X-ray Device 3D Marker Reprojection for Mammography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mammography devices face challenges in accurately detecting radiological signs due to superimposed structures in 2D projection images, leading to falsely positive or negative interpretations, and struggle with high spatial resolution and time-consuming information access in tomosynthesis devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of image-processing methods and algorithms that enable the acquisition and processing of 3D data to improve radiological sign detection, using X-ray devices to produce 3D markers for suspect zones and re-projecting them in standard projection images for enhanced confidence and reduced execution time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tomosynthesis processing is used to produce 3D images, then detection accuracy of radiological signs is improved, but access time to clinical information increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume data into multiple 2D slices that can be reviewed sequentially or selectively. This allows the radiologist to access specific regions of interest without having to process or review the entire 3D volume, thereby reducing access time while maintaining detection accuracy through the ability to examine individual slices in detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables navigation through the 3D volume data along different anatomical planes and perspectives. By allowing multi-planar reconstruction and navigation, the system provides comprehensive diagnostic information without requiring linear sequential review of all data, thus reducing access time while preserving detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If sequential review of image volume is performed, then complete analysis is achieved, but time to locate clinically interesting information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary processing and organization of the 3D volume data into structured 2D slices with metadata tagging. This preliminary organization allows radiologists to quickly locate clinically interesting information through indexed access and navigation tools without performing complete sequential review, thereby reducing time while maintaining analytical completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow radiologists to mark regions of interest, adjust viewing parameters, and navigate efficiently through the volume data based on preliminary observations. This interactive feedback loop enables targeted review of clinically relevant areas without requiring exhaustive sequential analysis of the entire volume.
3Measurement precision
If high spatial resolution is achieved for fine analysis, then detection precision is improved, but data quantity and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments high-resolution 3D volume data into multiple lower-resolution 2D slices for display purposes. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of rendering and navigating the data while preserving the ability to access high-resolution details on demand for specific regions of interest, thus maintaining detection precision without overwhelming processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality enhancement where high spatial resolution is maintained for specific regions of interest while other areas are displayed at lower resolution. This allows the system to manage data processing complexity by focusing computational resources only on clinically relevant areas, thereby preserving detection precision where needed without increasing overall system complexity.
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 simplifies the detection of radiological signs by reducing the time to review clinical data, improving access to information, and providing higher spatial resolution for accurate analysis of suspect zones, thereby enhancing diagnostic confidence and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube which emits, for different positions along a path of the tube, X-rays crossing the object for a multiplicity of directions of emission; an X-ray detector located so as to be opposite the emitter relative to the object, detecting X-ray projection images
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray device comprises means for the production of at least one standard projection image of the object in which presumed suspect zones corresponding to radiological signs are represented by markers. The device comprises means for the production of a digital volume of markers in which 3D markers are created in order to represent presumed suspect zones of the object. It also comprises means of re-projection of the 3D markers in the standard projection image in order to confirm the presence of the markers or eliminate or add the markers of the projection image is necessary.