Patent Publication Number: US-2023136395-A1

Title: Systems methods and computer program products for selectively modifying x-ray images of tissue specimens

Description:
FIELD 
     The disclosed inventions generally relate to imaging of biopsy tissue specimens, and more particularly, to systems, methods and computer program products for modifying and enhancing X-ray images of tissue specimens, which may be done in real-time during a biopsy procedure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Biopsies are well-known medical procedures involving the removal of tissue from a living body and examining the tissue for diagnostic study, such as determining the presence, cause or extent of a disease. For example, a biopsy of human breast tissue may be performed for diagnosing breast cancer or other diseases. The current standard of care is a percutaneous biopsy, which is performed by inserting a biopsy device having a needle and a cutting device through a small incision and advancing the needle and cutting device to the site of the tissue of interest. The cutting device then cuts a sample of tissue, captures the tissue specimen and removes the tissue specimen through the small incision. Percutaneous biopsy devices have used various means to remove the tissue specimen, such as simply removing the device out through the incision with the captured tissue specimen, or transporting the tissue specimen out through the device where it can be removed or drawn through a tube to a container. One advantage of removing the tissue specimen from the biopsy device is that multiple samples may be taken without having to remove the biopsy device from the patient. 
     The tissue specimen is typically imaged for verification using X-ray imaging systems. For instance, the tissue specimen may be placed into an X-ray specimen tray or container and then placed into a specimen imaging device for taking an image of the tissue. Automated biopsy and imaging systems for performing a biopsy and imaging a tissue specimen have also been disclosed. One example of a tissue biopsy and handling apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,130, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,130 discloses an integrated biopsy analysis system having a biopsy excision tool, a tissue specimen transport mechanism for automatically transporting an excised tissue specimen from the biopsy excision tool to an analysis/imaging unit, and an analysis/imaging system for automatically analyzing tissue specimen images acquired by an X-ray imaging device. The system excises tissue specimens and transfers and places the excised tissue specimens into a specimen holder having a plurality of tissue accepting slots for placing a plurality of different tissue specimens. The imaging unit is configured to acquire images of the tissue specimens in the tissue holder, such as by acquiring individual images of each tissue specimen in its respective tissue accepting slot. 
     Known biopsy and imaging systems, however, have some drawbacks and can be improved. For example, while X-ray images generated by known biopsy and imaging systems may be informative and useful, certain content of X-ray images may be distracting and cause eye fatigue due to imaging of associated specimen holder structures and image portions with different brightness. Some image portions may be substantially brighter than others (e.g., metallic objects) with the result that a user&#39;s attention may be drawn to these areas initially and during the course of specimen review. Otherwise, such bright spots are in the field of view of the user when reviewing X-ray images. These distractions and interruptions resulting from imaging of non-specimen objects can be inconvenient, time consuming and may impair a viewer&#39;s analysis and stamina, and these drawbacks are compounded as a user engages in longer review sessions and is required to review larger numbers of specimen images. Such drawbacks also disrupt the review workflow as a result of having to spend extra time on lower quality images. 
     Other biopsy and imaging systems have been designed to improve fluid control during X-ray image acquisition since fluids in the imaging field can result in reduce image quality. For example, when acquiring an image using an X-ray imaging device, fluids may partially or completely cover or obscure a tissue specimen and/or adhere to the top of or partially or completely cover a tissue specimen. Interfering fluids may have attenuation attributes that are similar to tissue specimens being imaged and obscure portions of a specimen. An imaged tissue specimen may thus appear similar to cancerous tissue or tissue having characteristics indicative of cancer, such as a mass, tumor or calcification. Interfering fluid may also appear as a shadow that blocks image portions of interest. 
     To address these shortcomings, filter tray assemblies have been designed with structures to manage fluid in the imaging field during X-ray imaging of tissue specimens. Fluid management may involve keeping fluids from entering the imaging field and/or removing fluid that enters the imaging field using different types of fluid control structures. 
