Tomosynthesis Boundary Artifact Reduction via Geometric Factor Matrix Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Boundary artifacts in tomosynthesis imaging occur due to insufficient scanning samples, leading to truncation errors and affecting clinical diagnosis, particularly in areas like the shoulder blade during chest scans.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adjusting the geometric factor matrix during image reconstruction by performing a projection process, obtaining a back-projection geometric factor matrix, and modifying the boundary area through interpolation and normalization to reduce truncation errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the number of scanning samples is reduced to lower radiation dose, then radiation exposure is minimized, but boundary artifacts increase due to insufficient sampling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation doseVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the geometric factor matrix by adjusting parameters in the boundary area through interpolation and normalization processes. This changes the mathematical parameters of the reconstruction system to compensate for insufficient sampling, thereby reducing boundary artifacts while maintaining lower radiation doses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step on the geometric factor matrix that mediates between the limited sampling data and the final reconstructed image. By processing the geometric factor matrix as an intermediate representation, the system can correct boundary artifacts without requiring additional scanning samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If fewer angular imaging operations are performed to reduce imaging time, then imaging time is reduced, but truncation errors increase at the boundary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging timeVSAvoidreconstruction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing on the geometric factor matrix before the actual image reconstruction. By pre-calculating and normalizing the geometric factors, the system prepares correction data in advance that compensates for the limited angular sampling, thereby reducing truncation errors without requiring additional imaging time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If direct reconstruction methods are used to achieve rapid image reconstruction, then reconstruction speed is improved, but resolution is sacrificed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconstruction speedVSAvoidimage resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the reconstruction process into two parts: a rapid direct reconstruction step and a subsequent geometric factor matrix correction step. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from the speed of direct methods while adding a targeted correction process that improves resolution in the boundary area where artifacts occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10083529B2Reduction method for boundary artifact on the tomosynthesis

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH

AI summary

A reduction method for a boundary artifact on the tomosynthesis includes steps of performing a projection process, performing a back projection process upon the geometric factor matrix so as to obtain a back-projection geometric factor matrix, and adjusting a boundary area of the back-projection geometric factor matrix.