Medical Image Subtraction Apparatus Noise Sharpness Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image subtraction techniques in medical imaging struggle to maintain sharpness while reducing noise levels, particularly when comparing images with different resolutions or capturing conditions, which can lead to suboptimal diagnostic results.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that includes two generation units for generating subtraction images, allowing for switching between noise reduction and sharpness maintenance based on the characteristics of the target image, using resolution conversion and deformation information to ensure accurate and clear difference visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image registration is executed between two images with different resolutions by converting both to a predetermined isotropic resolution, then the image registration accuracy is improved, but the sharpness of the subtraction image is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the subtraction image generation process into two separate pathways: one for generating a subtraction image with noise reduction (using isotropic resolution conversion) and another for generating a subtraction image with sharpness maintenance (using original resolution). This segmentation allows the system to provide both types of subtraction images based on different diagnostic needs, resolving the contradiction between registration accuracy and sharpness preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resolution parameter differently for different subtraction image generation modes. For noise-reduced subtraction images, both images are converted to isotropic resolution before subtraction. For sharpness-preserved subtraction images, the original resolution parameters are maintained throughout the process. This parameter change strategy allows optimization for different priorities.
2Measurement precision
If resolution conversion is performed to match resolutions of two images, then the subtraction processing accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides a dynamic selection mechanism where the processing mode (isotropic resolution conversion or original resolution maintenance) can be switched based on user needs and image characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between accuracy-oriented processing and efficiency-oriented processing, balancing the trade-off between subtraction accuracy and processing time.
3Productivity
If subtraction processing is performed on images with different resolutions without resolution matching, then the processing speed is maintained, but the diagnostic reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subtraction processing into two distinct modes: one that prioritizes speed by maintaining original resolutions and another that prioritizes reliability through isotropic resolution conversion. This segmentation allows the system to offer both fast processing and reliable processing, enabling users to select based on their specific diagnostic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the image processing apparatus with dual generation units) that mediates between the conflicting requirements of processing speed and diagnostic reliability. By providing both types of subtraction images, the intermediary allows the diagnostic system to choose the appropriate level of processing based on the specific case.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus acquires a first converted image by converting resolution of a first image of a subject into first resolution, acquires a second converted image by converting resolution of a second image into the first resolution, acquires first deformation information for executing image registration between the first converted image and the second converted image with the first resolution, and generates a subtraction image with the first resolution based on the first deformation information, the subtraction image showing a difference between the first converted image and the second converted image, or generates a second subtraction image based on second deformation information obtained in such a manner that resolution of the first deformation information is converted into the resolution of the first image, the second subtraction image showing a difference between the first image and the second image.