     However, these additional fluid control structures, which may be made of plastic or other radiopaque materials, are also imaged with the specimen and end up appearing in the resulting X-ray image. Thus, while these additional structures may improve fluid management, they may also contribute to various X-ray image drawbacks noted above due to additional fluid management structures being imaged. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of tissue biopsy and handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms described herein provide for improved X-ray imaging by selectively modifying X-ray images, which may be done in in real time or in-line with tissue extraction and processing. 
     Embodiments of tissue biopsy and handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms described herein provide for improved X-ray imaging by selectively modifying X-ray images of specimen trays including specimens and that have additional structures for improving fluid management structures during X-ray imaging. 
     Embodiments of tissue biopsy and handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms also provide for improved tissue specimen X-ray images that are cleaner and more focused to emphasize image portions of interest while deemphasizing or eliminating distracting image portions to maintain viewer attention. 
     Embodiments of tissue biopsy and handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms also provide for improved tissue specimen X-ray images that are easier on a viewer&#39;s eyes and thus improve viewer eye fatigue compared to raw X-ray images as generated by an X-ray imaging device. 
     Embodiments of tissue biopsy handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms also provide for improved imaging of specimens in various types and configurations of specimen trays. Specimen trays may be made of plastic and other radiopaque materials and that include different radiopaque objects such as a magnet serving as a compartment reference or “zero” position marker and printed indicia. 
     Embodiments also provide for specimen imaging that is adaptive to manufacturing imperfections and collimator offsets during imaging. 
     Embodiments provide for improved imaging of specimens by utilizing a partial structure mask that is executed so that an outer portion of a specimen tray wall such as a divider wall, is deemphasized or eliminated, while the inner portion of the wall defining a tissue storage compartment is maintained or enhanced. In other words, the boundary of the partial structure mask does not encompass the entire width or thickness of a specimen tray wall, and this partial thickness boundary may extend for the length of the walls or perimeter. In this manner, the partial structure mask captures a portion of respective walls (the inner wall sections defining or adjacent to a tissue storage compartment) and a remaining portion of the storage compartment that was not encompassed by or that is beyond the boundary of an imaging mask for the internal compartment. For example, a partial structure mask may include the inner 25% to 50% of a wall, whether linear or arcuate in shape or other shape. Embodiments thus show select, pertinent wall structures, and more particularly, a portion of a specimen tray wall that is closest to or adjacent to the storage compartment or specimen, while deemphasizing or eliminating outer wall structures that may be visually distracting and not necessary. 
     According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method executed by a biopsy tissue handling apparatus comprises acquiring, by an X-ray imaging system of the biopsy tissue handling apparatus, an X-ray image of the tissue specimen that is in a storage compartment of a specimen tray. The method further comprises generating a modified X-ray image by an image processor in communication with the X-ray imaging system executing an imaging algorithm. The modified X-ray image is generated by the image processor executing an imaging algorithm comprising executing a plurality of image masks that are based at least in part on a geometric configuration of at least a portion of the specimen tray including the storage compartment with the tissue specimen. A compartment mask is executed on a portion of the X-ray image that depicts a storage compartment with a severed tissue specimen. The compartment mask boundary substantially corresponds to a contour of the storage compartment defined specimen tray walls, which may be linear or curved/arcuate. A partial structure mask is executed on a portion of the X-ray image depicting respective walls of the specimen tray and a portion of the storage compartment. A boundary of the partial structure mask extends along respective lengths and partially through respective walls of the specimen tray and captures a portion of the wall thickness and a portion of the storage compartment that is not encompassed by the compartment mask. 
     Thus, the partial structure mask boundary extends along the length or perimeter of the specimen tray walls, and partially into the specimen tray walls (e.g., to the first quarter, first third or first half of the specimen tray walls). In other words, in such embodiments, the boundary of the partial structure mask does not encompass an entire width or thickness of a specimen tray wall. In this manner, a partial structure mask captures respective inner sections or portions of respective walls of the specimen tray while also capturing a remaining portion of the storage compartment that was not included in and is beyond the boundary of the compartment mask, thereby showing selected pertinent wall structures relative to the compartment and specimen, while deemphasizing or eliminating outer wall structures that may not be of interest and visually distracting. 
