Breast Image Alignment Using Virtual Projection Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting radiation images, particularly those obtained by mammography, is challenging due to differences in radiation source position, lesion positional relationships, and mammary gland overlap during tomosynthesis imaging, making it difficult to compare composite two-dimensional images with previously captured two-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that calculates a virtual projection position based on the radiation source position during two-dimensional imaging, generating a composite two-dimensional image from projection or tomographic images using this position to align and correct magnification ratios, facilitating comparison with previous images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tomosynthesis imaging is performed with a radiation source at a different position, then a series of projection images can be obtained for three-dimensional reconstruction, but the positional relationship of lesions and overlapping of mammary glands change, making it difficult to compare with previous two-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a virtual projection position in advance based on the actual radiation source position during tomosynthesis imaging. This virtual position is then used to generate a composite two-dimensional image that simulates how the image would appear if the radiation source were at the standard position, enabling direct comparison with previous images without requiring actual repositioning of the radiation source.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the standard two-dimensional image by calculating what the image would look like if the radiation source were at the standard position. This virtual projection position serves as a reference copy that matches the standard imaging geometry, allowing radiologists to compare the tomosynthesis-derived composite image with previous standard images directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radiation source position changes during tomosynthesis imaging, then multiple projection images can be acquired, but the magnification ratio changes, making it difficult to compare with previous two-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of the radiation source position by calculating a virtual projection position that corresponds to the standard position. This virtual parameter adjustment allows the system to compensate for the actual position changes during tomosynthesis imaging, restoring the magnification ratio to match that of standard two-dimensional imaging for accurate comparison.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a composite two-dimensional image is generated from tomosynthesis imaging, then three-dimensional information can be visualized, but positional discrepancies arise due to different radiation source positions, making direct comparison with previous images difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual projection position acts as an intermediary reference that bridges the tomosynthesis imaging geometry and the standard two-dimensional image geometry. By using this intermediate virtual position to generate the composite image, the system eliminates direct positional discrepancies between the tomosynthesis image and previous standard images, enabling accurate comparison.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU acquires a two-dimensional image captured by irradiating a breast with radiation; acquires a position of a radiation source that emits the radiation in a case in which the two-dimensional image is captured; acquires a series of a plurality of projection images or a plurality of tomographic images obtained by performing tomosynthesis imaging of the breast; calculates a virtual projection position, which is a position at which the breast is virtually projected during the tomosynthesis imaging, from the position of the radiation source in a case in which the two-dimensional image is captured; and generates a composite two-dimensional image from the plurality of projection images or the plurality of tomographic images based on the virtual projection position.