Temporal Alignment in Multi-Channel X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-channel imaging systems face issues with image artifacts due to temporal misalignment between frame streams, which affects the quality of 3D images and increases x-ray dosage in medical imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that estimates and interpolates frames to align them temporally, using motion detection and soft-thresholding, allowing for virtual increase in frame acquisition rate and reducing x-ray dosage by merging information across channels, thereby eliminating or reducing artifacts caused by temporal distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frames are acquired alternately in two channels to enable 3D imaging, then stereoscopic imaging capability is achieved, but temporal misalignment occurs between frame streams causing image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temporal alignment by estimating and inserting missing frames into each channel's stream before combining them for 3D display. This preprocessing step ensures that when frames from different channels are combined, they correspond to the same temporal moment, eliminating artifacts caused by temporal misalignment while preserving stereoscopic imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary frame estimation mechanism that creates virtual frames to bridge temporal gaps between alternately acquired channel frames. This intermediary process generates estimated frames that serve as placeholders, allowing proper temporal synchronization between channels without requiring simultaneous frame acquisition
2Manufacturing precision
If frame acquisition rate is increased to reduce temporal misalignment artifacts, then image quality improves, but x-ray dosage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates copies of existing frames through temporal interpolation and frame estimation algorithms. Instead of acquiring additional real frames at higher rates (which would increase x-ray dosage), the system generates synthetic frame copies by estimating intermediate states between acquired frames, thereby improving temporal alignment quality without additional radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of frame acquisition by using variable frame rates in different channels and inserting estimated frames at appropriate temporal positions. This allows the system to achieve effective high frame rate performance for artifact reduction while maintaining lower actual acquisition rates that minimize x-ray dosage
3Adaptability or versatility
If frames from different channels are combined for 3D imaging, then stereoscopic effect is achieved, but temporal distance between frames causes image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
Before combining frames from different channels for 3D imaging, the system performs preliminary temporal alignment by estimating missing frames and synchronizing the temporal references of both channels. This ensures that when frames are combined, they represent the same moment in time, eliminating artifacts and improving image accuracy while maintaining 3D capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from motion detection and frame comparison to adjust the temporal alignment of frames from different channels. By continuously monitoring temporal discrepancies and using this information to guide frame estimation and selection, the system ensures accurate temporal correspondence between channels, improving image accuracy without compromising 3D imaging
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (IP) and a method to generate temporally-aligned image frames for image-streams (LS, RS) in a multi-channel (CR, CL) imaging system (100). The apparatus (IP) allows reducing or removing temporal distance artifacts that occur when processing the frames into combined image material. The apparatus can also be used to improve signal-to-noise ratio of the frames. The multi-channel imaging system (100) may be a stereoscopic imager.