Tomosynthesis Projection Image Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital breast tomosynthesis systems produce noisy 2D projection images due to low dose per projection, which limits image quality and requires additional radiation exposure for standard 2D mammograms, and there is a need to improve noise management to provide high-quality diagnostic images.
Innovation Solution
A method that enhances 2D projection images by accumulating and ranking pixel values across multiple orientations, combining them to determine the most likely height for each pixel, and reducing artifacts through filtering and denoising, allowing for the generation of high-quality 2D images comparable to standard 2D mammograms without doubling radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single tomosynthesis projection image is acquired at low dose per projection, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to high noise levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-dose projection images acquired at different angles and synthesizes them to create an enhanced 2D projection image with reduced noise. By merging information from multiple projections through accumulation and ranking algorithms, the system achieves image quality comparable to standard 2D mammography while keeping the dose per projection low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a synthetic 2D projection image that replicates the quality characteristics of a standard 2D mammogram without requiring a separate high-dose acquisition. The enhanced projection image serves as a copy-like representation that preserves diagnostic quality while using tomosynthesis data from multiple lower-dose angles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If combo acquisition of both 2D mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis is performed, then both 2D and 3D imaging needs are met, but radiation exposure is roughly doubled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single tomosynthesis acquisition to serve multiple purposes: generating both 3D volume data for navigation and enhanced 2D projection images for diagnostic review. The system provides multi-functionality by deriving different image products from the same set of projection data, eliminating the need for separate 2D mammography acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate 2D mammography and 3D tomosynthesis acquisitions into a single tomosynthesis procedure. By processing the acquired projection data through enhancement algorithms, the system produces both 2D-like projection images and 3D volumes, consolidating what would traditionally require two separate examinations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple tomosynthesis projection images are accumulated and processed, then noise is reduced and image quality is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual processing with automated computational algorithms. The enhancement process uses computer-based accumulation and ranking operations to systematically process multiple projections, reducing the need for manual intervention while achieving noise reduction and image quality improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the processing approach by changing parameters such as accumulation methods, ranking criteria, and synthesis algorithms. These parameter adjustments optimize the balance between processing complexity and image quality, enabling efficient generation of enhanced projections from multiple input images.
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 method improves image quality by reducing noise and artifacts, enabling high-quality diagnostic images with reduced radiation dose and facilitating smooth transition from 2D to 3D imaging, enhancing workflow efficiency and data flow.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray imaging systems have become a valuable tool in medical applications
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for obtaining images of an object of interest using a system comprising an x-ray source facing a detector. The method and system enable the acquiring of a plurality of 2D projection images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations. A selected 2D projection image such as the zero projection of the plurality of projections can be enhanced by using at least a subset of the plurality of tomosynthesis projection images. The obtained enhanced 2D projection image is displayed for review.