Radiation Image Processing for Faster Muscle-Fat Ratio Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy subtraction processing in radiation imaging is time-consuming and requires multiple imaging directions, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in calculating bone density and muscle-fat ratios.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image processing apparatus and method that acquires multiple radiation images with different energies, applies subtraction processing to derive fat percentage, and corrects bone density using a standard soft part transformation, enabling faster and more accurate muscle-fat ratio calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If energy subtraction processing is performed for each radiation image in set imaging, then the accuracy of bone density and muscle-fat ratio calculation is improved, but the total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs energy subtraction processing on the first radiation image in the set to obtain fat percentage in advance, then applies this pre-calculated fat percentage to subsequent images. This preliminary action eliminates the need to repeat the time-consuming subtraction processing for each image while maintaining calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates a single fat percentage value that can be universally applied to multiple radiation images taken in the same imaging session. This multi-functional application of the fat percentage allows the same correction factor to improve accuracy across all images without requiring separate processing for each one.
2Measurement precision
If energy subtraction processing is performed for all images in set imaging, then the accuracy of muscle and fat ratio is improved, but the imaging efficiency decreases due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the computationally intensive energy subtraction processing on the first image before the imaging session progresses to subsequent images. This allows the fat percentage to be determined in advance, enabling faster processing of remaining images and reducing patient waiting time between shots.
Solution Approach 2:
By calculating the fat percentage once and applying it continuously to all subsequent images in the set, the system maintains the beneficial effects of energy subtraction processing throughout the entire imaging session without interrupting the imaging workflow for repeated calculations.
3Measurement precision
If fat percentage is calculated for each image separately, then the accuracy is maintained, but the processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes that a single fat percentage calculation derived from the first radiation image can be universally applied to correct and improve the accuracy of all subsequent images in the set. This multi-functional use of one calculated value simplifies the overall processing workflow while maintaining measurement precision across all images.
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
The solution significantly reduces processing time and stabilizes the accuracy of muscle and fat ratio calculations, enhancing the efficiency and precision of bone density determination.
Implementation Method 1
calculates a fat percentage occupied in a soft tissue of the subject by subtraction processing with respect to the two radiation images
Implementation Method 2
calculating the bone density from the pixel value of the radiation image obtained by performing imaging using radiation of two types of energies by using the fact that radiation incident on and transmitted through a human body is attenuated by an attenuation coefficient (cm2/g), a density (g/cm3), and a thickness t(cm)
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention acquires at least two radiation images in which a plurality of radiation energies different from each other are used, respectively, for the same subject, calculates a fat percentage occupied in a soft tissue of the subject by subtraction processing with respect to the two radiation images, and applies the fat percentage to the subtraction processing with respect to another image that is a radiation image in which the subject is imaged at a different timing.