     In another embodiment, a biopsy tissue handling apparatus includes a specimen tray, a tube, an X-ray imaging system, and a display. The specimen tray defines one or more storage compartments or chambers for holding one or more tissue specimens. The tube defines a vacuum lumen that is in communication with a storage compartment such that the tube can receive a severed tissue specimen and deliver the severed tissue specimen with a fluid through the vacuum lumen into the storage compartment. The X-ray imaging system is positioned or arranged relative to the tissue storage compartment to acquire an X-ray image of the severed tissue specimen in the storage compartment of the specimen tray. An image processor in communication with the X-ray imaging system is programmed or configured to execute an imaging algorithm that modifies the X-ray image by executing a plurality of image masks, which are based at least in part on a geometric configuration of at least a portion of the specimen tray including the storage compartment with the tissue specimen. A compartment mask is executed on a portion of the X-ray image that depicts a storage compartment with a severed tissue specimen. The compartment mask boundary substantially corresponds to a contour of the storage compartment defined specimen tray walls. A partial structure mask is also executed on a portion of the X-ray image depicting respective walls of the specimen tray and the storage compartment. A boundary of the partial structure mask extends along respective lengths and partially through respective walls of the specimen tray and captures a portion of the wall thickness and a portion of the storage compartment that is not encompassed by the compartment mask. Other system embodiments may include one or more of a specimen tray, a tube, an X-ray imaging system, and a display and combinations thereof. 
     In a further embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium tangibly embodying one or more sequences of instructions that can be executed by one or more processors contained in one or more computing systems of a biopsy tissue handling apparatus to cause the one or more computing systems to acquire and modify an X-ray image by executing a computer-implemented methods and imaging algorithms of embodiments. 
     In one or more embodiments or options, the compartment mask is an internal compartment mask that excludes walls of the storage compartment, imaged portions of a collimator of the X-ray imaging device, and a magnet. The magnet may serve as a “zero” position marker for tissue storage compartments while the specimen tray is rotated about an axis. The compartment mask enhances or emphasizes at least one of a brightness and a contrast of pixels of the X-ray image depicting the tissue specimen in the compartment. The compartment mask may encompass the entire specimen or a portion of the specimen, and the remaining portion of the specimen may be encompassed by the partial structure mask. 
     In one or more embodiments or options, the partial structure mask is executed to mask, black or reduce at least one of a brightness and a contrast of pixels of the X-ray image depicting outer portions of respective plastic walls of the specimen tray outside of the boundary of the partial structure mask, and the partial structure mask boundary is determined or based on a pre-determined point within a wall (e.g., a midpoint) or a pre-determined distance from the boundary of the compartment mask. 
     In one or more embodiments or options, the boundary of the partial structure mask is substantially the same shape as and encompasses the boundary of the compartment mask, which, in one embodiment, includes a pair of linear boundary sections and a pair of curved/arcuate boundary sections extending between the linear boundary sections. Other compartment mask and partial structure mask configurations may be utilized. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the image processor executes an extraneous object mask on a portion of the X-ray image that depicts an object, such as a magnet or printed indicial embedded within, affixed to or applied to the specimen tray. For example, a metallic magnet may be embedded within a plastic wall section of a specimen tray and may serve as a reference or “zero” position compartment marker and be used to engage another magnet for rotating the specimen tray. For these types of objects (e.g., metal objects), the mask may substantially correspond to an outer perimeter of the magnet and mask out, black or reduce at least one of a brightness and a contrast of pixels of the X-ray image depicting the radiopaque magnet, which initially appears as a bright white spot in the original X-ray image. Thus, embodiments reduce or eliminate the magnet&#39;s prominence and tendency to attract the viewer&#39;s attention in the X-ray image. As another example, the object may be printed indicia such as a number or character printed in tungsten ink that is associated with or identifies a tissue compartment. For these types of objects, a boundary of the extraneous object mask (e.g., a square or rectangle surrounding the indicia) defines an area that includes the indicia and that is to be included in the modified image. Thus, depending on the type of object identified or indicated by a user, the object may be deemphasized or eliminated (e.g., for metal magnet) or selected and included in the modified X-ray image. 
