Tomographic Image Compression for Accurate Z-Direction Dimensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tomosynthesis imaging generates tomographic images by adding radiographic images from different directions, resulting in limited information perpendicular to slice planes, making it difficult to observe three-dimensional structures accurately, especially in mammography where breast compression distorts the Z-direction dimension, leading to anisotropic reconstructions with exaggerated Z-direction size.
Innovation Solution
A tomographic image generation device and method that applies compression processing perpendicular to slice planes of tomographic images, adjusting the imaging direction range and compression rate to generate compressed tomographic images, allowing for more accurate three-dimensional reconstructions with dimensions closer to actual sizes, and includes features like display control units for superimposing three-dimensional images on radiographic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If tomographic images are generated by adding radiographic images from different directions, then tomographic images can be obtained, but information in the direction perpendicular to slice planes is scant, making it difficult to observe three-dimensional structures accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies compression processing in the direction perpendicular to slice planes (Z-direction) to transform the isotropic reconstructed image into an anisotropic image with compressed Z-dimension. This dimensional transformation corrects the exaggerated Z-direction size caused by breast compression during imaging, restoring the true relative dimensions of three-dimensional structures while preserving X and Y-direction information.
2Ease of operation
If isotropic reconstructed images are generated from compressed breast imaging, then three-dimensional images can be obtained, but the dimension size in Z-direction is greater than in X and Y directions, resulting in extended structure size from actual size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the reconstructed image by applying compression processing with a specific compression rate to the Z-direction. This parameter transformation adjusts the Z-dimension size to match the actual anatomical dimensions, correcting the distortion introduced by breast compression during imaging while maintaining the reconstructed image's usability.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression processing is applied perpendicular to slice planes, then Z-direction dimension is aligned with X and Y directions, but compression rate must be dynamically adjusted based on imaging direction range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the compression rate is dynamically adjusted based on the imaging direction range. The system determines the appropriate compression rate by considering the angular range of acquired radiographic images, ensuring optimal dimensional correction while adapting to different imaging protocols and anatomical variations.
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 three-dimensional structure understanding and diagnosis by aligning Z-direction dimensions with X and Y-directions, improving image quality and reducing interpretation time by dynamically adjusting compression rates based on imaging direction ranges.
Implementation Method 1
radiographic images for different imaging directions taken by applying radiation to a subject from the different imaging directions
Data Source
AI summary
Radiographic images for different imaging directions taken by applying radiation to a subject from the different imaging directions are obtained, and a plurality of tomographic images of the subject are generated based on the obtained plurality of radiographic images. Then, compression processing in the direction perpendicular to slice planes of the generated tomographic images is applied to the tomographic images to generate compressed tomographic images, wherein a range of the imaging directions is obtained, and a compression rate of the compression processing is set based on the obtained range of the imaging directions.