X-ray Detection Panel Multi-Energy Imaging Single Exposure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray imaging methods require multiple exposures to achieve multi-energy X-ray images, which can lead to increased radiation exposure and image quality issues due to patient movement during sequential irradiations.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus with a detection panel comprising multiple pixel groups that detect X-rays of different energy bands and an image processor that generates X-ray images by combining readout data and estimated data, allowing for the creation of multi-energy X-ray images with high contrast-to-noise ratio and energy subtraction capabilities using a single exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sequential X-ray exposures are used to obtain multi-energy images, then various tissues can be inspected and confirmed, but radiation exposure increases and image quality deteriorates due to patient movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue detection accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection panel is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group is assigned to detect X-rays of a specific energy band. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple energy bands in a single exposure, eliminating the need for sequential irradiations and reducing radiation exposure while maintaining tissue detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple pixel groups detecting different energy bands are combined into a single detection panel that operates simultaneously. The image processor integrates data from all pixel groups to generate multi-energy X-ray images from one exposure, reducing total radiation dose while preserving the ability to differentiate various tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sequential X-ray exposures are used to obtain multi-energy images, then various tissues can be inspected, but image quality worsens due to patient movement during sequential irradiations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue detection accuracyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection panel is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group is assigned to detect X-rays of a specific energy band. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple energy bands in a single exposure, eliminating the need for sequential irradiations and reducing radiation exposure while maintaining tissue detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

All pixel groups detect X-rays simultaneously in a continuous single exposure, eliminating interruptions and patient movement between sequential shots. This continuous detection ensures consistent image quality and reliable tissue detection without motion artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If photon counting detector with amplitude attenuation is used to acquire multi-energy images in single stage, then radiation exposure is reduced, but manufacturing difficulties prevent commercialization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection panel is divided into multiple pixel groups, where each pixel group is assigned to detect X-rays of a specific energy band. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of multiple energy bands in a single exposure, eliminating the need for sequential irradiations and reducing radiation exposure while maintaining tissue detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different energy bands are detected by changing the detection parameters of pixel groups through filter assignment rather than requiring complex photon counting with amplitude attenuation. This approach simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving multi-energy imaging with reduced radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach reduces radiation exposure by acquiring multiple energy X-ray images in a single irradiation, improving image quality and reducing patient discomfort by minimizing the need for repeated breast compression in mammography.

Implementation Method 1

each pixel group configured to detect X-rays having an energy band and to convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the filters may be configured to adjust the energy band of the X-ray detected by the pixel groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9274235B2Method and apparatus of generating X-ray image

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are an X-ray detection panel, an X-ray image generating module, an X-ray imaging apparatus, and a method of generating an X-ray image. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to emit X-rays; an X-ray detection panel comprising a plurality of pixel groups, each pixel group configured to detect X-rays having an energy band and to convert the detected X-rays into electrical signals; and an image processor configured to acquire readout data from the electrical signals of at least one of the plurality of pixel groups, to calculate estimated data, and to generate an X-ray image by combining the readout data and the estimated data.