Radiation Image Processing Apparatus Tomosynthesis Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiation image processing, particularly in tomosynthesis imaging, the combination of tomosynthesis, simple imaging, and subtraction processes leads to increased radiation dosage and poor signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in deteriorated image quality for subtraction images.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image processing apparatus and method that reconstructs tomographic images from projection images, generates a second radiation image based on these tomographic images, and applies subtraction processes to improve image quality while reducing radiation dosage by compensating for differences in imaging conditions and removing scattered radiation components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis imaging and simple imaging are performed together to obtain both tomographic images and two dimensional images for subtraction processes, then lesion detection capability is improved, but radiation dosage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tomosynthesis imaging and simple imaging into a single integrated imaging operation. The radiation source performs both tomosynthesis (acquiring projection images at multiple angles) and simple imaging (acquiring a two-dimensional image) simultaneously or in sequence without requiring separate imaging operations. This combining approach maintains the lesion detection capability of both methods while reducing the cumulative radiation dosage that would result from performing them as separate procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single imaging operation. The radiation source and detector configuration enables the system to acquire both tomographic projection data and a two-dimensional transmission image during the same imaging session. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated tomosynthesis and simple imaging procedures, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while maintaining comprehensive lesion detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging operations are performed to obtain sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for subtraction images, then image quality improves, but the number of imaging operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acquisition of projection images for tomosynthesis and the acquisition of a two-dimensional image for subtraction processing into a single imaging operation. By doing so, the system obtains sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for subtraction images without requiring multiple separate imaging operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining image quality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation dosage is reduced to minimize patient exposure, then safety improves, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges tomosynthesis imaging and simple imaging into a single operation performed at optimized radiation dosage levels. By combining these methods, the system can produce both tomographic images and subtraction images of sufficient quality while minimizing the total radiation exposure, as the shared imaging operation allows for more efficient dose distribution compared to separate procedures.
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 approach reduces noise in subtraction images, enhances image quality, and decreases the number of imaging operations required, thereby minimizing radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
radiation image obtaining apparatuses that employ radiation such as X rays and gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
a first radiation image obtaining means for obtaining a first radiation image which is imaged by irradiating radiation onto a subject
Implementation Method 3
A tomographic image is generated by reconstructing the projection images by an inverse projection method such as the simple inverse projection method or a filtered inverse projection method
Implementation Method 4
Energy subtraction utilizes the fact that contrast agents have different radiation absorption rates with respect to radiation having different energies
Data Source
AI summary
A first imaging unit obtains a first radiation image, which is imaged under first imaging conditions. A second imaging unit obtains a plurality of projection images by tomosynthesis imaging under second imaging conditions. A reconstructing unit reconstructs a plurality of projection images to generate a plurality of tomographic images of cross sectional planes of a subject. An image synthesizing unit generates a second radiation image employing the plurality of tomographic images. A subtraction processing unit administers a subtraction process on the first and second radiation images, to generate a subtraction image.