Real-Time X-Ray Image Synthesis for Deviation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses that synthesize images from strip-shape X-ray images struggle to clearly identify which parts of a subject are imaged, leading to difficulties in recognizing deviations during the imaging process and resulting in increased X-ray exposure.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that includes an X-ray irradiation element, an X-ray imaging element, an image synthesis element, and a display element, which synthesizes and displays intermediate images in real-time as the elements move relative to the subject, allowing for easy recognition of imaged areas and potential deviations, thereby enabling suspension of imaging to prevent excessive exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If strip-shape X-ray images are individually displayed one by one, then the imaging process is simple, but it is difficult to recognize which parts of the subject are imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individually displayed strip-shape X-ray images into a single synthesized image that shows the complete imaged area. This merging approach preserves all spatial location information while maintaining relatively simple imaging processes, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information completeness.
2Productivity
If imaging continues without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but X-ray exposure to the subject increases due to undetected deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the synthesized image is displayed in real-time during the imaging process, allowing operators to detect deviations immediately. When deviations are detected, the system provides feedback to stop imaging, preventing excessive X-ray exposure while maintaining productivity by only interrupting when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synthesis of the imaged area during the imaging process itself, rather than waiting until imaging is complete. This preliminary action allows for early detection of deviations before excessive X-ray exposure occurs, balancing productivity with patient safety.
3Device complexity
If the complete image is synthesized only after all strip images are taken, then processing is simpler, but deviation detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synthesis of the imaged area during the imaging process itself, rather than waiting until imaging is complete. This preliminary action allows for early detection of deviations before excessive X-ray exposure occurs, balancing productivity with patient safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesis process is segmented into intermediate steps, where the synthesized image is updated progressively as each strip image is acquired. This segmentation allows for timely deviation detection without requiring complex real-time processing of the entire image set, managing processing complexity while reducing detection delay.
4Measurement precision
If multiple strip-shape images are synthesized in real-time, then deviation detection is improved, but processing burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synthesis process is segmented into intermediate steps, where the synthesized image is updated progressively as each strip image is acquired. This segmentation allows for timely deviation detection without requiring complex real-time processing of the entire image set, managing processing complexity while reducing detection delay.
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 allows for real-time confirmation of imaged areas, reduces X-ray exposure by detecting deviations, and streamlines processing by separating imaging and synthesis timing, facilitating efficient diagnosis and reducing the burden on processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube bulb to irradiate an X-ray to a subject
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector to take X-ray images on the basis of the X-ray transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray tube that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, an flat panel detector (FPD) that takes an X-ray image on the basis of the X-ray transmitted through the subject, a real-time image synthesis element that synthesizes an image by connecting in turn an image of a plurality of strip-shape X-ray images concurrently taken while letting the X-ray tube and the FPD move relative with respect to the subject, and a real-time image monitor that displays an intermediate image taken by the FPD and is synthesized in turn by the real-time image synthesis element.