X-ray Imaging Apparatus Multi-Energy Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging using a single energy band struggles to distinguish between calcifying nodules and non-calcifying nodules, as well as regions with overlapping fine tissues, due to limited differentiation in X-ray transmittance.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus and method that generates images by irradiating X-rays across multiple energy bands, using an X-ray generator, detector, and controller to separate and map constituent materials to different colors, enhancing tissue differentiation through X-ray attenuation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If X-rays of a single energy band are used for imaging, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the distinction between calcifying nodules and non-calcifying nodules is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple energy band acquisitions (first and second energy bands) with different tube voltages. Each energy band captures different tissue attenuation characteristics, enabling differentiation between calcifying and non-calcifying nodules while maintaining efficient imaging through sequential acquisition
2Measurement precision
If X-rays of multiple energy bands are used to separate constituent materials, then tissue differentiation is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the energy band parameter by acquiring images at different tube voltages (first and second energy bands). This parameter variation enables material separation based on different attenuation coefficients at different energies, improving tissue differentiation without requiring complex additional hardware
3Measurement precision
If multiple material images are generated and combined with color mapping, then tissue distinction is enhanced, but the image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different material images representing various tissues are mapped to different color channels (RGB). This color mapping technique visually distinguishes between calcifying nodules, non-calcifying nodules, and overlapping tissues by assigning unique color representations, enhancing tissue distinction clarity through intuitive color-coded visualization
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 approach allows for improved distinction between tissues by generating a single image where different materials are represented in distinct colors, enhancing image clarity and reducing artifacts, thereby facilitating better identification of normal and lesion tissues.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator which is configured to generate X-rays and to irradiate the X-rays toward a target object
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector which is configured to acquire X-ray data which corresponds to a plurality of energy bands by detecting X-rays which have passed through the target object
Implementation Method 3
the controller may include an image separation unit which is configured to separate the plurality of material images from the acquired original images based on the plurality of energy bands by using different X-ray attenuation characteristics of the plurality of materials
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray image generating method in which constituent materials of a target object are separated and mapped to different colors in order to provide one image which has improved distinction between tissues. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator which generates X-rays and irradiates the X-rays toward a target object, an X-ray detector which acquires X-ray data which corresponds to a plurality of energy bands by detecting X-rays which have passed through the target object, and a controller which acquires a plurality of material images in which a plurality of materials constituting the target object are respectively displayed and brightness information from the X-ray data, generates one image by mapping different color channels to the plurality of material images and combining the plurality material images into a single image, and applying the brightness information to the generated image.