Breast Thermography Positioning Error Detection and Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breast thermography requires precise adherence to protocols for capturing thermal images, and errors in subject positioning, such as being too far, too close, or not centered, can lead to misinterpretation and inconsistency across technicians.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically identify errors in subject positioning by analyzing thermal images, using machine learning to determine positional adjustments, and applying these adjustments to ensure correct positioning for capturing new thermal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated guidance system is implemented to identify positioning errors, then measurement precision of subject positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and subjective judgment with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing algorithms to objectively detect positioning errors. The system automatically analyzes thermal images to identify subject positioning deviations, replacing the mechanical human eye and brain processing with computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated guidance system as an intermediary between the subject positioning process and the thermal image capture. This system acts as a mediator that provides real-time feedback to technicians, guiding them to correct positioning errors before image capture, thereby improving precision without requiring direct complex intervention in the imaging process.
2Productivity
If automated segmentation and error identification is used, then productivity of image capture process is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs automated segmentation and positioning error identification before the thermal image is finalized for diagnosis. By detecting and correcting positioning errors in advance, the system prevents the need for re-capturing images, thereby improving overall productivity. The segmentation process identifies breast region boundaries and positioning deviations prior to final image acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting positioning errors and guiding corrections without requiring expert intervention. The automated guidance system empowers technicians to correct their own positioning errors based on real-time feedback, reducing the need for specialized training and increasing operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If real-time feedback system is implemented, then reliability of thermal image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback mechanism where the automated guidance system continuously monitors subject positioning during the preparation phase and provides immediate corrective guidance to technicians. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that positioning errors are identified and corrected before image capture, maintaining consistent image quality across different operators and sessions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying errors associated with subject positioning in a thermal image of a subject and determining, applying a positional adjustment for adaptive positioning of the subject for capturing a new adjusted thermal image. The method includes (i) receiving an initial thermal image of body of a subject, (ii) automatically segmenting breast region from the initial thermal image, (iii) computing a plurality of positions and a plurality of deviations in the plurality of positions using a thermal imaging protocol, (iv) determining a positional adjustment to be made to a position of thermal imaging camera or a position of the subject based on the plurality of deviations in the plurality of positions of the breast region and (v) applying the positional adjustment for adjusting a position of the thermal imaging camera or subject for capturing a new adjusted thermal image at the required position as per thermal imaging protocol.