Projection Image Guide for Mammography Breast Side Identification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography systems face inefficiencies in imaging operations due to the need to manually determine whether to capture images of the right or left breast, which can disrupt the imaging process and reduce operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and method that generates a projection image with guide information indicating whether it relates to the right or left breast based on the radiographic image, allowing for projection onto a compression plate surface to assist the operator in identifying the correct breast during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual determination of breast side is used during imaging operation, then the imaging process can be completed with basic equipment, but the operational efficiency is reduced and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an information processing device as an intermediary between the imaging system and the operator. This device acquires radiographic images, generates projection images with side identification information, and projects them onto the compression plate. The intermediary process automates the breast side determination without requiring complex modifications to the basic imaging equipment, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of determining breast side (visual inspection and manual recording) with an automated information processing system. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically identify breast side from radiographic images and projects this information optically onto the compression plate, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors.
2Ease of operation
If projection image with guide information is displayed on compression plate, then operator can quickly identify correct breast, but additional image projection unit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing device serves as an intermediary that processes radiographic images and generates projection images with side identification information. This intermediary process adds minimal complexity by using software-based image processing while significantly improving ease of operation through optical projection of guide information directly on the compression plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the radiographic image information in the form of a projection image that highlights the breast side. Instead of requiring the operator to interpret complex radiographic images, the system generates a simplified visual copy with clear side identification markers that are projected onto the compression plate, making breast identification intuitive and error-free.
3Measurement precision
If guide information is projected onto compression plate surface, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the projection image must be generated from radiographic image data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image processing by acquiring radiographic images and generating projection images with side identification information before the actual imaging operation. This preliminary action ensures that accurate breast side identification is prepared in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time processing during imaging and maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual breast side determination with automated image processing algorithms that analyze radiographic images and identify breast side based on anatomical features. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated computational processes improves measurement precision while the complexity is managed through software-based solutions integrated into the imaging workflow.
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
This solution enhances the efficiency of mammography operations by enabling operators to quickly determine which breast to image, reducing errors and streamlining the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation emitting unit configured to irradiate the breast with the radiation
Implementation Method 2
an image projection unit configured to project the projection image onto a surface of the compression plate
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing device including at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: acquire a radiographic image captured by irradiating a breast compressed by a compression member with radiation; generate a projection image, which includes guide information serving as a guide in a case in which the breast is compressed and is capable of identifying whether the guide information is related to a right breast or a left breast, on the basis of a shape of the breast in the compressed state indicated by the radiographic image; and control an image projection unit which projects the projection image onto a first projection surface of the compression member such that the projection image is projected onto the first projection surface.