Asymmetrical Contrast Amplification for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern imaging methods, such as X-ray-based imaging, face challenges in achieving high image quality for tracking devices within vessel structures, as it is difficult to clearly recognize and differentiate devices from surrounding tissue and vessel structures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a local asymmetrical contrast amplification algorithm enhances the image quality by selectively amplifying contrast in regions of interest, such as devices and vessel structures, while minimizing enhancement of less relevant areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray imaging methods are used, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the image quality is insufficient and devices are difficult to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing contrast amplification processing on the image data before display. The arithmetic unit processes the raw X-ray image data through contrast amplification algorithms to enhance the visibility of devices and vessel structures, making them more recognizable before the image is presented to the user. This preliminary enhancement resolves the contradiction by improving image quality without requiring changes to the physical imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between image acquisition and display. The arithmetic unit acts as an intermediary that transforms the raw image data into an enhanced version with improved contrast. This intermediary processing layer allows the system to maintain the simplicity and speed of conventional X-ray imaging while adding image quality enhancement through digital signal processing.
2Measurement precision
If contrast amplification is applied to the entire image, then device recognizability improves, but irrelevant areas are also enhanced unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific contrast amplification. The arithmetic unit identifies regions containing devices or vessel structures and applies contrast enhancement selectively to those areas, while leaving other regions with lower contrast. This localized approach improves device recognizability without unnecessarily processing the entire image, thereby maintaining processing efficiency and avoiding wasted computational resources on irrelevant areas.
3Measurement precision
If asymmetrical contrast amplification is applied, then relevant image regions are enhanced more strongly, but the processing algorithm becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry by applying different contrast amplification factors to different regions of the image. The arithmetic unit uses asymmetrical contrast amplification algorithms that enhance contrast more strongly in regions containing devices or vessel structures compared to other regions. This asymmetrical approach allows precise control over which areas receive enhanced contrast, improving measurement precision while the algorithmic complexity is managed through efficient implementation in the arithmetic unit.
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging method an image is generated by an imaging device that includes a vessel structure of an object to be imaged and/or a device arranged in the object. A local asymmetrical contrast amplification algorithm is applied to the image to generate a filtered image that is displayed by a display device.