Fused Slice Display for Multi-Mode DBT Image Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reviewing dual energy (DE) and low energy (LE) radiological images in contrast-enhanced digital breast tomosynthesis require multiple user actions and significant time, making it cumbersome for physicians to correlate and compare these images effectively, especially due to the need for large screens and side-by-side image comparisons.
Innovation Solution
An image review method and system that registers and displays first and second image volumes in a fused manner, allowing interleaved or alternating display of slices, color coding, or patch-based fusion to facilitate easier correlation and comparison of DE and LE images, reducing the need for extensive user interaction and screen space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple images are displayed side by side on a screen for comparison, then the physician can compare images simultaneously, but the screen size required increases and the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image volumes (LE and DE/iodine) into a single fused volume where corresponding slices from different modalities are combined. This allows the physician to view correlated information from both LE and DE images simultaneously in one display location, eliminating the need for large screens to show side-by-side images while maintaining the ability to compare images effectively
2Ease of operation
If multiple images are displayed side by side on a screen for comparison, then the physician can compare images simultaneously, but the time and concentration required for review increases
Solution Approach 1:
By fusing corresponding slices from LE and DE volumes into a single displayed image, the system eliminates the need for the physician to switch between multiple images or manually correlate findings. The fused display presents correlated information from both modalities simultaneously, significantly reducing review time and cognitive load while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
3Loss of information
If images are displayed in a fused manner with alternating display, then the correlation between images is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: first partitioning the image volumes into slices, then combining corresponding slices from different modalities. This segmentation of the processing workflow makes the complex task of fusing multi-modal images more manageable and systematic, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining effective information correlation
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, an image review method and system for performing the method is provided to facilitate the review of image volumes obtained in different imaging modalities and to evaluate the correlation between findings in the respective volumes in an easy to review manner compared with prior art systems and processes. The method and system of the invention provides simulated or actual combined or fused images or representations of registered images obtained in each imaging modality to simplify and accelerate the review of multi-modal breast imaging volumes, in particular when correlation of information between the two modes, including but not limited to, LE and DE, DBT and ABUS, DE and ABUS, etc., is important to evaluate.