Biopsy X-Ray Image Masking for Clearer Tissue Specimen Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy and imaging systems produce X-ray images of tissue specimens that are cluttered with distracting and bright non-specimen objects, leading to viewer fatigue and reduced analysis efficiency due to extraneous image portions and fluid interference.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that selectively modifies X-ray images using image masks and geometric configurations of the specimen tray, deemphasizing or eliminating distracting structures while emphasizing specimen areas, and adapting to mechanical and imaging variances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray imaging is performed on tissue specimens in specimen trays with fluid management structures, then fluid control during imaging is improved, but the X-ray images become cluttered with distracting bright spots and extraneous structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful visual elements (bright spots from fluid management structures and extraneous tray structures) from the X-ray image while preserving the useful information (tissue specimen). This is achieved through image processing techniques that selectively eliminate distracting elements, allowing the specimen to be visualized clearly without the cluttering effects of the tray and fluid control structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system between the X-ray imaging device and the viewer. This intermediary processes the raw X-ray images by removing distracting elements and enhancing the specimen visibility. The intermediary acts as a mediator that transforms the cluttered raw image into a cleaned-up image suitable for diagnostic review.
2Reliability
If multiple fluid management structures are added to the specimen tray, then fluid control during imaging is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful visual elements (bright spots from fluid management structures and extraneous tray structures) from the X-ray image while preserving the useful information (tissue specimen). This is achieved through image processing techniques that selectively eliminate distracting elements, allowing the specimen to be visualized clearly without the cluttering effects of the tray and fluid control structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image quality by adjusting contrast, brightness, and other imaging parameters to compensate for the presence of fluid management structures. By modifying these parameters, the system maintains diagnostic quality despite the added structural complexity of the tray.
3Loss of information
If X-ray images include bright spots from metallic objects and high-attenuation areas, then structural information is captured, but viewer attention is drawn away from the specimen causing eye fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful visual elements (bright spots from fluid management structures and extraneous tray structures) from the X-ray image while preserving the useful information (tissue specimen). This is achieved through image processing techniques that selectively eliminate distracting elements, allowing the specimen to be visualized clearly without the cluttering effects of the tray and fluid control structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by differentiating between regions of the image. The tissue specimen area is enhanced with improved contrast and brightness, while the extraneous structures (tray, fluid management components) are suppressed or removed. This selective local processing ensures that the viewer's attention is directed to the specimen of interest.
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
Generates cleaner and more focused X-ray images that reduce viewer fatigue and improve analysis efficiency by emphasizing pertinent specimen areas while reducing distractions from extraneous objects and fluid interference.
Implementation Method 1
The tissue specimen is typically imaged for verification using X-ray imaging systems
Data Source
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AI summary
X-ray images generated by a biopsy tissue handling apparatus are selectively modified to emphasize areas of interest and deemphasize or eliminate image areas that are distracting, impair view attention and/or contribute to eye fatigue. An image processor executes image masks based on a geometric configuration of a portion of a specimen tray including a storage compartment with tissue specimen. A compartment mask executes on a portion of X-ray image depicting storage compartment including tissue specimen. Compartment mask boundary substantially corresponds to a contour of compartment. Partial structure mask executes on a portion of X-ray image depicting respective walls of specimen tray and storage compartment. Partial structure mask boundary extends along respective lengths and partially through respective walls of specimen tray.