Breast Imaging Apparatus Depth Overlay for 3D Structure Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for comparing synthesized two-dimensional radiation images with ultrasound images in breast diagnostics face difficulties in visualizing three-dimensional breast tissue structures, making it challenging to recognize anatomical features effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires and displays synthesized two-dimensional radiation images with depth information, alongside corresponding ultrasound images, allowing for alignment and comparison of images captured in the same compression state, including cross-sectional and three-dimensional views, to facilitate better anatomical understanding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If synthesized two-dimensional radiation images and ultrasound images are displayed side by side for comparison, then both images can be viewed simultaneously, but it becomes difficult to recognize the three-dimensional structure of breast tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds depth information (z-axis) to the two-dimensional ultrasound image by overlaying multiple ultrasound images taken at different depths. This dimensional enhancement allows the display to represent three-dimensional breast tissue structure while maintaining the side-by-side comparison format with radiation images, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of comparison and preservation of 3D structure information.
2Loss of information
If multiple ultrasound images at different depths are acquired to represent three-dimensional structure, then three-dimensional information is preserved, but the complexity of image processing and display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ultrasound images taken at different depths into a single composite display by overlaying them with transparency adjustments. This merging approach preserves three-dimensional structural information while avoiding the need for complex separate processing systems, as the multiple images are integrated into one coherent visual representation that can be displayed alongside radiation images.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes at least one processor, and the processor is configured to: acquire a synthesized two-dimensional image including information in a depth direction of a breast, the synthesized two-dimensional image being a composite image obtained by synthesizing a plurality of radiation images of the breast imaged in a compression state by a compression member; display the synthesized two-dimensional image; acquire position information indicating a position in the displayed synthesized two-dimensional image; acquire a plurality of ultrasound images of the breast imaged in a compression state by the compression member, the compression state which is considered to be the same as that in capturing the radiation image; and display an ultrasound image for display according to the plurality of ultrasound images with depth information indicating a depth of the breast corresponding to the position indicated by the position information added thereto.