Tomosynthesis Edge Image Artifact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tomosynthesis imaging, the edge images caused by compression plates often result in artifacts in generated tomographic images, as existing methods struggle to effectively remove these edge images when they are superimposed on breast images.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus that acquires projection images, detects edge images, and performs specific cutout processes based on the positional relationship between the edge images and the breast images to generate cut-out projection images, which are then used to reduce artifacts in tomographic images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the radiation source moves to acquire projection images at multiple positions, then tomosynthesis imaging capability is improved, but the likelihood of edge images from compression plates being included in projection images increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetomosynthesis imaging capabilityVSAvoidedge image inclusion probability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of edge images in projection images before reconstruction. By detecting edge images that correspond to compression plate edges in the projection image set, the system can identify and handle these artifacts before they affect the final tomographic images, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining tomosynthesis capability and preventing edge image inclusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-generated harmful factors

If edge images are removed from projection images, then artifact reduction in tomographic images is improved, but loss of breast image information may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartifact levelVSAvoidbreast image information

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by performing cutout processing only in specific regions where edge images are detected, rather than globally removing content. The cutout unit removes edge images only from regions where they are present while preserving breast image information in other regions, thus reducing artifacts without causing information loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses interpolation based on information from other projection images to restore breast image content that may be lost during edge image removal. By copying and interpolating data from adjacent projection images, the system reconstructs missing breast tissue information while maintaining the removal of harmful edge artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Ease of manufacture

If simple region extraction is used to remove compression plate edges, then processing simplicity is maintained, but edge images superimposed on breast images cannot be effectively removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidedge image removal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using detected edge image information to guide the cutout processing. The edge image detection unit provides feedback about the location and characteristics of edge images, which then informs the cutout unit's removal actions. This feedback mechanism enables precise removal of edge images while preserving breast image information, overcoming the limitations of simple extraction methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 edge images from compression plates, resulting in tomographic images with minimized artifacts and improved diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

irradiates an object compressed by a compression plate with radiation at the plurality of radiation source positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

generated by directing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging that relatively moves a radiation source with respect to a detection unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11259766B2Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projection images corresponding to each of a plurality of radiation source positions which have been generated by directing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging for an object compressed by a compression plate. An edge image detection unit detects an edge image caused by the edge of the compression plate in the plurality of projection images. A cutout unit cuts out the projection image according to a positional relationship between the edge image and an image of the object to generate a cut-out projection image.