Projection Image Correction on Breast Compression Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in breast imaging is the reduced specificity due to differences in image positioning caused by varying breast compression states in mammography and ultrasound examinations, leading to potential misinterpretation of shadows as lesions, and the difficulty in visually recognizing projected information on the breast due to individual skin color variations.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that adjusts pixel values of projected images on a transparent compression member based on the breast's surface color to enhance visibility, using a processor to correct pixel values and project information accurately, including region-of-interest markers and text, while minimizing breast compression time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the breast is kept in compressed state for both radiation and ultrasound imaging, then comparative image interpretation is facilitated, but the examination time is prolonged and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs radiation imaging first while the breast is compressed, then maintains compression for ultrasound imaging. The projection information is prepared in advance and overlaid on the compression member, allowing the ultrasound examination to proceed efficiently without additional compression time.
Solution Approach 2:
A projection image displaying device is introduced as an intermediary that overlays guidance information on the compression member. This allows the operator to accurately position the ultrasound probe without extending compression time, facilitating smooth transition between imaging modalities.
2Measurement precision
If projection information is displayed on the breast surface, then positioning accuracy is improved, but visibility is reduced due to skin color variations
Solution Approach 1:
The projection information is displayed in blue color on the compression member. Blue provides high contrast against the translucent material of the compression member, ensuring visibility regardless of the patient's skin color. This color selection optimizes the visibility of positioning information.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression member serves as an intermediary medium that displays the projection information. By projecting on the compression member rather than directly on the skin, the system eliminates the interference of skin color variations and ensures consistent visibility of positioning information.
3Device complexity
If uniform projection is used on the compression member, then device complexity is reduced, but visibility is insufficient due to individual skin color differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a fixed blue color for all projection information on the compression member. This simple color choice provides high contrast and visibility across all skin tones without requiring complex adaptive color adjustment mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while ensuring visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus including at least one processor, wherein the processor is configured to: detect a color of a projection region set in advance in at least a part of an upper surface of a transparent or translucent compression member for putting a breast into a compressed state, the upper surface being located on a side opposite to a contact surface of the compression member with the breast; acquire a projection image projected onto the projection region by a projector; and correct a first pixel value of each pixel forming the projection image, based on the color of the projection region.