X-Ray CT Stone Component Segmentation by Effective Atomic Number

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing techniques, such as those disclosed in JP2012-147930A, fail to analyze the shape and components of tissues like ureteral stones effectively, limiting the ability to tailor treatment and prevention methods based on stone composition.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus and method that utilizes an X-ray computed tomography device capable of measuring effective atomic numbers to analyze tissues by extracting regions with specific atomic numbers, specifying their shapes, and displaying these regions on a display unit, allowing for detailed analysis of stone components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional image processing techniques are used, then general tissue analysis is possible, but component-specific analysis of stones is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent analysis precisionVSAvoidcomponent-specific analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the stone into different components based on their effective atomic numbers. By dividing the stone into distinct material phases (e.g., calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite) and analyzing each segment separately, the system achieves component-specific analysis precision while maintaining the ability to handle complex stone compositions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by analyzing different regions of the stone with different effective atomic number thresholds. Each region is processed with customized parameters based on its expected composition, allowing precise component identification while adapting to the varying properties of different stone materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If effective atomic number measurement is implemented, then component identification is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffective atomic number measurementVSAvoidX-ray CT device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the X-ray CT device multi-functional by enabling it to perform both conventional CT imaging and effective atomic number measurement. The same hardware system can analyze different stone components by adjusting software parameters, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves component identification through parameter changes in the image processing software rather than hardware modifications. By adjusting effective atomic number thresholds and processing algorithms, the system can identify different stone components using the existing X-ray CT device, avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed component analysis is performed, then treatment precision is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment precisionVSAvoidimage processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing effective atomic number thresholds and processing algorithms for common stone components. These pre-configured parameters allow rapid analysis of new cases without time-consuming calculations, achieving treatment precision while minimizing processing time through prepared reference data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by analyzing only the necessary regions and components based on the clinical question. Instead of processing every possible material property, the system focuses on the most relevant stone components, reducing processing time while maintaining sufficient precision for treatment decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables accurate identification and measurement of stone components, improving the precision of treatment and prevention strategies by distinguishing between different stone types based on their effective atomic numbers.

Implementation Method 1

an image obtained by an X-ray computed tomography device capable of measuring an effective atomic number

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250285274A1Image processing apparatus, method, and program

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

There are provided image processing apparatus, method, and program which can analyze a tissue of interest for each component. An image processing apparatus configured to process an image obtained by an X-ray computed tomography device capable of measuring an effective atomic number includes a processor. The processor displays at least one of a plurality of images obtained by the X-ray computed tomography device on a display unit, receives setting of a first region on the image displayed on the display unit, receives setting of an effective atomic number as an analysis target, extracts a pixel including a component of the effective atomic number in the first region and extracts a second region including the component of the effective atomic number in the first region, specifies a shape of the second region, and displays the shape of the second region on the display unit.