X-ray imager motion detection using multiple frame acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mammography images are often blurred due to patient tissue movement during X-ray exposure, leading to the need for multiple exposures and increased radiation for clear images, as motion detection typically occurs after image capture.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging system that acquires multiple images during a single X-ray dose and detects motion in real-time using a CMOS detector and computer system, allowing for intelligent control of X-ray exposure and image selection to create a diagnostic image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple images are acquired during a single X-ray dose to enable motion detection, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy improve, but the complexity of the imaging system and image processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging process is segmented into multiple discrete image acquisitions during a single X-ray dose, allowing individual frame analysis for motion detection. Each frame can be independently evaluated and selected based on quality metrics, enabling precise motion assessment without requiring a complete re-acquisition sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements real-time feedback by analyzing multiple acquired frames to detect motion artifacts. The analysis of frame sequences provides feedback on patient tissue stability, allowing the system to identify the clearest image for diagnostic use and determine whether additional imaging is necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If motion detection is performed after image capture, then the imaging process remains simple, but multiple exposures are required increasing radiation dose to the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation doseVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Motion detection and image quality assessment are performed preliminarily during the acquisition phase using multiple frames captured within a single dose window. This preliminary analysis allows the system to identify suitable diagnostic images before finalizing the imaging sequence, preventing the need for additional exposure sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temporal parameter of image acquisition by capturing multiple frames at different time points within a single dose window. This parameter change enables motion assessment without increasing the total radiation dose, as all frames are acquired during one exposure event rather than requiring multiple separate exposures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a single image is acquired with prolonged exposure time, then the system operation is simple, but patient tissue movement increases causing blurred images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidexposure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single prolonged exposure, the system uses periodic action by acquiring multiple discrete images at different time points during the dose window. This periodic sampling captures the patient tissue state at various moments, allowing selection of the clearest image that represents the most stable period during imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system embraces the dynamic nature of patient tissue during imaging by continuously acquiring multiple frames rather than attempting to freeze the tissue with a single long exposure. The dynamic acquisition allows the system to adapt and select images taken during periods of minimal motion, improving reliability without requiring the tissue to remain completely static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Reduces the number of X-ray exposures and improves image quality by detecting motion during imaging, allowing for the creation of clear diagnostic images without prolonged exposure.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a plurality of patient tissue images during an x-ray dose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3922182B1Multiple frame acquisition for exposure control in x-ray medical imagers
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3922182B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922182B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3922182B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a method and a system to create a medical image are disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of patient tissue images during an x-ray dose. Furthermore, during the x-ray dose, a determination is made if motion occurred in the plurality of patient tissue images. In a case that no motion is determined, a diagnostic image of the patient tissue comprising the plurality of patient tissue images is created.