X-ray Imaging Apparatus Virtual Close-View 3D Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray imaging technologies face limitations in distinguishing between normal and diseased tissues using 2D images, and there is a need to enhance the 3D effects of X-ray images for more accurate diagnoses.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray imaging apparatus and method that generates virtual close-view images by assuming X-rays are emitted at a shorter distance than the actual distance, reconstructing a 3D volume of the object, and producing close-view images through reprojection to enhance 3D effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 2D X-ray images are used for imaging, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the discrimination between normal tissues and diseased tissues is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue discrimination accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D X-ray imaging to 3D tomosynthesis by introducing a temporal dimension through multiple angular views. The system captures images at different angles and reconstructs them into a 3D volume, enabling superior tissue discrimination while maintaining operational simplicity through automated reconstruction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary 3D volume reconstruction from multiple angular views before generating the final diagnostic images. This preliminary action creates a comprehensive 3D representation that enhances tissue discrimination capability in subsequent imaging steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If standard distance X-ray imaging is used, then the imaging geometry is simple, but the 3D effects are insufficient for accurate diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidvirtual imaging complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates virtual close-view images that are copies of the actual X-ray images but generated from a virtual perspective. By reconstructing images as if the X-ray source were positioned closer to the object, the system enhances 3D effects and diagnostic accuracy without requiring physical repositioning of imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a virtual imaging geometry as an intermediary between the actual imaging setup and the final diagnostic output. This virtual close-view representation mediates the transformation of standard-distance images into enhanced 3D diagnostic images, improving accuracy without complicating the physical imaging system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple angular views are captured for tomosynthesis, then 3D image quality improves, but the processing time and computational load increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image qualityVSAvoidimage processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D volume reconstruction from multiple angular views before generating the final diagnostic images. This preliminary action creates a comprehensive 3D representation that enhances tissue discrimination capability in subsequent imaging steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D X-ray imaging to 3D tomosynthesis by introducing a temporal dimension through multiple angular views. The system captures images at different angles and reconstructs them into a 3D volume, enabling superior tissue discrimination while maintaining operational simplicity through automated reconstruction algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 the generation of 3D X-ray images with improved 3D effects, facilitating better discrimination between normal and diseased tissues and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source that emits X-rays to an object at a plurality of different original-views, an X-ray detector that acquires a plurality of original-view images by detecting X-rays having passed through the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission and detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9386956B2X-ray imaging apparatus, x-ray image generation method, and 3D imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.07.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US9386956B2 patent drawing
  • US9386956B2 patent drawing
  • US9386956B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source that emits X-rays to an object at different original-view positions, an X-ray detector that acquires original-view images by detecting X-rays having passed through the object, and an image controller that reconstructs a 3D volume image representation of the object from the original-view images and generates close-view images by virtually emitting X-rays to the 3D volume image representation of the object at a shorter distance than a distance between the X-ray source and the object.