Tomographic Image Blur Correction via Positional Shift Derivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tomographic images generated by tomosynthesis imaging are often blurred due to mechanical errors and subject movement, making it difficult to detect lesions like minute calcification, particularly in breast cancer imaging, and existing methods lack clarity on reference image selection for correction.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic image generation apparatus that acquires projection images from multiple radiation source positions, derives positional shift amounts using a reference projection image with a perpendicular optical axis, and reconstructs images to correct for body movement, thereby reducing image blur and improving lesion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis imaging is performed by moving the radiation source to multiple positions, then the ability to separate overlapping structures in depth direction is improved, but image blur occurs due to mechanical errors and body movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deriving positional shift amounts from projection images acquired at the earliest radiation source positions before reconstruction. This allows correction of body movement effects that occur during the imaging sequence, using information available from earlier time points to compensate for subsequent movements, thereby maintaining image quality while preserving depth resolution capabilities
2Loss of information
If projection images are acquired at multiple radiation source positions over time, then tomographic planes can be separated in depth direction, but body movement during imaging causes blur in reconstructed images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using projection images from earlier radiation source positions to derive positional shift amounts, which are then fed back into the reconstruction process to correct image alignment. This closed-loop approach uses actual observed movements from the imaging sequence itself to compensate for blur, maintaining both depth separation capability and image sharpness
3Reliability
If body movement correction is applied using projection images from multiple radiation source positions, then image blur is reduced, but it becomes difficult to determine which image should be used as reference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves reference selection complexity by establishing a predetermined rule: projection images acquired at the earliest radiation source positions are used as reference images for deriving positional shift amounts. This eliminates the need for complex comparative analysis of multiple potential references, simplifying the workflow while maintaining correction effectiveness through chronological ordering
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 solution effectively reduces the influence of body movement, enabling the acquisition of high-quality tomographic images and facilitating correspondence with two-dimensional images for accurate diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
imaging is performed by moving a radiation source to emit radiation to a subject from a plurality of radiation source positions
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a plurality of projection images by imaging a subject at each of a plurality of radiation source positions
Data Source
AI summary
An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projection images corresponding to a plurality of radiation source positions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging, the plurality of projection images being generated by causing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging. A positional shift amount derivation unit derives a positional shift amount between the plurality of projection images based on body movement of the subject with a reference projection image generated at a radiation source position where an optical axis of the radiation emitted from the radiation source is perpendicular to a detection surface of the detection unit, among the plurality of projection images, as a reference. A reconstruction unit generates a tomographic image of at least one tomographic plane of the subject by reconstructing the plurality of projection images while correcting the positional shift amount.