X-ray Image Processing for Residual Contrast Media Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray diagnostic apparatuses face difficulties in determining the presence of residual contrast media in blood vessels due to the challenge of emphasizing only the residual contrast media in images, as existing image processing techniques often bury residual contrast media within the contrast media flow, making it hard to distinguish and determine its presence accurately.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an image processing circuitry that extracts a reference frame where the contrast media has flowed away, and generates emphasized images by tracing pixel values in reverse chronological order, allowing for the easy identification of residual contrast media by displaying images in reverse chronological order, enabling clear visualization and determination of residual contrast media presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional image processing techniques (signal averaging, max/min selection) are used to emphasize contrast media, then the contrast media flow is emphasized, but the residual contrast media becomes difficult to distinguish and determine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast emphasisVSAvoidresidual contrast media detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies reverse chronological order processing to image frames. Instead of processing frames in their original temporal sequence, the system processes them in reverse order (from latest to earliest). This inversion allows the residual contrast media to be highlighted by comparing each frame with its chronological predecessor, making the residual contrast clearly visible as a difference while the main contrast media flow appears normal. This resolves the contradiction by inverting the processing sequence to selectively emphasize residual contrast without obscuring the overall contrast media distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If multiple frames are processed to emphasize contrast media flow, then the contrast is enhanced, but the determination of residual contrast media presence becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrast media visualizationVSAvoidresidual contrast media determination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the contrast media visualization into two distinct components: main contrast media flow and residual contrast media. By processing frames in reverse chronological order and calculating differences between consecutive frames, the system separately visualizes these two components. The main contrast media flow is shown in its natural temporal progression, while residual contrast media is highlighted through frame-to-frame comparison. This segmentation allows both the overall contrast media distribution and the residual contrast presence to be clearly determined, resolving the contradiction between reliable visualization and precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional frame processing is used, then image processing can be performed efficiently, but the ability to clearly identify and determine residual contrast media is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage processing efficiencyVSAvoidresidual contrast media identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic frame processing by varying the processing order based on the specific diagnostic need. The system can dynamically switch between conventional chronological processing (for efficient overall visualization) and reverse chronological processing (for specific residual contrast media identification). This dynamic approach maintains processing efficiency while enabling clear residual contrast media identification when required, resolving the contradiction between productivity and detection difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables precise determination of residual contrast media presence by emphasizing the region where the contrast media has flowed away, improving the accuracy of identifying residual contrast media and facilitating easier diagnosis.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray generator configured to irradiate an X-ray to a subject

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10758199B2X-ray diagnostic apparatus and image processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment, an X-ray generator configured to irradiate an X-ray to a subject. An X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray. Processing circuitry configured to generate a plurality of X-ray images chronologically based on X-rays that have passed through the subject to which a contrast media is injected, and that have been detected by the X-ray detector. The processing circuitry configured to extract a first image from among the X-ray images, the first image when any one of a change in a pixel value between predetermined two images and a predetermined region in one image is equal to or smaller than a threshold. A display configured to display, after the first image is extracted, a plurality of X-ray images that have been generated prior to the first image in reverse chronological order.