AI X-Ray Lead Marker Detection for Accurate Post-Exposure Labeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging systems face challenges in accurately detecting and correcting the presence, location, and information provided by lead markers, which are often misplaced or omitted, leading to errors and inaccuracies in image documentation and diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

An AI lead marker detection system is employed to scan post-exposure X-ray images, detecting and digitizing lead marker information, and enabling automated correction and insertion of markers for improved image clarity and diagnosis accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual lead marker placement is used, then radiographers can add information to images, but errors in marker positioning and information accuracy occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelead marker placement accuracyVSAvoidmanual marker positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic detection and correction of lead marker information through AI algorithms that autonomously analyze post-exposure images, eliminating the need for manual verification by radiographers while ensuring accurate marker placement and information extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automated feedback by detecting lead markers in post-exposure images and notifying radiographers of any missing or incorrect markers, allowing for immediate correction of errors without requiring manual re-examination of each image

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If post-exposure marker correction is implemented, then image accuracy improves, but additional processing time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarker information accuracyVSAvoidpost-exposure processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs lead marker detection and validation automatically during the post-exposure processing stage, completing the accuracy check as part of the standard workflow rather than requiring separate manual verification steps, thereby minimizing additional time requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated AI detection is used, then workflow efficiency increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage processing efficiencyVSAvoidAI detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an AI-based intermediary layer that automatically analyzes lead markers in post-exposure images, handling the complex detection and validation tasks through specialized algorithms while keeping the overall X-ray system architecture unchanged and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4186430B1X-ray marker detection system and method for x-ray imaging system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • EP4186430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4186430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4186430B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An artificial intelligence (AI) lead marker detection system (100) is employed either as a component of the X-ray imaging system (10) or separately from the X-ray imaging system (10) to scan post-exposure X-ray images (106) to detect and insert various lead markers (104,108"), to digitize information provided by the type and location of the lead marker (104), and to employ the marker information in different X-ray system workflow automations. The marker information obtained by the AI lead marker detection system (100) can also provide useful data for use in downstream clinical and quality applications apart from the X-ray system (10), such as either AI or non-AI analytical applications.