Image Processing Apparatus Noise Suppression Region Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for medical imaging struggle to enhance the visibility of regions of interest by adjusting pixel weights on difference images, often deteriorating the visibility of these regions due to noise and requiring manual selection of reference images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that adjusts pixel weights on difference images by calculating a likelihood based on pixel values from multiple images, allowing for enhanced visibility of regions of interest without the need for manual selection of reference images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pixel weights are adjusted based on noise region determined from one image, then noise suppression is improved, but visibility of region of interest deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple candidate regions (first candidate image, second candidate image, etc.) and processes each segment independently to determine noise regions. This allows selective weight adjustment in different areas, suppressing noise in non-interest regions while preserving visibility in regions of interest through region-specific processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes pixel weight parameters based on the determined noise regions and region of interest characteristics. By adjusting the weight parameter selectively - applying stronger suppression in non-interest areas and weaker suppression in interest areas - the system optimizes both noise suppression and visibility simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If pixel weights are adjusted using one reference image, then processing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that can process multiple candidate images (first candidate image, second candidate image, etc.) through the same noise region determination and weight adjustment process. This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different imaging conditions and reference images without requiring separate processing pipelines, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining processing simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If manual selection of reference image is required, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically determines the most appropriate reference image by processing multiple candidate images and selecting the optimal one based on predetermined criteria. This eliminates the need for manual selection, maintaining measurement precision through automated evaluation while significantly improving productivity by removing the time-consuming manual intervention step.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain a first image of an object and a second image of the object; a difference unit configured to obtain a difference image after the first image and the second image are registered; and a change unit configured to perform processing of changing a pixel value in the difference image based on a likelihood calculated using a pixel value in the first image and a pixel value in the second image.