Breast Image Dose Correction for Mammary Gland Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for calculating the mammary gland content rate in breast images are inaccurate due to pixel value saturation and changes in imaging conditions, particularly with deteriorating X-ray tubes and radiation detector sensitivity over time.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that estimate a direct arrival dose using both imaging conditions and pixel values, with a determination unit to correct for saturation and changes, allowing for accurate calculation of the mammary gland content rate by selecting or adjusting estimated values based on saturation and stored correction coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the imaging dose is increased to improve image quality, then the image quality is improved, but the pixel value may be saturated in the direct X-ray region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpixel value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a correction coefficient as an intermediary element that mediates between the saturated pixel value and the actual direct arrival dose. The correction coefficient is calculated based on the ratio between the first estimated value (from imaging conditions) and the second estimated value (from pixel values), and is used to correct the direct arrival dose calculation, thereby resolving the contradiction between image quality and pixel value accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary estimation of the direct arrival dose using imaging conditions (first estimated value) before relying on pixel values that may be saturated. This preliminary action provides a baseline that can be corrected later using the correction coefficient, ensuring accurate dose calculation even when pixel values are saturated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the X-ray tube is used continuously to maintain productivity, then the productivity is maintained, but the X-ray tube deteriorates and the radiation detector sensitivity changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging continuityVSAvoiddose calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the correction coefficient is continuously updated based on the comparison between the first estimated value (from imaging conditions) and the second estimated value (from pixel values). This feedback loop compensates for the deterioration of the X-ray tube and changes in radiation detector sensitivity, maintaining accurate dose calculation despite continuous usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the correction coefficient based on changing imaging conditions and equipment deterioration. By changing the parameter (correction coefficient) in response to equipment aging and sensitivity changes, the system maintains measurement precision while allowing continuous productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the direct arrival dose is calculated based on imaging conditions to avoid saturation, then saturation is avoided, but the calculation becomes inaccurate due to changes in imaging conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel value validityVSAvoiddose calculation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the correction coefficient based on the ratio between the first estimated value (from imaging conditions) and the second estimated value (from pixel values). This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to changes in imaging conditions and equipment characteristics, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding saturation issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate calculation of the mammary gland content rate regardless of pixel value saturation and changes in imaging conditions, ensuring reliable diagnostic information.

Implementation Method 1

imaging a breast with X-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

X-ray attenuation coefficient due to fat, an X-ray attenuation coefficient due to mammary gland

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11083410B2Mammary gland content rate calculation device, method, and program

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An image acquisition unit acquires a breast image, and a first estimation unit calculates a first estimated value of a direct arrival dose in a direct X-ray region, which is included in the breast image and to which X-rays are directly emitted, based on the imaging conditions at the time of X-ray imaging. A second estimation unit calculates a second estimated value of the direct arrival dose based on the pixel value of the direct X-ray region included in the breast image. A determination unit determines a direct arrival dose, which is used for calculation of the mammary gland content rate, based on the first estimated value and the second estimated value. A calculation unit calculates a mammary gland content rate using the direct arrival dose determined by the determination unit.