X-Ray Image Pixel Correction for Accurate Atomic Number Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing methods for X-ray devices, such as those described in JP 2009-164 A and WO 2019/083014 A, result in a loss of quantitativity and reduced accuracy of the energy analyzer due to inconsistent edge emphasis processing, leading to deviations in estimated effective atomic numbers.
Innovation Solution
An image processing method that corrects a plurality of pixel values from a target region using a predetermined correction pattern based on a reference pixel value, ensuring consistency among pixel values, thereby generating a highly accurate image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If edge emphasis processing is performed by processing one image with three filters and synthesizing the processed images, then visibility is improved and boundary portions of different materials become clear, but quantitativity is lost and the accuracy of effective atomic number estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing is segmented into distinct steps: acquiring pixel values for each energy range, determining correction patterns based on reference pixel values, correcting pixel values using these patterns, and synthesizing corrected values. This segmentation allows edge emphasis to be applied selectively without compromising the quantitative accuracy of effective atomic number estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using correction patterns that are determined based on reference pixel values. These correction patterns adjust the pixel values for each energy range, allowing the system to maintain quantitative accuracy while improving visibility through selective correction of specific parameter ranges.
2Manufacturing precision
If different correction patterns are applied to different pixel values from the same target region, then local image quality may be improved, but consistency among pixel values is lost and image accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Correction patterns are determined in advance based on reference pixel values before the actual image synthesis. This preliminary determination ensures that all pixel values from the same target region are corrected using consistent patterns, maintaining reliability while still improving local image quality through targeted correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of pixel values nH, nM, and nL acquired from a target region include one reference pixel value and the other pixel value, and an image processing method includes: a correction pattern determination step of setting in advance a plurality of correction patterns and determining the correction pattern to be applied to the target region on the basis of the reference pixel value; a correction step of correcting the reference pixel value and the other pixel value by determined correction patterns A, B, and C; and a generation step of generating an image of an imaging target on the basis of the corrected pixel values of a plurality of target regions.