X-Ray Imaging Apparatus Composite Bone Soft Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses that use X-rays with different energy levels struggle to clearly depict the geometric relationship between bones and soft tissues, as they typically output separate images, making it inconvenient to observe their relation.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus and method that generate and output a single image with bones and soft tissues represented by different colors or brightness levels, allowing users to easily distinguish between them, using an X-ray generator, detector, and host device for image processing and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate images of bones and soft tissues are output independently, then clear separation of bone and soft tissue images is achieved, but it becomes difficult to confirm the geometric relation between bones and soft tissues and observation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separately obtained bone images and soft tissue images into a single composite image that displays both types of tissue simultaneously. This merging allows observers to view the geometric relationships between bones and soft tissues in one unified visualization, eliminating the need to switch between multiple separate images while preserving the clear separation and contrast achieved through independent image acquisition.
2Loss of information
If multiple images are output to show bone and soft tissue separately, then detailed image information is provided, but the complexity of image output and observation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple image datasets (bone images and soft tissue images acquired at different energy levels) into a single composite output image. This consolidation maintains all necessary diagnostic information from the separate images while simplifying the output format and observation process, allowing users to access comprehensive image information without managing multiple separate files or displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color mapping to assign different color channels to bone and soft tissue images, adding a dimensional aspect (color) to the composite image. This allows multiple image layers to be distinguished and visualized simultaneously in a single output, effectively encoding multiple information streams within one image structure without increasing output complexity.
3Measurement precision
If X-rays with different energy levels are used to obtain bone and soft tissue images, then image quality and tissue differentiation are improved, but the complexity of the imaging process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of both bone images and soft tissue images at different energy levels before combining them. By completing the separate image acquisitions in advance and storing them as distinct datasets, the system prepares all necessary image information beforehand, allowing the subsequent combination process to be straightforward and automated without requiring complex real-time switching or processing during observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in X-ray energy parameters to differentiate between bone and soft tissue imaging. By acquiring images at multiple energy levels and then combining them based on their different attenuation characteristics, the system leverages physical parameter variations to achieve superior tissue differentiation while managing process complexity through automated combination algorithms.
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
Enables users to confirm the conditions of both bones and soft tissues in a single image, improving the ease of observing their relationship and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator to generate an X-ray and irradiate the X-ray to a subject
Implementation Method 2
a detector to detect the X-ray irradiated by the X-ray generator and transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to generate X-rays having at least two different energy levels and irradiate the X-rays onto a subject, a detector to detect the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray generator and transmitted through the subject, and a device to obtain images from the X-rays detected by the detector, to obtain bone image information and soft tissue image information of the subject, based on the obtained X-ray images, and to produce one image including the bone image information and the soft tissue image information.