Camera-Based Bone Density Region Mapping for Reduced Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) methods require pre-imaging with low-dose radiation, leading to unnecessary exposure of subjects during manual or automated extraction of bone density measurement regions.
Innovation Solution
An imaging support apparatus that uses a processor to acquire designation information, capture an optical image with a camera, and perform semantic segmentation to automatically specify the bone density measurement region in a radiation image, reducing unnecessary exposure by optimizing image processing and position adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-imaging with low-dose radiation is performed to obtain radiation images for manual or automated extraction of measurement regions, then the measurement region can be identified, but the subject is exposed to extra radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical images (visual copies) instead of radiation images to identify measurement regions. The optical image captures the subject's anatomy visually, allowing the same region identification process without additional radiation exposure. This replaces the harmful radiation-based pre-imaging with a non-harmful optical copying method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the radiation-based imaging system with an optical imaging system (camera). Instead of using radiation to capture images for measurement region identification, the system uses optical cameras to capture images and process them to identify the same regions, thereby eliminating the harmful radiation exposure step.
2Measurement precision
If manual designation of measurement region is performed by operator, then measurement region can be accurately specified, but operator burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic identification of measurement regions through image processing algorithms that analyze optical images and automatically determine the appropriate regions for bone density measurement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention in region identification, reducing workload while maintaining accuracy through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the input parameter from radiation images to optical images, and automatically processes these images through image processing algorithms to extract measurement regions. This parameter change enables automated region identification without requiring manual operator input, thereby reducing operational burden while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If automated extraction of measurement region is performed from radiation image, then operator burden is reduced, but extra radiation exposure to subject remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical images (visual copies) instead of radiation images to identify measurement regions. The optical image captures the subject's anatomy visually, allowing the same region identification process without additional radiation exposure. This replaces the harmful radiation-based pre-imaging with a non-harmful optical copying method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the radiation-based imaging system with an optical imaging system (camera). Instead of using radiation to capture images for measurement region identification, the system uses optical cameras to capture images and process them to identify the same regions, thereby eliminating the harmful radiation exposure step.
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 extra exposure to subjects by automating the identification and specification of bone density measurement regions, enhancing precision and safety in radiography.
Implementation Method 1
acquires an optical image obtained by imaging the subject facing the radiography with a camera
Implementation Method 2
irradiating the subject with two types of radiation having different energies
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU of a console includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a specifying unit, and an extraction unit. The first acquisition unit acquires designation information of a measurement target part of a bone density of a subject. The second acquisition unit acquires an optical image obtained by imaging the subject facing radiography with a camera. The specifying unit specifies a region of the measurement target part in the optical image based on the designation information. The extraction unit extracts a region in a radiation image corresponding to the region of the measurement target part as a measurement region of the bone density based on correspondence relationship information between pixels of the radiation image and pixels of the optical image.