Diagnostic Image Consistency Control via LUT Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic image rendering inconsistency across different times and imaging systems hinders accurate clinical evaluation, as existing methods fail to provide consistent image appearance due to variations in exposure settings, patient positioning, and equipment differences.
Innovation Solution
A networked system with a consistency control module that identifies control points in digital image data, maps input code values to predetermined code values, and generates Look-Up Tables (LUTs) for consistent rendering, adapting to different imaging apparatus and equipment to ensure gray-scale normalization and consistent output across various imaging systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tone scale mapping is tailored for every individual image to optimize rendition, then image quality for that specific image is improved, but image consistency across multiple images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from image-specific parameter optimization to standardized parameter application. By using predetermined code values for control points that are consistent across all images of the same type, the system maintains image consistency while still providing optimal rendering through standardized parameter sets tailored to specific image types (e.g., chest x-ray, extremity x-ray).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by identifying specific regions of interest (ROIs) within images and applying targeted tone scale adjustments to those regions. By mapping control points within ROIs to predetermined code values, the system optimizes rendering for clinically important areas while maintaining consistency across images through standardized ROI-based approaches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exposure settings and imaging conditions vary between acquisitions, then adaptability to different clinical scenarios is improved, but image rendering consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized tone scale mapping system that works across multiple image types and imaging conditions. By defining universal control points and predetermined code values that apply to categories of images (chest x-ray, extremity x-ray, etc.), the system provides consistent rendering while adapting to different clinical scenarios through category-specific parameter sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining code values for control points based on image type and ROI characteristics. These predetermined values are established in advance and applied consistently to all images of the same type, eliminating the need for image-specific optimization while maintaining adaptability through category-based classification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If output media dynamic range is limited, then display compatibility is improved, but ability to display full input dynamic range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to dynamic range handling by using predetermined code values for control points that are specifically designed to map optimally to limited output media ranges. This standardized mapping preserves clinically important information by ensuring that control points within ROIs are always rendered with appropriate contrast and brightness for the specific output medium.
Data Source
AI summary
A networked system for rendering diagnostic image data for display has at least one diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains digital image data for a patient and is in communication with a computer network. At least one consistency control module executes at a networked processor and is operatively responsive to a set of programmed instructions for accessing and detecting the type of image, for identifying one or more control points in the obtained digital image data, for mapping the input code values of the one or more control points to corresponding predetermined code values, for mapping additional input code values to output values according to the mapping of the one or more control points, and for providing rendered image data as output. A DICOM destination in networked communication with the at least one consistency control module stores or displays the rendered image data.