Medical Image Reconstruction Preview System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI, face challenges in image reconstruction quality and efficiency, particularly in post-reconstruction processes, where changing reconstruction conditions can lead to insufficient image quality for diagnosis, necessitating rescanning or lengthy calculation times.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that allows operators to select and apply new reconstruction conditions to a representative image, generating a preview image and calculating comparison information on image quality, enabling operators to assess changes before performing a full post-reconstruction process, thereby optimizing image quality and reducing diagnostic time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If post-reconstruction process is performed on all sliced images to change reconstruction conditions, then image quality for diagnosis is improved, but calculation time is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the post-reconstruction process into two stages: first processing a representative image (one slice) to generate preview images, and then processing remaining sliced images in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to provide quick preview results without waiting for complete processing of all images, thereby reducing perceived calculation time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary post-reconstruction processing on a representative image before processing all other images. By completing the reconstruction algorithm on at least one representative slice first, the system can display preview images to the user earlier, allowing for condition verification without requiring complete processing of the entire image set.
2Manufacturing precision
If reconstruction is performed with different conditions after scanning, then image quality is improved, but diagnostic time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the reconstruction output into preview images from representative slices and full reconstruction images. By displaying preview images first, radiologists can quickly assess whether the post-reconstruction conditions produce acceptable image quality without waiting for complete processing, thereby reducing diagnostic time while maintaining quality improvement.
3Reliability
If simulation image based on sample image is used before scanning, then rescanning can be prevented, but the image does not represent the actual scanning target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates preview images by applying post-reconstruction conditions to representative slices from the actual scanned object's data, rather than using generic sample images. This copying approach preserves object-specific information while still enabling pre-viewing of reconstruction results, combining the benefits of both simulation and actual data.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes a control unit that reconstructs images by using raw data, a storage unit that stores the raw data, the images, and reconstruction conditions used when the images are reconstructed, in correlation with each other, a display unit; and an input unit that inputs selection of an image on which post-reconstruction will be performed among the images stored in the storage unit and post-reconstruction conditions, by referring to the image displayed on the display unit, in which the control unit receives selection of the image which is input via the input unit, reads selected image reconstruction conditions based on the received selection of the image from the storage unit, calculates comparison information of image quality on the basis of the read reconstruction conditions and post-reconstruction conditions input via the input unit, and displays the calculated comparison information on the display unit.