Mammography Image Guidance System for Breast Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mammography, selecting an appropriate radiographic image from a plurality of past images for guiding the positioning of the breast during current imaging is challenging, leading to inadequate breast positioning.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and program that select an appropriate radiographic image based on imaging information such as subject identity, imaging date, breast laterality, and imaging direction to generate a projection image for guiding the positioning of the breast, and control the mammography apparatus to project this image onto the compression plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple radiographic images are stored for reference, then more imaging history is available for guidance, but it becomes difficult to select the appropriate image for current imaging guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the selection parameters by evaluating multiple attributes of stored images including imaging date, breast laterality (left/right), and imaging direction (CC/MLO). By transforming the selection process into a parameter-based evaluation system, the apparatus automatically identifies the most appropriate reference image based on matching these parameters with current imaging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate reference image without requiring manual intervention. The image selection unit autonomously compares current imaging conditions with stored image parameters and selects the best match, eliminating the need for operators to manually search through multiple stored images.
2Reliability
If an inappropriate radiographic image is selected for guidance, then the projection image may be generated, but the breast positioning will be inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing current imaging conditions with parameters of stored images and using this information to select the most appropriate reference image. The selection process feedbacks on matching criteria such as laterality and imaging direction to ensure the chosen image provides accurate guidance for current positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing radiographic images with their associated metadata (date, laterality, imaging direction) organized and ready for rapid retrieval. This preliminary organization enables quick and accurate selection of appropriate reference images when needed, rather than requiring analysis at the moment of use.
3Measurement precision
If the latest radiographic image is always selected, then current anatomy is reflected, but images with opposite laterality or imaging direction may be inappropriate for guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by evaluating specific attributes of stored images individually (imaging date, laterality, imaging direction) rather than treating all images uniformly. Each parameter is assessed separately to determine overall suitability, allowing the system to prioritize recency while filtering out images with mismatched laterality or imaging direction that would be inappropriate for guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing device including: at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to select an image used to guide positioning of a breast to be imaged by a mammography apparatus, which irradiates the breast compressed by a compression member with radiation to capture a radiographic image, from a plurality of images of the breast on the basis of imaging information related to a capture of the plurality of images, generate a projection image for guiding the positioning of the breast to be imaged from the selected image, and control the mammography apparatus such that an image projection unit projects the generated projection image for guidance.