Medical Image Processing Device for Bone Strength Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating bone strength, particularly in the context of osteoporosis, are inadequate as they fail to accurately measure bone factors beyond trabecular anisotropy, which is crucial for assessing bone health and fracture risk.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing device that calculates trabecular connectivity and other bone characteristic indicators from reconstructed image data acquired using an X-ray Talbot photographing system with a Talbot-Lau interferometer, enabling the generation of high-definition images and subsequent bone strength indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bone factor measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but the ability to acquire bone factors other than trabecular anisotropy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray Talbot photographing device is configured to acquire multiple types of reconstructed images (absorption image, differential phase image, small-angle scattering image) simultaneously, enabling measurement of various bone factors including trabecular connectivity, trabecular anisotropy, and mineralization degree through a single integrated system rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement type
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process is divided into distinct segments corresponding to different reconstructed images, where each image type specifically targets certain bone factors (e.g., differential phase images for trabecular connectivity, small-angle scattering images for trabecular anisotropy), allowing systematic acquisition of comprehensive bone characteristics through structured image processing
2Reliability
If only trabecular anisotropy is measured, then measurement time is reduced, but bone strength evaluation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple types of reconstructed images are acquired and processed in advance through automated image processing, so that comprehensive bone factor data (trabecular connectivity, anisotropy, mineralization degree) are ready for immediate analysis without requiring sequential separate measurements, thereby improving evaluation accuracy while minimizing additional measurement time
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement of multiple bone factors is combined into a single integrated process where absorption images, differential phase images, and small-angle scattering images are acquired and processed together, allowing simultaneous evaluation of trabecular connectivity, anisotropy, and mineralization degree rather than requiring separate measurement sessions for each parameter
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 approach allows for the easy acquisition of bone factors such as trabecular connectivity, trabecular width, and mineralization degree, providing a more accurate assessment of bone strength and reducing the risk of fractures by incorporating additional indicators beyond trabecular anisotropy.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray photographing device (referred to as an X-ray Talbot photographing device hereinafter) using a Talbot interferometer or a Talbot-Lau interferometer
Implementation Method 2
a Talbot interferometer or a Talbot-Lau interferometer having one-dimensional grating
Implementation Method 3
through reconstructing moire images (moire fringe images) photographed by the X-ray Talbot photographing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To provide a medical image processing device (2) including a first bone characteristic indicator calculator (21) that calculates at least one of trabecular connectivity, trabecular width, trabecular number, mineralization degree, osteoid volume, cortical width, and cortical porosity as a bone characteristic indicator of a subject from reconstructed image data generated from moire image data acquired by photographing the subject.