Mammography Difference Imaging for Reduced-Exposure Contrast Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contrast imaging methods require a large number of radiation images to observe the temporal change of a contrast medium permeation, which is inefficient and potentially increases exposure dose.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that processes a smaller number of radiation images by generating and displaying difference images in a time series, focusing on regions of interest with varying imaging intervals and energies to reduce the number of low-energy images captured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiation images are captured to observe temporal change of contrast medium, then the temporal change observation is improved, but the number of radiation images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for temporal change observation by generating difference images that highlight contrast medium changes. Instead of displaying all captured radiation images, the system processes them to extract and display only the temporal change information in a condensed format, thereby reducing the number of images that need to be reviewed while maintaining observation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the temporal change information from a temporal dimension (multiple images over time) into a spatial dimension by generating difference images where contrast changes are visually represented. This dimensional transformation allows temporal dynamics to be observed in a single composite image or fewer images, reducing the quantity of radiation images needed.
2Loss of information
If more radiation images are captured, then the temporal change data completeness is improved, but the radiation exposure dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of radiation images by generating difference images that pre-compile temporal change information. This preliminary action consolidates multiple images into a condensed representation before display, maintaining data completeness while reducing the number of individual images that would require capture and review, thereby lowering cumulative radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces difference images as an intermediary representation between the captured radiation images and the final display. This intermediary form preserves the essential temporal change information while requiring fewer original radiation images to be captured, thus reducing the radiation exposure dose needed to achieve the same diagnostic information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient observation of contrast medium temporal changes with reduced radiation exposure by optimizing image capture and processing to display temporal changes in a moving image format.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiation image is captured by emitting the radiation having the first energy to the subject and detecting the radiation having the first energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A CPU of an information processing apparatus acquires a low-energy image captured by a mammography apparatus by emitting radiation having first energy to a breast into which a contrast medium has been injected, and each of a plurality of high-energy images captured by the mammography apparatus at different timings by emitting radiation having second energy higher than the first energy to the breast into which the contrast medium has been injected. In addition, the CPU generates a plurality of difference images showing a difference between the low-energy image and each of the plurality of high-energy images.