Medical Image-Processing Apparatus for Ultrasonic Scanning Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing workflow for MG-UL examinations, which combine mammographic and ultrasonic imaging, faces inefficiencies due to the need for manual setting of ultrasonic diagnostic device conditions by sonographers, increasing the burden and time required for ultrasonic scanning.
Innovation Solution
A medical image-processing apparatus and ultrasonic diagnostic device that acquire region-of-interest information from mammographic images and use this information to set optimal conditions for ultrasonic scanning, such as focus position and display depth, thereby reducing the sonographer's workload and improving scanning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual setting of ultrasonic diagnostic device conditions is performed, then the sonographer can adjust parameters according to experience and specific case needs, but the workload and time required for ultrasonic scanning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically setting ultrasonic diagnostic conditions based on mammographic image data before the sonographer begins scanning. The apparatus extracts region-of-interest information from mammographic images and pre-configures ultrasonic scanning parameters including focus position, display depth, and scanning range, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during the examination.
2Productivity
If automatic setting of ultrasonic conditions based on mammographic images is implemented, then the sonographer's workload and scanning time are reduced, but the complexity of the diagnostic system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary image processing apparatus that acts as a mediator between the mammographic imaging system and the ultrasonic diagnostic device. This apparatus extracts region-of-interest information from mammographic images and translates it into appropriate ultrasonic scanning conditions, automating the parameter setting process while maintaining system modularity and avoiding direct complex integration between imaging modalities.
3Reliability
If the ultrasonic scanning range is set to cover the entire breast, then no region is missed but the scanning time and workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by determining the scanning range based on the specific region-of-interest information extracted from mammographic images rather than uniformly scanning the entire breast. The apparatus identifies areas requiring ultrasonic examination and configures the scanning range to cover only those localized regions, ensuring complete examination of relevant areas while minimizing unnecessary scanning in unaffected regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus of an embodiment includes storage circuitry and setting-condition determining circuitry. The storage circuitry stores information about at least one of a position of a region of interest in a breast, a size of the region of interest, and a size of the breast, the information acquired based on an X-ray image of a breast of a subject. The setting-condition determining circuitry acquires a setting condition in ultrasonographic diagnosis for the breast based on the information about at least one of the position of the region of interest, the size of the region of interest, and the size of the breast.