Radiogram Image Quality Assessment Using Bone-Tissue Position Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
In digital X-ray radiography, improper patient positioning frequently leads to inadequate image quality, degrading the diagnostic value of radiographs and requiring repeated acquisitions, especially in chest radiography where positioning errors can obscure critical features or result in incomplete visibility of target organs.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that automatically determine image quality by segmenting thoracic bone and tissue structures on radiogram images, using geometric properties to assess positioning accuracy and provide quality measures, such as intersection coefficients and apex-to-clavicle distances, to ensure proper patient positioning and reduce image acquisition errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual image quality assessment is used, then radiologists can evaluate image quality, but it increases workload and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-assessment of image quality through the quality determination module that autonomously evaluates radiogram images by comparing bone structure positions with tissue structure positions, eliminating the need for manual radiologist assessment while maintaining accurate quality control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical assessment process with an automated computational system using image processing algorithms and geometric comparisons to determine image quality coefficients, substituting human labor with automated technology
2Reliability
If repeated image acquisitions are performed due to positioning errors, then adequate image quality can be achieved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of patient positioning quality before complete image acquisition using the quality determination module to evaluate bone-tissue positional relationships, allowing early detection of positioning errors and prevention of unnecessary repeated exposures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the quality determination module continuously monitors image quality coefficients and provides real-time feedback on positioning accuracy, enabling dynamic adjustment of acquisition parameters to minimize radiation exposure while ensuring adequate image quality
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive image quality assessment is performed, then positioning accuracy can be verified, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image quality assessment process into distinct modules: acquisition module for obtaining radiograms, segmentation module for extracting bone and tissue structures, and quality determination module for evaluating positional relationships. This segmentation enables efficient parallel processing and reduces overall processing time while maintaining comprehensive assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the critical geometric features (bone structure contours and tissue structure contours) needed for quality assessment, rather than processing the entire image data set. This selective extraction of essential information reduces computational burden and processing time while preserving positioning accuracy evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for determining image quality of a radiogram image includes: an acquiring module (10), which is configured to acquire the radiogram image; a segmentation module (20), which is configured to segment a thoracic bone structure on the acquired radiogram image into segmented thoracic bone structure contours and a tissue structure on the acquired radiogram image into segmented tissue structure contours; and a quality-determination module (30), which is configured to determine a image quality coefficient for the acquired radiogram image based on a comparison of a first position of the segmented thoracic bone structure contours with a second position of the segmented tissue structure contours.