Breast Image Alignment Using Probe Tilt and Compression Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face difficulties in accurately comparing radiation and ultrasound images of a breast captured in different compression states, making it challenging to interpret and align these images effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires radiation and ultrasound images while the breast is in a compression state, utilizes sensors to detect probe tilt and compression member deflection, and generates corrected ultrasound images based on correction information to align them with the radiation images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compression member is used to capture radiation and ultrasound images, then breast compression is achieved for imaging, but the compression member deflects causing misalignment between images
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the deflection amount of the compression member during imaging, and the image processing apparatus uses this detection information to correct and align the ultrasound image with the radiation image, creating a feedback loop that compensates for the deflection-induced misalignment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the ultrasound image (position, orientation, shape) based on the detected deflection amount of the compression member, transforming the ultrasound image parameters to match the radiation image parameters for accurate alignment
2Measurement precision
If probe scanning is performed on compression member, then ultrasound images are captured, but probe tilt causes image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the tilt amount of the probe during scanning operations, and this detection information is used by the image processing apparatus to correct the ultrasound image, providing feedback that compensates for tilt-induced distortion without requiring perfect manual scanning technique
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically detecting probe tilt through sensors and autonomously correcting the ultrasound image based on the detected tilt amount, eliminating the need for manual intervention to compensate for scanning errors
3Loss of information
If multiple continuously captured ultrasound images are acquired, then comprehensive breast imaging is achieved, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple continuously captured ultrasound images by integrating them based on detected deflection and tilt information, combining the information from all images while correcting for compression member deformation to create a comprehensive aligned image set
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to: acquire a radiation image and a plurality of continuously captured ultrasound images while a breast is kept in a compression state by a compression member; acquire correction information related to at least one of a tilt of a probe that has performed scanning on the compression member during the capturing of the plurality of ultrasound images or a deflection of the compression member; generate a corrected ultrasound image corrected based on the correction information from the plurality of acquired ultrasound images; and associate the corrected ultrasound image with the radiation image.