Adaptive Thermal Imaging Camera Positioning for Breast Thermography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast thermography methods require manual expertise for capturing multiple thermal views, leading to non-standardization and errors in image mapping, which can result in incorrect classification due to the lack of automated guidance for proper view angle positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a thermal imaging camera with sensors and a specialized processor to receive and process thermal images, automatically determine the view angle using a machine learning model, and provide instructions for adjusting the camera or subject positioning to capture images according to standard breast thermography protocols, enabling adaptive positioning and automatic segmentation and tumor detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning method is used to capture thermal images, then flexibility in capturing different views is achieved, but standardization and accuracy of view angles deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing and machine learning to determine view angles and provide positioning guidance, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving measurement precision and standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning by automatically analyzing captured images, determining the current view angle, and providing feedback guidance to the operator for adjusting the camera or subject position to achieve the required standard views
2Reliability
If expert technicians perform manual positioning, then proper thermal images can be captured, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically analyzing captured images to determine whether they meet protocol requirements, eliminating the need for expert technicians to manually evaluate image quality and reducing training requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators by comparing captured images against standard protocol requirements and guiding adjustments, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying operation for non-experts
3Reliability
If multiple manual views are captured, then comprehensive breast analysis is enabled, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated assessment of captured images to determine if they meet protocol requirements before proceeding to analysis, reducing the time needed for manual review and ensuring completeness without increasing time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a view angle of a thermal image from a user and generating a suggestion to enable the user for adaptive positioning of a subject for capturing the thermal image is provided. The method includes (i) receiving a thermal image of a body of a subject, (ii) automatically determining a view angle of the thermal image from a user using a view angle estimator, (iii) determining an angular adjustment to be made to a view position of the thermal imaging camera or a position of the subject by comparing the determined view angle with a required view angle as per thermal imaging protocol when the thermal image does not meet the required view angle and (iv) generating instructions to the user for adjusting the view position of the thermal imaging camera for capturing a new thermal image at the required view angle as per thermal imaging protocol.