     In one or more embodiments or options, the boundary of the compartment mask includes a first linear boundary section, a second linear boundary section, a first arcuate boundary section, a second arcuate boundary section and a third arcuate boundary section. The first arcuate boundary section extends between the first linear boundary section and the second linear boundary section, the second arcuate boundary section extends between the first linear boundary section and the third arcuate boundary section, and the third boundary section extends between the second arcuate boundary section and the second linear boundary section. With this compartment mask configuration, a radius of curvature of the third arcuate section of the compartment mask, e.g., adjacent to an imaged portion of a magnet, is smaller than respective radii of curvature of respective first and second arcuate boundaries of the specimen and tray structure masks. The partial structure mask may be the same shape as a compartment mask, or in other embodiments, a portion of the boundary of the tray structure mask can extend through an area defined by the boundary of the extraneous object mask, e.g., an imaged portion of a magnet such that the boundaries of the compartment and partial structure masks may be different shapes. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, an image mask executed by the image processor is a pre-defined region of interest mask that is operable to initially crop the X-ray image, e.g., to eliminate portions of the X-ray image depicting a metal collimator of the X-ray imaging system. In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the pre-defined region of interest mask is a first image mask executed on a raw X-ray image and before execution of the compartment and partial structure masks. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the geometric configuration of at least the portion of the specimen tray and/or orientation of image masks that are executed are based at least in part on a center, e.g., mass center, of printed indicia associated with a storage compartment. If needed, the X-ray image is rotated to align the center of the printed indicia with a pre-determined axis (e.g., horizontal axis) in order to register or align the X-ray image with a geometric configuration of the specimen tray and/or image masks initially configured for a properly aligned image can be rotated. Mask orientations and associated structural or geometric specimen tray configuration may also be rotated for these purposes. Thus, embodiments can automatically compensate for and adapt to rotational or mechanical inconsistencies of the biopsy tissue handling apparatus and so that the geometric configuration can be utilized to determine corresponding sections in the X-ray image when executing image masks. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the image processor determines offset values of a collimator of the X-ray imaging device, e.g., horizontal offset values relative to sides or left and right ends of the imaged tissue compartment for horizontal adjustment or registration of the X-ray image or portion thereof and/or to adjust where image masks are executed so that the image masks are applied to determine corresponding sections in the X-ray image. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the biopsy tissue handling apparatus deposits, through a vacuum lumen in communication with the storage compartment, the severed tissue specimen into the storage compartment. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the generated or raw X-ray image is modified by changing pixel values according to the plurality of masks, and incorporating modified X-ray image pixel data into a Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) object. Other data formats may also be utilized. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, image masks are executed and an X-ray image is modified in real time during processing of the severed tissue specimen. 
