Modified X-ray Image Generation via CT Attenuation Map Subtraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging techniques face challenges in localizing abnormalities due to superimposition of organs and bones, with existing algorithms being ineffective for soft tissues and resulting in lower resolution CT images that obscure diagnostic details.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a CT image to generate an attenuation map, allowing for the subtraction of structures of interest from X-ray images, thereby enhancing diagnostic clarity by removing or isolating specific structures from the X-ray image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a CT image is used to provide three-dimensional information, then the ability to visualize organs in 3D is improved, but the resolution is reduced and diagnostic details are blurred due to partial-volume effect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the CT image data to identify and isolate specific structures of interest (such as lungs, heart, or bones) and then generates modified X-ray images that display only these segmented structures. This allows the system to maintain high resolution by working with the original X-ray image data while selectively removing or isolating specific organs based on the CT segmentation, thereby avoiding the resolution loss that occurs when viewing 3D CT data directly.
2Ease of operation
If existing algorithms are used to remove bones from chest X-ray images, then the view of lungs is improved, but the algorithms cannot be applied to soft tissues and rely on specific bone characteristics that are not present in all cases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal algorithm that can identify and remove various types of structures (bones, soft tissues, organs) from X-ray images by using CT image data as a reference map. Instead of relying on specific characteristics of bones such as perpendicular orientation or homogeneity, the system uses the CT-derived attenuation map to selectively remove any structure of interest, making the algorithm adaptable to different tissue types and anatomical structures.
3Productivity
If multiple organs and bones are superimposed in a single X-ray image, then the imaging process remains simple and quick, but abnormalities become difficult to localize and identify
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts specific structures of interest from the composite X-ray image by using CT image data to generate an attenuation map. This map is then used to selectively remove or isolate particular organs and bones from the original X-ray image, creating modified X-ray images that display only the remaining structures. This extraction process maintains the simplicity and speed of X-ray imaging while eliminating the superimposition problem that obscures abnormalities.
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 approach enables the creation of modified X-ray images that improve diagnostic review by clearly isolating structures of interest or removing them, maintaining high resolution and aiding in the identification of abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
As the X-rays pass through the subject, the X-rays are attenuated by the various organs and bones that the X-rays pass through. The amount of attenuation between the source and various points on the detector is measured by the detector.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a modified X-ray image includes obtaining an X-ray image, obtaining a CT image corresponding to the X-ray image, determining a mapping between the X-ray image and the CT image, identifying a structure of interest in the CT image, generating an attenuation map from the CT image, the attenuation map indicative of attenuation due to the structure of interest or everything but the structure of interest on the X-ray image, and generating the modified X-ray image by subtracting the attenuation map from the X-ray image.