Synthetic Breast Tissue Imaging With High-Density Element Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast imaging technologies, such as tomosynthesis, are hindered by high density elements like metallic biopsy markers and shadows they generate, which obscure breast tissue and reduce the accuracy of image assessment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-flow image processing method is employed to suppress high density elements in one processing flow while enhancing breast tissue in another, generating a composite synthesized image that reduces or eliminates shadows and artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If high density elements like metallic biopsy markers are included in breast images, then the location of prior biopsy sites can be identified, but the high density elements and their shadows obscure breast tissue and reduce image assessment accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing into multiple independent flows: one that enhances breast tissue and suppresses high density elements, and another that preserves high density elements for location identification. This segmentation allows each flow to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining biopsy location information and ensuring image assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the outputs of multiple image processing flows into a composite synthesized image. The first flow produces an image with enhanced tissue and suppressed artifacts, while the second flow preserves high density elements. By combining these flows, the system achieves both accurate tissue visualization and biopsy location identification in a single composite image.
2Productivity
If traditional 2D mammography is used, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but tissue overlap and structure noise make it difficult to view specific structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D projection imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by processing multiple projection images at different angles. This dimensional change allows structures to be viewed in three dimensions, eliminating tissue overlap problems while maintaining the speed benefits of digital imaging. The system reconstructs 3D volumes that can be sliced and viewed from multiple angles.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image processing flows are used to suppress high density elements and enhance tissue, then image quality improves, but processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary processing steps that prepare image data for subsequent processing. By pre-processing projection images to enhance contrasts and reduce artifacts before the main synthesis process, the system reduces the computational burden of later processing stages, thereby decreasing overall processing time while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies image processing selectively to specific regions and features rather than uniformly across the entire image. By focusing computational resources on areas with high density elements and critical tissue structures, the system achieves high image quality while reducing unnecessary processing time in homogeneous regions.
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 method produces clearer and more accurate breast tissue images, allowing for enhanced radiologist review by minimizing the obstruction of clinically relevant information by high density objects.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-flow image processing method is employed to suppress high density elements in one processing flow while enhancing breast tissue in another, generating a composite synthesized image that reduces or eliminates shadows and artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
A method and breast imaging system for processing breast tissue image data includes feeding image data of breast images to an image processor, identifying image portions depicting breast tissue and high density elements and executing different processing methods on input images. A first image processing method involves breast tissue enhancement and high density element suppression, whereas the second image processing method involves enhancing high density elements. Respective three-dimensional sets of image slices may be generated by respective image processing methods, and respective two-dimensional synthesized images are generated and combined to form a two-dimensional composite synthesized image which is presented through a display of the breast imaging system. First and second image processing may be executed on generated three-dimensional image sets or two-dimensional projection images acquired by an image acquisition component at respective angles relative to the patient's breast.