Automated ROI Setting in X-ray Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray image processing systems for cardiovascular disease require manual operation to set a region of interest (ROI), which is cumbersome and unsuitable for clean room environments, necessitating automation for accurate and efficient ROI setting.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that automatically sets a region of interest (ROI) by specifying and extracting the catheter image and blood vessel region from X-ray images, using image processing to determine the position of the catheter tip and center line of the blood vessel, and setting the ROI based on this information, eliminating the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation is used to set ROI by operating mouse or buttons while observing X-ray image, then the operator can visually confirm the ROI position, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic ROI setting by having the computer automatically identify and set the region of interest based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The processing unit automatically detects anatomical structures and determines optimal ROI positions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of moving mouse or pressing buttons is replaced by an automated image processing system that uses computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms to automatically identify and set ROI positions, substituting human manual control with automated computational methods.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to set ROI, then the operator can make real-time adjustments, but the operation varies depending on operator skill and is unsuitable for clean room environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves consistent and reliable ROI setting by automating the process, eliminating variations caused by different operator skills. The standardized algorithm ensures the same level of performance regardless of who operates the system, making it suitable for clean room environments where minimal human presence is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters from manual human control to automated computational processing, transforming the ROI setting process from a skill-dependent manual task to a standardized automated procedure with consistent results.
3Extent of automation
If automated ROI setting is implemented, then operator variability is reduced and clean room operation is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing apparatus integrates multiple functions including image acquisition, automatic ROI detection, region extraction, and time-density curve generation within a single unified system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual operations and external devices, managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary between the acquired X-ray images and the final ROI determination, using intermediate processing steps such as image enhancement, feature detection, and coordinate transformation to bridge the gap between raw data and meaningful results.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a specifying unit, an extraction unit and a setting processing unit. The storage unit stores first X-ray image data in which a blood vessel of an object is not visually enhanced, and second X-ray image data in which the blood vessel is visually enhanced. The specifying unit specifies a catheter image included in the first fluoroscopic image by performing image processing of the first X-ray image data. The extraction unit extracts a blood vessel region included in the second fluoroscopic image by performing image processing of the second X-ray image data. The setting processing unit sets a region of interest based on the position of end point of the catheter.