X-ray Diagnostic Apparatus Stereoscopic Imaging via Warping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray diagnostic systems face challenges in providing stereoscopic imaging with parametric imaging techniques, particularly in accurately visualizing blood vessel flow and inflow time of contrast agents across different observation directions, due to limitations in data processing and image transformation methods.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus employs processing circuitry to generate and transform time-series vessel image data across multiple observation directions, using warping processing and parametric imaging to create stereoscopic images by subtracting contrast and non-contrast image data, and allocating colors based on temporal changes in pixel values, enabling the display of stereoscopic views without the need for specialized glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If stereoscopic imaging is implemented by changing C-arm angle, then three-dimensional visualization is achieved, but the imaging process becomes complex and requires multiple imaging positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the first parametric image data by applying warping processing to generate second parametric image data from the first set of image data. This virtual copy provides the second observation direction without requiring actual repositioning of the imaging mechanism, thereby achieving stereoscopic visualization while simplifying the imaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically changing C-arm angles to achieve different observation directions with a computational approach using warping processing on image data. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical repositioning while achieving the same stereoscopic effect.
2Loss of information
If multiple contrast agent injections are performed for different observation directions, then complete blood vessel flow visualization is achieved, but the procedure time and contrast agent usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the first set of image data serve multiple functions by using it to generate both first parametric image data (direct observation) and second parametric image data (warped observation direction). This multi-functional use of a single contrast agent injection eliminates the need for additional injections while maintaining complete blood vessel flow visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of observation direction through computational warping processing rather than through physical repositioning or additional contrast agent injections. By transforming the existing image data with different warping parameters, the system achieves visualization from multiple observation directions using a single injection.
3Productivity
If parametric imaging is performed with single contrast agent injection, then procedure efficiency is improved, but accurate stereoscopic visualization of blood vessel flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces warping processing as an intermediary computational step that transforms first parametric image data into second parametric image data. This intermediary process enables the derivation of accurate stereoscopic visualization from a single contrast agent injection by computationally generating the appearance of a second observation direction without requiring additional physical measurements or injections.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray-diagnostic apparatus generates time-series first vessel images corresponding to a first direction, and generates second vessel image corresponding to a second direction. The apparatus generates third vessel images corresponding to the second direction, by transforming more than one piece out of the first vessel images based on a blood vessel shape in one of the first vessel images and a blood vessel shape in at least one of the second vessel image, the third vessel image corresponding to respective time phases of the first vessel images. The apparatus generates first color image corresponding to the first direction by using more than one piece out of the first vessel images, and generates second color image corresponding to the second direction by using more than one piece out of the third vessel images. The apparatus displays a stereoscopic image based on the first color-image and the second color image.