Medical Image Processing with Body Position Images for CT Mode Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray CT systems face challenges in determining the imaging mode of medical images when transferred outside the system, as supplementary information may be hard to see or not displayed, making it difficult to correctly identify the body posture and imaging mode, which affects organ positioning and diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that determines the body position during scanning based on imaging conditions, identifies a corresponding body position image, and generates subject information associated with this image, enabling easy identification of the imaging mode even outside the X-ray CT system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If medical images are transferred to external apparatus outside the X-ray CT system, then the images can be viewed on multiple devices, but the imaging mode information becomes difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the imaging mode determination from the main image data by extracting key positional information and representing it as simplified body position images. This segmented approach allows the essential imaging mode information to be independently transmitted and displayed alongside the medical images on external devices, preventing information loss during transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies of the actual subject images that represent body positions. These body position images are generated as simplified representations copied from the original medical images, containing only the essential positional information needed to determine imaging mode, making the information portable and easily displayable on external apparatus.
2Quantity of substance
If a large number of medical images are displayed, then comprehensive diagnostic information is provided, but the supplementary information becomes hard to see
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information into two distinct parts: the main medical images for comprehensive diagnostic review and separate body position images for imaging mode identification. This segmentation allows both types of information to be displayed simultaneously without one overshadowing the other, as they occupy different visual spaces and serve different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new visual dimension by introducing body position images as a separate visual element rather than embedding imaging mode text within the existing image grid. This dimensional addition allows imaging mode information to be perceived in a different visual plane, making it visible alongside numerous medical images without competing for the same visual attention.
3Area of stationary object
If the display size of supplementary information is kept small, then more images can be displayed, but the imaging mode becomes difficult to determine
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to make text-based supplementary information more visible within limited space, the patent inverts the approach by using visual body position images that inherently convey imaging mode information. These images naturally require more display area but provide immediate visual recognition of body position, eliminating the need for small text labels and making imaging mode determination intuitive regardless of display size.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines a body position of a subject during a scan based on an imaging condition related to the scan of the subject. The processing circuitry identifies identify, from a storage device that stores a body position image representing the body position in association with a corresponding type of the body position, a body position image corresponding to the body position of the subject determined. The processing circuitry generates subject information about the subject in which the medical image obtained by the scan is in association with the body position image identified. The processing circuitry outputs the subject information generated.