X-ray Imaging Super-Resolution via Pixel Value Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses face long calculation times and inconsistent super-resolution effects when generating super-resolved images, due to the use of sequential calculations with numerous parameters.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus that shifts a detector between positions by a distance smaller than the pixel size, allowing for the division of pixel values based on overlapping pixels from two images, using their actual values and overlapping area ratios to generate a super-resolved image with higher resolution without sequential calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential calculation with a large number of parameters is performed to generate a super-resolved image, then the image quality may be improved, but the calculation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pixel value calculation process by dividing each pixel into multiple sub-pixels based on the detector's movement amount. Instead of using complex sequential calculations with many parameters, the method segments the calculation into simple weighted averages of pixel values from multiple images, dramatically reducing computation time while maintaining super-resolution quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the calculation parameters from complex sequential processing with numerous parameters to a simplified method using only pixel values and their weights based on overlapping areas. This parameter transformation eliminates the need for lengthy sequential calculations while preserving the super-resolution effect
2Measurement precision
If a large number of parameters are used in sequential calculation, then the image quality may be enhanced, but the super-resolution effect cannot be ensured due to excessive calculation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into simple pixel value divisions based on detector movement, avoiding complex sequential calculations. This segmentation maintains super-resolution quality while significantly improving processing efficiency and ensuring consistent results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pixel values from multiple copied images (taken at different detector positions) to construct the super-resolved image through simple weighted averaging. This copying approach eliminates the need for complex sequential calculations with many parameters, ensuring both quality and efficiency
3Manufacturing precision
If the detector is moved by a distance smaller than the pixel size to capture multiple images, then the resolution can be improved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments each pixel into multiple sub-pixels corresponding to the detector's fine movements. This segmentation allows high resolution to be achieved through simple weighted averaging of pixel values from multiple images, avoiding complex calculations while maintaining improved resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the complex parameter-based sequential calculation into a simple parameter-free weighted average method. The calculation complexity is reduced by changing from multiple parameters to a single weight factor based on overlapping pixel areas, while still achieving high resolution through the detector's sub-pixel movement
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 significantly reduces calculation time while ensuring a certain level of super-resolution effect, improving image quality by considering actual pixel distributions and overlapping ratios.
Implementation Method 1
a detector configured to detect X-rays radiated from the X-ray source at a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
In an X-ray imaging apparatus, an image processor is configured to generate a super-resolved image having higher resolution in an X direction than a first fluoroscopic X-ray image and a second fluoroscopic X-ray image by dividing, in the X direction, a pixel value of a first pixel in the first fluoroscopic X-ray image based on pixel values of two pixels in the second fluoroscopic X-ray image that overlap the first pixel when the first fluoroscopic X-ray image and the second fluoroscopic X-ray image are shifted in the X direction by an amount corresponding to a movement amount (of an X-ray detection position) and displayed in an overlapping manner.