X-Ray Imaging ROI Segmentation for Site-Specific Exposure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging apparatuses face issues with reduced visibility of the site a user desires to visually recognize due to inclusion of sites with different X-ray absorption rates within the region-of-interest, leading to unsuitable X-ray irradiation conditions.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a site acquisition unit that classifies regions in the X-ray image using a trained model, a region-of-interest selection unit to select the desired site, and an X-ray condition adjustment unit that adjusts X-ray conditions based on pixel values within the selected region-of-interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rectangular-shaped region-of-interest is set to capture multiple sites, then the region includes both desired and undesired sites, but the visibility of the desired site deteriorates due to mixed X-ray absorption rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the region-of-interest into multiple sub-regions corresponding to different anatomical sites (bones, soft tissues, internal organs) using a trained classification model. This allows separate X-ray condition optimization for each site type, resolving the contradiction by maintaining comprehensive coverage while achieving site-specific visibility precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different X-ray imaging conditions to different sub-regions based on their specific characteristics. By classifying the region-of-interest into multiple sites and adjusting conditions locally for each site type, the system achieves both comprehensive coverage and optimized visibility for each desired site.
2Ease of operation
If X-ray conditions are adjusted based on average pixel values of the entire region-of-interest, then the calculation is simple, but the visibility of specific sites deteriorates due to inclusion of other sites with different absorption rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the region-of-interest into multiple sub-regions using a trained classification model that identifies different anatomical sites. By calculating average pixel values separately for each sub-region rather than the entire region, the system maintains operational simplicity while achieving precise visibility control for specific sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trained classification model as an intermediary between the region-of-interest and the X-ray condition adjustment process. This model automatically segments the region and identifies relevant sites, simplifying the operation while improving precision by excluding undesired sites from the calculation.
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 allows for precise adjustment of X-ray conditions to enhance visibility of the desired site by excluding other sites with different absorption rates, preventing deterioration of visibility.
Implementation Method 1
due to the difference between the X-ray absorption rate at the site that the user desires to visually recognize and the X-ray absorption rate at the other sites
Data Source
AI summary
This X-ray imaging device has an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, an image generation unit for generating an X-ray image, a site acquisition unit for acquiring a region for each site in the X-ray image based on a trained model, a region-of-interest selection unit for selecting a region-of-interest, and an X-ray condition adjustment unit to adjust the conditions of X-rays emitted from the X-ray source based on a first pixel value that a pixel value in the region-of-interest.