Breast Image Processing Using Virtual Projections for Lower Radiation Dose
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing contrast enhanced digital mammography (CEDM) biopsy requires multiple captures of high-energy and low-energy images, increasing the exposure dose, particularly for low-energy images, necessitating a reduction in radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes tomosynthesis imaging with low-energy radiation, calculating virtual projection positions to generate composite two-dimensional images, reducing the need for multiple high-energy captures by aligning and combining images to create difference images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple captures of high-energy and low-energy images are performed to achieve contrast enhanced digital mammography biopsy, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but exposure dose increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual projection image by copying and transforming the tomosynthesis projection images. Specifically, it calculates a virtual projection position based on the radiation source position and generates a composite two-dimensional image that replicates the appearance of a conventional low-energy image without requiring actual repeated low-energy captures. This virtual copy allows the system to maintain image quality for contrast enhancement while avoiding the need for multiple high-dose low-energy exposures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual projection position as an intermediary concept to bridge tomosynthesis projection images and conventional low-energy images. Instead of directly comparing actual low-energy images with high-energy images, the system uses this virtual intermediary to align and combine images from different energy levels, enabling contrast enhancement while reducing the number of actual low-energy captures required.
2Measurement precision
If low-energy images are captured multiple times to maintain image quality, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to the breast increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image generation from physical repeated captures to computational synthesis. By calculating virtual projection positions and generating composite images through algorithmic processing, the system achieves the same diagnostic accuracy without physically repeating the low-energy exposure process, thereby reducing radiation exposure to the breast.
3Manufacturing precision
If tomosynthesis imaging is performed with low-energy radiation, then image processing accuracy is improved, but the number of required high-energy captures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tomosynthesis projection images with virtual projection images to create a composite two-dimensional image. This combination allows the system to leverage the high processing accuracy of tomosynthesis while reducing the total number of captures needed, as the virtual projection images provide the necessary alignment and positioning information without requiring additional high-energy captures.
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
Reduces exposure dose by minimizing the number of high-energy image captures, while maintaining effective image processing for breast imaging.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating a breast with radiation having a first energy; irradiating the breast with radiation having a second energy, which is higher than the first energy
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU acquires a series of a plurality of projection images or a plurality of tomographic images obtained by performing tomosynthesis imaging by irradiating a breast with radiation having a first energy; acquires a plurality of normal two-dimensional images captured by irradiating the breast with radiation having a second energy, which is higher than the first energy, a plurality of times; calculates, for each of the plurality of normal two-dimensional images, a virtual projection position, which is a position at which the breast is virtually projected during the tomosynthesis imaging, from a position of a radiation source in a case in which the normal two-dimensional image is captured; generates a composite two-dimensional image from the plurality of projection images or the plurality of tomographic images based on the virtual projection position calculated for each of the plurality of normal two-dimensional images; and generates a difference image between each of the plurality of normal two-dimensional images and each of the composite two-dimensional images generated for each of the plurality of normal two-dimensional images.