Radiography Image Processing Apparatus for DXA Derivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deriving bone density and bone mineral content from radiography images using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are inefficient, placing a high burden on users and requiring manual intervention for accurate region selection, which can lead to reduced accuracy due to factors like gas or transverse processes in the images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires radiographic images from detectors with different energy levels, generates difference images to highlight bone and soft tissues, and allows for user interaction to adjust the derivation region, reducing user burden by displaying relevant images and derivation results in a controlled manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for region selection in DXA derivation, then derivation accuracy can be maintained, but user burden increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs preliminary region selection and highlights candidate derivation regions (bone areas) before the user confirms the final selection. This preliminary automatic action reduces the manual workload while maintaining accuracy through user verification of the pre-selected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automatic region selection process that acts as a mediator between fully manual and fully automatic approaches. The automatic selection provides candidate regions that are then presented to the user for confirmation, combining the efficiency of automation with the accuracy of manual verification.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple images are displayed simultaneously for region selection, then visibility of anatomical features is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the display into multiple dedicated panels, each showing a specific type of image (first radiographic image, second radiographic image, difference image, and highlighted derivation region image). This segmentation allows comprehensive visual information to be presented in an organized, manageable manner rather than as a single complex display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from displaying a single composite image to displaying multiple images in different dimensions and formats simultaneously. By using multiple display panels arranged in a grid layout, the system presents various processed images (original radiographic images, difference images, and highlighted regions) that provide complementary information for accurate region selection.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of bone density and mineral content derivation by simplifying the user interaction process, reducing errors caused by manual region selection and improving the visibility of critical anatomical features, thus reducing the overall burden on the user.
Implementation Method 1
a first radiation detector irradiated with radiation with a first energy level and a second radiographic image generated by a second radiation detector irradiated with radiation with a second energy level
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pixels, each of which includes a conversion element that generates a larger amount of charge as it is irradiated with a larger amount of radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit of a console performs a control process of displaying a plurality of images predetermined from at least one of a first radiographic image or a second radiographic image as a simple image, a bone part ES image which is a difference image between the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image and in which a bone tissue is highlighted, a soft part ES image which is a difference image between the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image and in which a soft tissue is highlighted, and a DXA image on a display unit while switching the images and a control process of displaying a derivation result of the bone density and a derivation region on the display unit.