Mammography Image Processing for Breast Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mammography examinations, positional misalignment of breasts during two-dimensional and tomosynthesis imaging makes it cumbersome for operators to perform comparison image interpretation due to the need to correct the positional misalignment between left and right breasts in both image types.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that includes processing circuitry to change and correct the position of breasts in medical images, using positional arrangement identification information and pair image identification to align and symmetrize breast positions across different imaging types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional imaging and tomosynthesis imaging are sequentially performed on left and right breasts, then comprehensive breast examination is achieved, but positional misalignment between breasts requires cumbersome correction operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting breast positions and calculating transformation parameters before the operator needs to perform alignment. The processing circuitry pre-computes the positional relationships between left and right breasts across different imaging types, so that when display is needed, the images are already prepared for symmetric presentation without requiring manual correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuitry acts as an intermediary between the raw imaging data and the display system. It automatically detects breast positions in both two-dimensional and tomosynthesis images, calculates transformation parameters, and generates corrected image sets that present breasts in symmetric positions. This intermediary processing eliminates the need for operators to manually align images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If breast placement positions differ between left and right breast imaging, then natural positioning is maintained, but bilateral symmetry display becomes impossible without correction
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the positional parameters of breast images through automatic detection and transformation. The processing circuitry detects the actual positions of left and right breasts in the acquired images, calculates transformation parameters based on these detected positions, and applies corrections to achieve symmetric display. This allows the system to adapt to different natural breast placements while achieving precise alignment for comparison.
3Measurement precision
If manual correction of positional misalignment is required in both two-dimensional and tomosynthesis images, then accurate alignment can be achieved, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting breast positions and correcting alignment without operator intervention. The processing circuitry autonomously identifies breast boundaries, calculates positional transformations, and applies corrections to both two-dimensional and tomosynthesis images. This self-aligning capability maintains high precision while eliminating the time and effort that would otherwise be required for manual correction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual operation of image alignment with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually adjusting and aligning images, the processing circuitry uses image processing algorithms to detect breast positions and automatically apply transformation corrections. This substitution of manual mechanical alignment with automated digital processing achieves the same alignment accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and operational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to change the position of a breast rendered in a first medical image. On the basis of the post-change position of the breast, the processing circuitry is configured to correct the position of the breast rendered in a second medical image in which the positional arrangement state of the breast is the same as that in the first medical image.