     In a single or multiple embodiments or options, the brightness values of pixels of the X-ray image depicting the tissue specimen are selectively modified to adapt respective brightness levels to respective different thicknesses of the imaged tissue specimen. For example, portions of the X-ray image depicting a thinner part of the specimen in contrast to a thicker part of the specimen can be identified such that pixel adjustments can be made based on different specimen thicknesses, e.g., brightness values of pixels for thinner and thicker specimen portions are enhanced with respective brightness and contrast so that specimen edges, of both thinner and thicker specimen portions, can be delineated while the thicker specimen portion is not too bright. Thus, pixel values can be selectively adapted across specimen thicknesses. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects of embodiments of the herein disclosed inventions are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements and the description for like elements shall be applicable for all described embodiments wherever relevant: 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a tissue biopsy and handling system constructed according to one embodiment for X-ray imaging of tissue specimens and modifying X-ray images of tissue specimens; 
         FIG.  2    is a flow diagram of a method for modifying an X-ray image of a tissue specimen according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    is a flow diagram of a method for modifying an X-ray image of a tissue specimen according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS.  4 A-B  depict a tissue biopsy and handling system operable to execute embodiments and for performing breast biopsy procedures and real time imaging of breast tissue specimens during a biopsy procedure, wherein  FIG.  4 A  illustrates an imaging cabinet in an open position, and  FIG.  4 B  illustrates an imaging cabinet in a closed position; 
         FIG.  5    depicts an embodiment an imaging cabinet of a tissue biopsy and handling system constructed according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    depicts an example of a tissue biopsy and handling system that may be utilized to sever a tissue specimen in further detail and a tubing assembly through which fluids such as saline and blood may flow during a biopsy procedure; 
         FIGS.  7 A-M  depict examples of tissue filter assemblies of a tissue biopsy and handling system in further detail and including tissue storage compartments in which tissue specimens and fluids are deposited during a biopsy procedure, wherein  FIGS.  7 A-D  depict one example tissue filter assembly with a rotatable specimen tray, and  FIGS.  7 E-M  depict a tissue filter assembly that also includes additional fluid management structures including a fluid channel and flow comb; 
         FIG.  8    is a flow diagram of a method for modifying an X-ray image of a tissue specimen according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  9    illustrates an example of how a structural or geometric configuration of at least a portion of a specimen tray applies to an X-ray image; 
         FIGS.  10 A-B  are X-ray images demonstrating visual enhancements achieved by embodiments, wherein  FIG.  10 A  is a raw X-ray image of a portion of a specimen tray including an imaged magnet, and  FIG.  10 B  is a modified X-ray image generated according to embodiments; and 
         FIGS.  11 A-B  are X-ray images demonstrating visual enhancements achieved by embodiments, wherein  FIG.  11 A  is a raw X-ray image of a portion of a specimen tray that does not include a magnet, and  FIG.  11 B  is a modified X-ray image generated according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments provide for tissue biopsy and handling systems, methods and imaging algorithms that selectively modify X-ray images of tissue specimens by executing image masks and a structural or geometric configuration of at least a portion of the specimen tray that was imaged and depicted in the X-ray image. Modified X-ray images generated according to embodiments are cleaner and more focused than a traditional or raw X-ray image, which may be cluttered with extraneous and bright areas that can be very distracting to viewers and contribute to viewer fatigue and reduced review throughput. Modified X-ray images generated according to embodiments emphasize or maintain pertinent image sections while deemphasizing or deleting image portions of extraneous or high attenuation objects such as magnets and various extraneous specimen tray structures. Embodiments are thus also particularly suited for X-ray imaging of involving specimen trays that have added structures for managing the control of fluids (such blood, saline, anesthetic, bio-fluids, etc.) into and out of an imaging field and that are imaged with the specimen. Embodiments are adaptable to modify X-ray images of various types of specimen tray structures. Further, given the manner in which embodiments execute, embodiments can adapt to mechanical and imaging variances of different imaging systems and components. 
     Embodiments advantageously execute to generate improved X-ray images, which may be after tissue processing or in real time during tissue processing For example, during a procedure, a tissue specimen is severed from a patient, aspirated through a vacuum tube together with a transport and/or bodily fluid such as saline, blood or a combination thereof, and deposited with the fluid into a storage compartment of a specimen tray. An X-ray image of the severed tissue specimen is acquired, and embodiments are executed to selectively modify the generated X-ray image. The resulting modified X-ray image, rather than the generated X-ray image, can then be presented to a radiologist or other user of the tissue biopsy and handling system through a display in real-time during the procedure. The modified X-ray image and the generated X-ray image can also be presented together for additional review and comparison. Image acquisition and embodiment execution may be performed while the patient remains on a stereotactic table, after the severed tissue specimen has been aspirated through a vacuum tube and deposited into the specimen tray, and before the tissue specimen has been removed from the specimen tray, before the tissue specimen is removed from a housing of the tissue biopsy and handling system. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a schematic of a tissue biopsy and handling system  100  (generally, tissue biopsy system  100 ) constructed according to one embodiment is shown. While the schematic of  FIG.  1    shows certain features of tissue biopsy system  100 , tissue biopsy system  100  may include components and features of a tissue biopsy system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,130 B2, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full. 
