Selective Tomosynthesis Projection for Clearer Anatomical Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital tomosynthesis is hindered by the need for increased time and new interpretation skills for radiologists, large data storage requirements, and the challenge of presenting image information that obstructs anatomical structures, limiting its adoption in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
A method for selectively projecting regions of interest from digital tomosynthesis reconstructions by identifying and excluding unwanted image data, allowing clearer visualization of desired anatomical structures without transforming the original slides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital tomosynthesis acquisitions include full anatomy in the field of view, then anatomical discrimination is improved, but obstructing structures hinder clinical interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tomosynthesis image data by identifying and separating regions of interest from obstructing structures. The system divides the image space into relevant anatomical regions and obstructing regions, allowing selective processing and presentation of only the diagnostically relevant portions while eliminating interference from obstructing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes obstructing image data from the tomosynthesis projections. By identifying structures that obstruct clinical interpretation and excluding them from the final presentation, the system retains the beneficial anatomical discrimination while eliminating the harmful obstructing elements.
2Measurement precision
If digital tomosynthesis provides 3D image information, then diagnostic ability is improved, but review time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by presenting only the most relevant anatomical regions and projections to radiologists rather than requiring review of all 3D image data. The system selectively displays optimized 2D projections that contain the essential diagnostic information, reducing review time while maintaining diagnostic ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that transforms complex 3D tomosynthesis data into simplified, optimized 2D projections. This intermediary representation maintains the diagnostic benefits of 3D imaging while presenting information in a format that is quicker and easier for radiologists to interpret.
3Measurement precision
If digital tomosynthesis acquires multiple radiographic images, then anatomical discrimination is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and retains only the essential image data required for diagnostic purposes. By identifying and excluding redundant or obstructing projections during the acquisition and reconstruction process, the system reduces the quantity of data that needs to be stored while preserving the anatomical discrimination benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards obstructing and redundant image data during processing, keeping only the diagnostically relevant information. This selective discarding reduces storage requirements while the essential anatomical information is recovered and presented in an optimized format that maintains diagnostic quality.
4Measurement precision
If radiologists review multiple DT slices, then anatomical discrimination is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tomosynthesis slices and projections into optimized composite images that preserve anatomical discrimination. By combining the essential information from multiple slices into fewer, more informative presentations, the system maintains diagnostic quality while reducing the number of individual slices radiologists must review, thereby improving productivity.
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
Enhances visualization of anatomical structures by removing obstructive image data, reducing review time, and maintaining diagnostic accuracy, thus facilitating easier adoption and interpretation of digital tomosynthesis images.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile x-ray source, or multiple selectively arranged stationary x-ray sources, which radiates x-rays from a selected number of positions
Implementation Method 2
A reconstruction process then triangulates the acquired DT radiographic image data to generate a 3D reconstruction for the imaged object
Data Source
AI summary
Selective projections from a digital tomosynthesis image acquisition may be used to select one or more regions of interest therein, and identify regions that are not of interest and which may be excluded. The non selected regions may be deleted from the digital tomosynthesis image acquisition and only the selected regions of interest within the digital tomosynthesis image acquisition are rendered and projected.