Radiographic Image Analysis for Respiratory Function Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating respiratory function, such as spirometry, impose a significant burden on patients and lack accuracy for follow-up observations, while dynamic imaging is less invasive but requires improved estimation accuracy for reliability.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image analysis apparatus and medium that estimate respiratory function using feature amounts from dynamic chest images and past examination results, incorporating a hardware processor to extract relevant data and apply regression formulas for accurate estimation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spirometry is used to measure respiratory function, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spirometry system with a radiographic imaging system that uses X-ray images to estimate respiratory function. The hardware processor analyzes dynamic chest images to extract lung volume information, substituting direct mechanical measurement with indirect imaging-based estimation, thereby reducing patient burden while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiographic images as an intermediary between the patient and the measurement process. Instead of direct lung function measurement through spirometry, the system uses chest images as a mediator to indirectly assess respiratory function, reducing the invasive nature of the examination
2Ease of operation
If dynamic imaging is used to estimate respiratory function, then patient burden is reduced, but estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary registration of anatomical landmarks and establishes reference relationships before conducting the actual respiratory function estimation. By pre-processing the images to identify key anatomical features and set up coordinate systems, the system prepares the data in advance to enable more accurate estimation from the dynamic images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms two-dimensional radiographic images into three-dimensional respiratory function estimates by using multiple images taken at different time points and applying spatial transformation algorithms. This dimensional transformation allows the system to extract volumetric information from planar images, improving estimation accuracy
3Measurement precision
If multiple spirometry examinations are performed for follow-up observation, then respiratory function change detection is improved, but patient burden and examination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging-based examination protocol that can be used for both initial assessment and follow-up observations. The same radiographic imaging procedure and analysis method are applied consistently across different time points, allowing respiratory function changes to be detected through repeated imaging rather than requiring multiple specialized spirometry examinations
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic image analysis apparatus includes a hardware processor. The hardware processor estimates a respiratory function of a subject based on a feature amount of a region of interest extracted from a dynamic image of a chest of the subject and examination result information on a past respiratory function examination on the subject.