     The exemplary tissue biopsy system  100  includes a tissue filter or tissue holder assembly  110  (generally, tissue filter assembly  110 ). Tissue filter assembly  110  is attached to and connected between a biopsy excision tool  120  and a suction canister  130 . Biopsy excision tool  120  and tissue filter assembly  110  are in fluid communication with each other via an inlet line  122 . Tissue filter assembly  110  and suction canister  130  are in communication with each other through an evacuation suction line  132 . A vacuum source (not shown in  FIG.  1   ) is in communication with evacuation suction line  132  and/or suction canister  130  so that activation of vacuum source results in aspiration of a tissue specimen  123  excised by biopsy excision tool  120  and one or more bodily or added fluids  124  through inlet line  122  into a tissue storage compartment of a specimen tray of tissue filter assembly  110 . 
     Tissue biopsy system  100  includes an imaging unit  140  that is positioned relative to tissue filter assembly  110  so that excised tissue specimen  123  and fluids  124  deposited into tissue filter assembly  110  are positioned in a field of view of imaging unit  140  including an X-ray imaging device  141  that generates an X-ray image  150 . X-ray imaging device  141  utilizes photons within an energy range of about 10 keV to about 100 keV and wavelengths of about ˜0.01 nm to ˜10 nm. X-ray imaging device  141  is in communication with an image processor  160  that receives inputs including data of generated or X-ray image  150 . 
     Image processor  160  according to embodiments generates a modified X-ray image  150   m  (“m” referring to “modified”) by executing an imaging algorithm that utilizes image masks  170  and a structural or geometric configuration  172  of at least a portion of specimen tray of tissue filter assembly  110  that was imaged and depicted in X-ray image  150 . Image processor  160  is also in communication with a display  180  of tissue biopsy system  100  to present modified X-ray image  150   m  to a user or operator of tissue biopsy system  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , in one embodiment of a computer-implemented method  200  executed by tissue biopsy system  100  generally illustrated in  FIG.  1   , at  202 , after tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  have been deposited into a tissue storage compartment of a specimen tray of tissue filter assembly  110 , X-ray imaging device  141  is activated to acquire X-ray image  150  of severed tissue specimen  123 . At  204 , image processor  160  executes imaging algorithm to determine structural or geometric configuration  172  of at least a portion of the specimen tray that was imaged and depicted in X-ray image  150 , and at  206 , executes a plurality of image masks  170  on respective selected portions of X-ray image  150  generated by X-ray imaging device  141  based on structural or geometric configuration  172 . The resulting selectively modified X-ray image is generated by modifying certain pixels of the X-ray image  150 . Modified X-ray image  150   m  can then be presented to user via UI  182  of display  180  or otherwise communicated or stored at  208 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , in one embodiment of a computer-implemented method  200  executed by tissue biopsy system  100  generally illustrated in  FIG.  1   , at  302 , X-ray imaging device  141  is activated to acquire X-ray image  150  of tissue specimen  123  in storage compartment of specimen tray of tissue filter assembly  110 . At  304 , image processor determines a structural or geometric configuration  172  of at least a portion of specimen tray including the storage compartment with tissue specimen  123  that was imaged and depicted in X-ray image  150 . At  306 , image processor executes image masks  170  including an internal compartment mask and partial structure mask based at least in part on determined geometric configuration  171 . At  308 , image processor  160  selectively modifies X-ray image  150  based on results of mask execution, and at  310 , displays modified X-ray image  150  to user via UI of display  180 . 
