Dynamic Chest Imaging V/Q Ratio Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for calculating the ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) ratio using dynamic chest images are not accurate due to the need for frame images taken at different timings, which can strain patients and require long examination times.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic analysis system that includes an imaging device for obtaining frame images of the chest and an analysis device with a controller to select and analyze these images, calculating ventilation and perfusion index values, and determining the V/Q ratio based on these values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ventilation scintigraphy and perfusion scintigraphy are used to examine the V/Q ratio, then the examination can be performed, but it puts a great strain on patients and requires long examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic chest image (copy) to calculate the V/Q ratio instead of requiring actual radioisotope administration (original method). By extracting frame images from the dynamic chest image and calculating ventilation and perfusion change amounts from these frames, the system provides an alternative measurement method that avoids the harmful effects of radioisotopes while maintaining the ability to assess V/Q ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physiological/chemical system of radioisotope absorption and distribution with an image processing system. Instead of relying on the mechanical/physiological process of radioisotope movement through the body, the system uses computational analysis of dynamic chest image frames to derive ventilation and perfusion information, thereby eliminating patient strain from radioisotope exposure
2Measurement precision
If ventilation scintigraphy and perfusion scintigraphy are used to examine the V/Q ratio, then the examination can be performed, but it requires long examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by obtaining a dynamic chest image that contains multiple frames capturing different phases of the respiratory cycle before the actual V/Q ratio calculation. This preliminary capture of multiple temporal states allows subsequent frame selection and analysis to proceed quickly without requiring separate imaging procedures for ventilation and perfusion assessment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the ventilation and perfusion assessment into a single integrated process using one dynamic chest image. Instead of performing separate ventilation scintigraphy and perfusion scintigraphy procedures, the system combines both assessments by selecting different frames from the same dynamic image series and calculating both ventilation and perfusion change amounts from this unified data source
3Productivity
If the V/Q ratio is calculated from frame images taken at different timings, then the calculation can be performed, but the V/Q ratio cannot be calculated with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by selecting multiple frames that capture different phases of the respiratory cycle (inspiration and expiration) from the dynamic chest image. By utilizing the temporal dynamics embedded in the sequential frames and analyzing the change amounts between these dynamic states, the system achieves accurate V/Q ratio calculation that reflects the physiological variations during breathing
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 the calculation of the V/Q ratio with high accuracy, reducing patient strain and examination time, while providing a more precise assessment of lung function.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device which performs dynamic imaging by emitting radiation to a chest part of a human body
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic analysis system includes an imaging device and an analysis device. The imaging device performs dynamic imaging by emitting radiation to a chest part of a human body, thereby obtaining a series of frame images showing a dynamic state of the chest part. The analysis device includes a controller. The controller (i) selects a first plurality of frame images to be analyzed from the series of frame images obtained by the imaging device, (ii) calculates, based on the first plurality of frame images, a ventilation amount index value that indicates an amount of ventilation of a lung field and a perfusion amount index value that indicates an amount of perfusion of the lung field, and (iii) calculates a ratio of the ventilation amount index value to the perfusion amount index value.