Tomosynthesis Slab Image Generation via Pixel Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for generating slab images require a significant arithmetic processing load, which is inefficient and resource-intensive, particularly in tomosynthesis imaging where multiple tomographic images need to be combined to achieve a desired thickness.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquires projection images from different irradiation angles and generates a slab image using pixel values from specific heights, allowing for the use of mean, minimum, maximum, or mode values of pixels within a defined range, thereby reducing the number of images needed for processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple tomographic images are generated and combined to create a slab image, then the image quality and thickness information are improved, but the arithmetic processing load increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary pixel information directly from the projection images at the specific height range of interest, rather than generating complete tomographic images. By taking out only the relevant pixel values corresponding to the first height and second height from the projection images, the method avoids the computationally expensive tomographic reconstruction process while still obtaining the information needed to create the slab image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing task by directly utilizing pixel values from projection images at specific height positions (first height and second height) rather than processing entire tomographic images. This segmentation approach processes only the necessary portions of the data (specific pixel values within the height range) to generate the slab image, reducing overall computational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tomographic images are generated and combined to create a slab image, then the thickness information accuracy is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by directly extracting and utilizing pixel values from projection images at the required height positions before any tomographic reconstruction is attempted. By preparing and using the necessary pixel data directly from the projection images in their original form, the method eliminates the time-consuming intermediate step of generating multiple tomographic images, thus reducing processing time while maintaining thickness information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential pixel information at the first height and second height from the projection images, obtaining the necessary thickness information without performing complete tomographic reconstruction. This extraction approach secures accurate thickness information by directly using pixel values from the height range of interest, while avoiding the time-consuming process of generating and combining multiple full tomographic images.
3Loss of information
If multiple tomographic images are generated and combined to create a slab image, then the image completeness is improved, but the memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary pixel values from projection images corresponding to the first height and second height within the height range of interest. By taking out and using only these specific pixel values rather than storing complete tomographic images, the method maintains image completeness for the slab image generation while significantly reducing memory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data processing by working with individual pixel values from projection images at specific heights rather than handling complete tomographic image datasets. This segmentation approach ensures that all necessary information for slab image generation is captured while minimizing memory usage by processing only the relevant segmented data portions.
Data Source
AI summary
In a console, a control unit functions as an acquisition unit and a generation unit according to the present disclosure. The acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projection images obtained by irradiating a subject disposed between a radiation source and a radiation detector with radiation emitted from the radiation source at different irradiation angles and capturing the radiation with the radiation detector at each of the irradiation angles. The generation unit generates a slab image with a thickness corresponding to the range from a first height to a second height.