X-ray Imaging Apparatus with Inclined Imager Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in generating long images by splicing X-ray images captured with an inclined imager, as the varying path length of X-rays results in inappropriate splicing and visible steps at seams, reducing image quality, especially when imaging blood vessels in the lower limb.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a rotating mechanism and image processor that adjusts the magnifications of X-ray images based on the relative movement and inclination of the imager, ensuring consistent magnification and proper splicing of images captured at different angles, thereby generating seamless long images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the imager is inclined to improve visibility of blood vessels overlapping bones, then visibility of blood vessels is improved, but the path length of X-rays varies causing inappropriate splicing and visible steps at seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the magnification of individual X-ray images based on their capture position and imager inclination angle. The image processing unit calculates position information and inclination angles, then varies magnification parameters to compensate for path length differences, enabling seamless splicing while maintaining blood vessel visibility through inclined imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamics by making the magnification parameter adaptive rather than fixed. The magnification varies dynamically according to the imager's inclination angle and the capture position of each X-ray image, allowing the system to maintain consistent apparent size across images taken at different angles while preserving the visibility benefits of inclined imaging
2Length of moving object
If multiple X-ray images are captured at different positions to generate long images, then the imaging range is extended, but the splicing accuracy decreases due to varying X-ray path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting magnification based on capture position and inclination angle. The image processing unit calculates position information for each captured image and applies appropriate magnification variations to compensate for path length differences, enabling accurate splicing across extended imaging ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using position information from the moving mechanism to automatically adjust magnification parameters. The image processing unit receives feedback about capture position and inclination angle, then modifies magnification accordingly to maintain splicing accuracy across the extended imaging range
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 enables the generation of high-quality long images with appropriate splicing, even when the imager is inclined, improving visibility of blood vessels and reducing the need for multiple contrast agent administrations, thus minimizing radiation exposure and imaging time.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiator configured to irradiate the subject with X-rays and an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays radiated from the X-ray irradiator and transmitted through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a table, an imager configured to capture a plurality of X-ray images, a rotating mechanism, a moving mechanism, and an image processor. The image processor is configured to generate a long image by performing processing of varying magnifications of the plurality of X-ray images based on an amount of relative movement of the table and the imager and splicing the plurality of X-ray images when imaging is performed at a plurality of imaging positions in a state in which an optical axis of X-rays radiated from an X-ray irradiator is inclined with respect to the table.