selectively to threat regions while preserving or suppressing anatomical details in appropriate regions. This segmentation enables simultaneous improvement of detection accuracy and preservation of anatomical information where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The image processing system dynamically adjusts the balance between threat enhancement and anatomical preservation based on real-time analysis. The system can shift processing characteristics between different operational modes, allowing operators to optimize between detection sensitivity and anatomical detail visibility as needed.
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 effective detection of concealed threats with minimal radiation exposure and maintains privacy by optimizing image processing to highlight threat regions while blurring anatomical details, improving image quality and detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Images of objects comprising various types of materials can be generated using X-ray scattering. The intensity of scattered X-rays is related to the atomic number of the material scattering the X-rays.
Implementation Method 2
X-ray absorption and scattering further reduces the amount of X-rays available to form an image of the person and any concealed objects.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards processing security images of people subjected to X-ray radiation. The present invention processes a generated image by dividing the generated image into at least two regions or mask images, separately processing the at least two regions of the image, and viewing the resultant processed region images either alone or as a combined image.