       FIGS.  4 - 7 M  illustrate exemplary tissue biopsy systems  100  and tissue filter assemblies  110  thereof according to certain embodiments that may be used to implement and/or execute X-ray image modification embodiments. Aspects of exemplary tissue biopsy system components are described with reference to  FIGS.  4 - 7 M , with  FIGS.  7 E-M  depicting embodiments with different fluid management configurations and associated additional structures. Further details of X-ray modification and imaging algorithms utilizing the exemplary tissue filter assemblies of  FIGS.  7 A-M  are described with reference to  FIGS.  8 - 11   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 A-B , exemplary tissue biopsy system  100  incorporating embodiments for real-time modification of X-ray images  150  of tissue specimens  123  is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, exemplary tissue biopsy system  100  includes a main housing or cabinet  400  that includes an imaging cabinet  402  and a filter drawer  430 . Filter drawer  430  can slide within imaging cabinet  402  between an open position  431  (shown in  FIG.  4 A ) and a closed position  432  (shown in  FIG.  4 B ). In open position  431 , filter drawer  430  is ejected or pulled out by radiologist to extend outwardly from imaging cabinet  402  thereby permitting insertion and removal of tissue filter assembly  110 . Filter drawer  430  is pushed or inserted into imaging cabinet  402  and into closed position  432  in which X-ray imaging device  141  (located inside of imaging cabinet  402 ) is positioned relative to tissue filter assembly  110  such that severed tissue specimen  123  contained in tissue filter assembly  110  is positioned in a field of view of X-ray imaging device  141 . 
     X-ray imaging device  141  may be configured so that X-ray image  150  is acquired with X-ray imaging device  141 , and then tissue filter assembly  110  containing tissue specimen  123  is moved or rotated to position the next tissue specimen  123  in the field of view for imaging. The position of X-ray imaging device  141  may also be adjusted, but for ease of explanation and not limitation, reference is made to tissue filter assembly  110  or specimen tray thereof being rotatable to place tissue specimen  123  in a field of view of X-ray imaging device  141  in imaging cabinet  402 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment shown in  FIG.  4 A , biopsy excision tool  120  is in communication with a remote control  410  that is operable by radiologist to activate and control the mode of operation and other controls of biopsy excision tool  120 .  FIGS.  4 A-B  also illustrate suction canister  130  and associated evacuation suction line  132  in communication with tissue filter assembly  110  through main housing  400 . Suction canister  130  may be a disposable canister that serves for collection, retention and disposal of waste generated during the biopsy procedure including for one or more fluids  124  such as excess saline and/or blood aspirated through tissue filter assembly  110 . Tissue biopsy system  100  may also include a footswitch  440  that allows the surgeon to manually activate and/or control the biopsy excision tool  120 , and system mode or control status and/or system mode or control parameters can be displayed or adjusted via technologist control display  420 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates in further detail how imaging cabinet  402  of tissue biopsy system  100  can be configured. In the illustrated embodiment, tissue filter assembly  110  defining respective tissue storage compartments is removably inserted into filter drawer  430 . Filter drawer  430  is slidably inserted into and removed from imaging cabinet  402 . Tissue filter assembly  110  is structured so that tissue storage compartments are positioned to be in communication with and between biopsy excision tool  120  via inlet line  122  and suction canister  130  via evacuation suction or outlet tube  132 . During use, tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  excised by biopsy excision tool  120  are aspirated through inlet line  122  and deposited into tissue storage compartments of tissue filter assembly  110 . Excess fluid  124  may be aspirated through evacuation suction line  132  and into suction canister  130 . Imaging cabinet  402  includes or houses X-ray imaging device  141 , and imaging cabinet  402  includes a detector plate  510  for detecting emitted X-rays and generating X-ray image  150 . Tissue specimen  123  is positioned in a field of view of X-ray imaging device  141 , 
     Image processor  160  may also be included in imaging cabinet  402 , but embodiments are not so limited. For example, image processor  160  or components thereof may be located remotely relative to tissue biopsy system  100  to allow for remote image processing, remote execution of image masks  170  and remote execution of machine intelligence and object detection within tissue specimens  123 . For ease of explanation, reference is made to real-time imaging and acquisition of X-ray image  150 . 
