Digital X-ray Spectral Adjustment via Weight Factoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems face issues with radiation exposure and resource wastage due to frequent retakes caused by incorrect exposure settings, particularly over/under exposure, which are challenging to predict and correct, even with advanced digital radiography equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for spectral adjustment in digital X-ray imaging that involves obtaining multiple images with distinct spectral information, applying weighting factors to generate composite images, and calculating optimal X-ray source settings to reduce the need for retakes by improving image contrast and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional single-energy X-ray imaging is used, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but image quality is degraded due to over/under exposure and requires frequent retakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the X-ray spectrum into multiple energy bands (e.g., low-energy and high-energy components) and captures separate images for each band. This segmentation allows optimal visualization of different tissue types - soft tissues in low-energy images and bone in high-energy images - thereby improving overall image quality and reducing retakes while maintaining efficient workflow through dual-energy subtraction techniques.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple images with different exposure settings are acquired, then image quality can be optimized, but radiation exposure increases and retakes are more frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the X-ray beam by acquiring images at different kVp settings (e.g., 80kVp and 140kVp). By processing these multi-energy images through dual-energy subtraction algorithms, the system generates optimized composite images that reduce noise and enhance contrast for specific tissues. This approach achieves superior image quality from a single exposure pair rather than requiring multiple retakes, thereby reducing total radiation exposure.
3Manufacturing precision
If spectral information is captured and processed, then image contrast and quality are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hardware spectral decomposition systems with computational methods. Instead of using physically complex multi-layer detectors or crystal-based spectral separators, the system uses software-based dual-energy subtraction algorithms to process images acquired at different kVp settings. This substitution achieves spectral separation and enhanced tissue contrast while avoiding the mechanical and structural complexity of hardware-based spectral imaging systems.
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 for patients and medical professionals by enabling post-acquisition modification of X-ray spectra, allowing for correction of non-optimal exposure settings and improving image quality, thus minimizing the need for retakes and resource wastage.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining at least two images generated by an X-ray imaging system, each of the at least two images including spectral information
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for spectral adjustment for a digital X-ray imaging system. The method includes obtaining a set of initial digital X-ray images and then weight factoring the images to generate a set of weight factored digital X-ray images. The weight-factored digital X-ray images are then combined to generate a composite image that is spectrally distinct from the set of initial digital X-ray images.