Tomosynthesis Image Deviation Correction via Reference Object Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tomosynthesis imaging, positional deviations between projection images due to object movement or radiation source misalignment result in blurred tomographic images, and existing techniques struggle to accurately correct these deviations due to interference from structural information in projection images.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device and method that performs pseudo-projection on projection images using tomographic images with and without a reference object, generating pseudo-projection images without or with the reference object, and deriving positional deviations by removing components from these images to isolate the reference object and correct for positional errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If projection images with structural information are used directly for deriving positional deviation, then the full information content of the images is utilized, but the accuracy of positional deviation derivation is reduced due to interference from unnecessary structural information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection images by separating the reference object information from other structural information. This is achieved by generating pseudo-projection images from tomographic images that contain only reference object information, then subtracting these from the original projection images to create component-removed images that isolate the reference object for accurate positional deviation measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the reference object information from the complex projection images by using tomographic images to create pseudo-projection images. These pseudo-projection images are then removed from the original projection images, effectively extracting and isolating the reference object components for precise positional deviation derivation without interference from other structures.
2Reliability
If tomosynthesis imaging is performed with multiple irradiation positions to capture projection images, then tomographic images can be generated, but positional deviations occur due to object movement or radiation source misalignment resulting in blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the derived positional deviation information is used to correct the projection images before generating final tomographic images. The system measures positional deviations using the isolated reference objects, then applies corrections to align the projection images, ensuring high-quality tomographic reconstruction without blur from positional mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary positional deviation measurement and correction before final tomographic image generation. By first deriving positional deviations from component-removed images and then applying corrections to the projection images, the system ensures that subsequent tomographic reconstruction uses aligned images, preventing blur and improving image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A CPU of a console acquires a plurality of projection images, acquires a plurality of tomographic images which are generated using the plurality of projection images and which correspond to each of a plurality of tomographic planes of a breast, performs pseudo-projection at set irradiation positions corresponding to each of the irradiation positions of the plurality of projection images, using a group of tomographic images other than a tomographic image including a reference object image indicating a reference object which is used as a reference for deriving a positional deviation amount between the projection images among the plurality of tomographic images, to generate a plurality of pseudo-projection images without a reference object which do not include the reference object image, and derives the positional deviation amount between the projection images on the basis of component-removed images which include the reference object image and which are obtained by removing components of the plurality of pseudo-projection images without a reference object from the plurality of projection images.