CAT Scan Image Registration via Displacement Vector Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans often result in staggered images due to misalignment of image sets obtained at different bed positions or time points, making it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat structures like bones and blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for image processing that involves obtaining displacement vector fields from corresponding regions in multiple image sets, registering the images, and generating a target image to align and process the images effectively, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple image sets are obtained at different bed positions or time points, then more comprehensive image data is acquired, but image misalignment and staggering occur
Solution Approach 1:
A displacement vector field is introduced as an intermediary to bridge multiple image sets. The field is determined by registering corresponding regions across image sets and then applied to transform images, serving as a mediator that aligns data from different acquisitions while preserving the comprehensive nature of the multi-image dataset
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with a computational field-based approach. Instead of physically repositioning or mechanically adjusting images, a displacement vector field computationally transforms image coordinates to achieve alignment, substituting mechanical operations with mathematical transformations
2Manufacturing precision
If image registration is performed to align images, then image alignment improves, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image registration process is segmented into distinct stages: determining the displacement vector field from representative images, then applying this field to transform individual images. This segmentation allows the complex registration task to be broken into manageable steps, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining alignment precision
3Productivity
If displacement vector field is determined from representative images, then processing efficiency improves, but accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a displacement vector field based on representative images that copy the alignment relationships from those images. This field then serves as a template to transform all other images in the set, achieving efficient batch processing while maintaining accuracy through the consistent application of the copied alignment pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to systems and methods for image processing. The method includes obtaining, from a first image set of a subject acquired at a first time point, a first image; obtaining, from a second image set of the subject acquired at a second time point, a second image, wherein the first image and the second image correspond to a same region of the subject; determining a displacement vector field based on the first image and the second image; and generating a target image based on the displacement vector field, the first image set and the second image set.