Mammography Image Alignment Using Virtual Projection Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting radiation images obtained by mammography imaging is challenging due to differences in radiation source position, lesion positional relationships, and mammary gland overlap, making it difficult to compare composite two-dimensional images from tomosynthesis with previous two-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that calculates a virtual projection position based on the radiation source position during two-dimensional imaging, generating a composite two-dimensional image from projection or tomographic images using this position to align and correct magnification ratios, facilitating comparison with previous images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis imaging is performed with a different radiation source position, then three-dimensional information and lesion separability are improved, but positional relationship alignment with previous two-dimensional images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the two-dimensional image at the tomosynthesis radiation source position, allowing comparison while maintaining positional relationship information. The virtual image serves as a reference that preserves the original spatial context even when the radiation source position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual image as an intermediary between the tomosynthesis three-dimensional data and the original two-dimensional image. This virtual image acts as a bridge that maintains positional relationship alignment while enabling the benefits of tomosynthesis imaging.
2Measurement precision
If composite two-dimensional images are generated from tomosynthesis projection images, then mammary gland overlap is reduced, but image magnification ratio alignment with previous images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of image magnification ratio by generating a virtual image that accounts for the different radiation source position. This allows the virtual image to have a magnification ratio that matches the original two-dimensional image, enabling proper alignment despite the tomosynthesis imaging geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radiation source position is changed during tomosynthesis imaging, then imaging angle coverage is improved, but positional relationship consistency with previous images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image space to three-dimensional virtual image space, then projects back to two dimensions. This dimensional transformation allows the system to incorporate multiple imaging angles from tomosynthesis while maintaining consistency with the original two-dimensional image positional relationships.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processing apparatus (16) includes a CPU. The CPU acquires a two-dimensional image captured by irradiating a breast (U) with radiation; acquires a position of a radiation source that emits the radiation in a case in which the two-dimensional image is captured; acquires a series of a plurality of projection images or a plurality of tomographic images obtained by performing tomosynthesis imaging of the breast (U); calculates a virtual projection position, which is a position at which the breast (U) is virtually projected during the tomosynthesis imaging, from the position of the radiation source in a case in which the two-dimensional image is captured; and generates a composite two-dimensional image from the plurality of projection images or the plurality of tomographic images based on the virtual projection position.