Mammography Apparatus Time-Division Imaging Feature Point Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic imaging systems face challenges in generating clear diagnostic images when subject movement occurs during multiple imaging operations, leading to blurring and excessive exposure due to the need for re-imaging.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic imaging apparatus that employs time-division imaging, featuring a total irradiation time acquisition unit, divided irradiation time calculation, feature point recognition, time-division image selection, and composite image generation to minimize blurring by selecting and combining images with minimal feature point deviation, thereby reducing exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple imaging operations are performed to obtain a radiographic image by combining a plurality of images, then the image quality can be improved through averaging, but blurring occurs when subject movement occurs during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by acquiring a plurality of time-division images before combination, and preliminarily identifies candidate images with minimal blurring through feature point deviation evaluation. This preliminary selection ensures that only high-quality images are combined, preventing the degradation of image sharpness while maintaining the benefits of multiple imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and selects only the candidate images that exhibit minimal blurring from the plurality of time-division images. By taking out the suitable images based on feature point deviation criteria and excluding images with excessive movement, the system combines the advantage of multiple imaging with the preservation of image sharpness.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging operations are performed to obtain a radiographic image, then image quality can be improved, but the subject is subjected to excessive exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by performing multiple imaging operations only to the extent necessary to obtain sufficient candidate images for combination. By selecting a predetermined number of candidate images with minimal blurring and stopping when this threshold is met, the system avoids excessive radiation exposure while still achieving the image quality benefits of multiple imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to evaluate the quality of each captured image through feature point deviation analysis. This feedback allows the system to determine when sufficient high-quality images have been acquired, enabling it to stop imaging operations at the appropriate point and prevent unnecessary additional radiation exposure to the subject.
3Manufacturing precision
If time-division imaging is performed multiple times to obtain sufficient candidate images, then image quality with minimal blurring can be achieved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of each captured image using feature point deviation analysis to determine its suitability for combination. This preliminary assessment allows the system to quickly identify candidate images with minimal blurring and proceed with combination when the predetermined number of suitable images is reached, avoiding unnecessary delays from extended imaging sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through real-time evaluation of captured images to determine whether the predetermined number of suitable candidate images has been reached. This feedback mechanism enables the system to dynamically adjust the imaging process, stopping when sufficient quality images are obtained and thereby minimizing total imaging time while maintaining image sharpness.
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
The system effectively generates radiographic images with reduced blurring, allowing for accurate interpretation and minimizing subject exposure by selectively combining images with minimal movement-related deviation, thus avoiding the need for re-imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generation unit that emits X-rays
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit that images the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A mammography apparatus (radiographic imaging apparatus) includes: a total irradiation time acquisition unit that acquires the total irradiation time of X-rays (radiation); a divided irradiation time calculation unit that calculates a divided irradiation time by dividing the total irradiation time; an imaging controller that obtains a plurality of time-division images by time-division imaging in which radiographic imaging is performed multiple times according to the divided irradiation time; a feature point recognition unit that recognizes feature points for each of the time-division images; a time-division image selection unit that selects some or all of the time-division images from the plurality of time-division images using the feature points; and a composite image generation unit that generates a composite image using the selected time-division images.