X-ray Imaging Apparatus Region Stitching and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in capturing entire portions of an object due to mismatched X-ray irradiation beam sizes and detector regions, leading to incomplete images and user fatigue from manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that divides the object into regions, stitches partial images, and displays these regions on a camera image with an integrated settings interface, allowing users to intuitively set X-ray irradiation conditions for each region, including collimation and positioning adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single X-ray image is used to capture the entire object, then the imaging process is simple, but the entire portion of the object cannot be captured when the X-ray beam or detector region is smaller than the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging area into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region, fourth region) that are captured separately by the X-ray detector. Each region is imaged independently and then combined to form a complete full-image, allowing the detector to capture the entire object even when its active area is smaller than the object itself.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple partial X-ray images are captured and combined to obtain a complete image, then the entire object can be imaged, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-divides the imaging area into multiple regions before actual imaging begins. The controller is pre-configured to control the X-ray detector to move to and capture each predefined region in sequence, eliminating the need for complex real-time image stitching algorithms and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple partial X-ray images (first partial image, second partial image, third partial image, fourth partial image) into a single complete full-image through controlled image merging. This allows the system to achieve full-object coverage while maintaining a relatively simple and efficient imaging process.
3Area of stationary object
If manual adjustments are made to capture different regions, then complete images can be obtained, but user fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where the controller automatically controls the X-ray detector to capture multiple regions in the correct sequence and automatically merges the images. This eliminates the need for manual operation and adjustment by the user, reducing fatigue while maintaining complete imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a display unit to show the complete full-image constructed from multiple partial images, providing visual feedback to the user. This allows the user to verify that the entire object has been captured correctly without needing to manually adjust or inspect each partial image separately.
4Area of stationary object
If the X-ray irradiation beam is made larger to capture the entire object, then complete images can be obtained, but the beam may exceed detector region limits or cause excessive radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging area into multiple smaller regions that can be captured individually within the detector's active area limits. This avoids the need to use a larger X-ray beam that would exceed detector boundaries, thereby preventing excessive radiation exposure while still achieving complete object coverage through multiple targeted exposures.
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
Enables efficient and intuitive capture of entire images by allowing users to easily set and adjust X-ray irradiation conditions for each divided region, reducing user fatigue and improving image completeness.
Implementation Method 1
An X-ray imaging apparatus irradiates an object with X-rays and analyzes X-rays that have been transmitted through the object to recognize an inner structure of the object
Implementation Method 2
Since X-ray transmittance varies according to a tissue forming an object, an inner structure of the object may be imaged using an attenuation coefficient which is a numerical value of X-ray transmittance
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a camera image of a target, a controller that stitches a plurality of X-ray images of a plurality of divided regions to generate one X-ray image of the target, and a display that displays a settings window providing a graphical user interface for receiving a setting of an X-ray irradiation condition for the divided regions, and displays the camera image in which positions of the divided regions are displayed.