Medical Image Processing Apparatus Resolution Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image processing systems face challenges in archiving high-resolution tomographic images due to storage capacity limitations in Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), leading to potential loss of resolution when compressing images from 1024×1024 or 2048×2048 pixels to 512×512 pixels, where the original image information is not preserved.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus that extracts a region of interest from high-resolution images and adds reconstruction matrix information to the extracted image, allowing users to identify the original image size and maintain resolution, even when the original image cannot be stored in full due to size constraints, by generating and displaying metadata alongside the region of interest image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-resolution images (1024×1024 or 2048×2048 pixels) are archived in PACS, then image quality is improved, but storage capacity is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the high-resolution image into multiple low-resolution thumbnail images, each representing a different region or aspect of the original image. This segmentation allows the system to store multiple views of the high-resolution image without requiring the full storage capacity for the complete high-resolution version, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If high-resolution images are compressed to 512×512 pixels, then storage capacity is preserved, but image resolution is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to image storage by creating thumbnails at multiple resolution levels (e.g., 512×512, 256×256, 128×128 pixels) and organizing them in a hierarchical structure. This multi-dimensional approach allows users to access images at appropriate resolution levels based on their needs, preserving storage capacity while maintaining the ability to view high-resolution details when necessary.
3Quantity of substance
If a partial region of a 512×512 pixel image is extracted, then storage requirements are reduced, but the original image information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where thumbnail images include metadata or indicators that provide information about the original high-resolution image. This feedback allows users to understand that the thumbnail is a reduced representation and to access the complete original image when full information is needed, thus preventing complete loss of original image information while still achieving storage reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a medical image processing apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to extract a first medical image relating to a region of interest from a second medical image. The processing circuitry is configured to add, to the second medical image, reconstruction matrix information added to the first medical image.