Compression Member Dual-Modal Markers for Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiography systems face challenges in accurately registering radiation images with ultrasound images, particularly in cases of high mammary gland density breasts, due to differences in image formation techniques and compression states.
Innovation Solution
A compression member with distinct markers, one visible in ultrasound images (e.g., beryllium) and invisible in radiation images, and another visible in radiation images, is used to facilitate accurate registration by a processor that generates and corrects both image types, allowing for precise superimposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ultrasound imaging is performed without compression to improve patient comfort and imaging feasibility, then ease of operation is improved, but registration accuracy with radiation images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is prepared in advance with both ultrasound markers (visible in ultrasound images) and radiation markers (visible in radiation images) integrated into its structure. This preliminary configuration enables subsequent imaging to be performed in a compressed state while maintaining registration accuracy, as the markers are already positioned correctly before imaging begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member acts as an intermediary object that bridges the ultrasound imaging system and radiation imaging system. By incorporating both types of markers into the compression member, it serves as a common reference framework that enables accurate registration between the two different imaging modalities, solving the fundamental incompatibility between ultrasound and radiation image coordinates.
2Measurement precision
If breast compression is applied to improve registration accuracy between images, then measurement precision is improved, but patient discomfort and imaging complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary breast compression for both ultrasound and radiation imaging, while also serving as the reference frame containing both ultrasound markers and radiation markers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate reference objects for each imaging modality, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added compression requirement.
3Reliability
If separate imaging procedures are used for ultrasound and radiation to maintain各自 imaging quality, then image quality is preserved, but registration accuracy deteriorates due to different compression states
Solution Approach 1:
Both ultrasound markers and radiation markers are pre-integrated into the compression member before imaging. This ensures that when compression is applied, both types of markers experience the same compression state, allowing accurate registration while maintaining the quality of both ultrasound and radiation images through their respective optimized imaging procedures.
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
This solution enables more accurate registration and interpretation of radiation and ultrasound images, enhancing the detection of breast lesions by aligning images accurately despite differences in image formation and compression states.
Implementation Method 1
a first marker that is formed of a first material, which is visible in an ultrasound image and is not visible in a radiation image
Implementation Method 2
a second marker that is provided at a position, which does not affect an image interpretation of the radiation image, and is formed of a second material which is visible in the radiation image
Data Source
AI summary
A compression member puts a breast disposed between a radiation source and a radiation detector into a compressed state, and includes a first marker that is formed of a first material, which is visible in an ultrasound image and is not visible in a radiation image, and of which a position in the compression member is discriminative, and a second marker that is provided at a position, which does not affect an image interpretation of the radiation image, and is formed of a second material which is visible in the radiation image.