Pseudo-gradation Processing for X-ray Image Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately displaying X-ray images with high gradation levels on displays with fewer gradation capabilities, leading to loss of original image information and reduced visibility of details.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pseudo gradation processing, where the processing circuitry converts high gradation levels of X-ray images into corresponding display patterns using correspondence information, allowing the display of original gradation information even on displays with fewer gradation levels, thereby enhancing image visibility and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If X-ray images with high gradation levels are displayed directly on displays with fewer gradation capabilities, then the display device complexity is reduced, but the loss of original image information increases and visibility of details deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image processing apparatus as an intermediary between the X-ray imaging system and the display device. This apparatus performs pseudo-gradation processing to convert high-gradation image data into display-appropriate gradation while preserving visual information, effectively mediating the contradiction between simple display hardware and high-quality image preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the gradation parameter of the image data through pseudo-gradation processing. By converting high-gradation levels into display-compatible gradation levels while maintaining visual fidelity, the system adapts the image parameters to match the display capabilities without losing essential diagnostic information
2Loss of time
If high gradation levels are converted directly to display gradation levels, then the processing time is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of image quality deteriorates due to stepwise noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs pseudo-gradation processing in advance, before the image is displayed. This preliminary conversion of gradation levels prepares the image data for display while maintaining quality, avoiding the need for real-time processing that would compromise either speed or quality
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus comprises processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a first image in which each pixel is expressed with a first gradation. And the processing circuitry is configured to specify a partial region in the first image. And the processing circuitry is configured to convert, based on correspondence information that associates each level of the first gradation with a display pattern of a plurality of pixels in a display, the level in the first gradation of each pixel included in the partial region in the first image into the corresponding display pattern, the display displaying the display pattern with a second gradation having fewer levels than the first gradation. And the processing circuitry is configured to generate a second image that expresses a plurality of pixels included in the partial region of the first image as the converted display patterns.