     Filter drawer  430  defines tubing channels  520  for inlet line  122  and outlet or suction line  132 . Vacuum source (not shown) is in communication with suction or outlet line  132  and/or suction canister  130  so that activation of vacuum source results in aspiration of tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  through inlet line  122  and into a tissue storage compartment of tissue filter assembly  110 . Waste or extra fluid may be aspirated through evacuation suction line  132  into suction canister  130 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  4 A-B , and with continuing reference to  FIG.  5   , imaging cabinet  402  includes a control panel  460  with buttons or UI elements (for control panels in the form of a touchscreen) to allow a user to select or adjust various operating parameters of biopsy system  100  such as imaging parameters or filters and to request generation of modified X-ray image  150   m  according to embodiments, and display  180  is provided to present modified X-ray image  150   m  generated according to embodiments to user. In certain embodiments, these parameters may be adjusted via one or more UI elements  182  on the display  180 . 
     For example, image processor  160  may execute imaging algorithm including one or more image masks  170  such as a predefined Region Of Interest (ROI) mask to exclude portions of X-ray image  150  depicting a metal collimator  142  of X-ray imaging device  141 , a compartment mask executed on a portion of X-ray image  150  depicting a tissue storage compartment interior, a partial structure mask executed on a portion of X-ray image  150  depicting specimen tray walls and part of the compartment interior that is not encompassed by compartment mask, one or more extraneous object masks for other objects affixed to or embedded within specimen tray such as a magnet or printed indicia, and a background image mask, e.g., for other plastic surrounding or base materials. Image processor  160  is also in communication with computer display  180  of tissue biopsy system  100  to process user interactions via UI  182 , e.g., to process user request for X-ray image modifications according to embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , an exemplary biopsy excision tool  120  and tissue filter assembly  110  are shown. A distal end of biopsy excision tool  120  includes an introducer  620  for insertion of a biopsy needle  622  that is attached to a driver of the biopsy excision tool  120  and is configured for tissue extraction. For these purposes, a proximal end of biopsy excision tool  120  is in communication with a saline/aspiration tubing assembly  610  comprising inlet line  122  for delivery of saline fluid  124  and delivery of fluid to filter assembly  110 . An exemplary saline/aspiration tubing assembly  610  as shown in  FIG.  6    may include a suction line  612  through which tissue specimen  123  excised by needle  622  of biopsy excision tool  120  is aspirated together with fluid  124  such as saline that is introduced via one or more inlet values or saline lines  614 . Excised tissue specimen  123  and fluid(s)  124  are aspirated through suction line  612  that is in communication with an inlet into filter assembly  110 . An outlet of tissue filter assembly  110  is in fluid communication with suction canister  130  via evacuation suction line  132 . 
       FIGS.  7 A-D  illustrate an exemplary configuration of tissue filter assembly  110  that is in fluid communication between biopsy excision tool  120  and suction canister  130 . In the depicted embodiment, tissue filter assembly  110  includes a housing or cover  710  and a base  730 . Cover  710  removably attaches onto base  730  to define an interior or chamber in which a tissue specimen holder or tray, or filter holder or specimen tray  720  (generally, specimen tray  720 ) is enclosed. Base  730  includes a spindle  732  that receives a hub  722  of specimen tray  720  such that specimen tray  720  is rotatable about a rotational axis  740  defined by the spindle  732  and rotatable relative to base  730  and cover  710  about axis  740 . In other words, base  730  and cover  710  are stationary and specimen tray  720  rotates within the chamber defined by base  730  and cover  710 . Specimen tray  720  may be rotated using any suitable actuator including a magnetic drive system (not shown in  FIGS.  7 A-D ) in which one or more magnetic elements are disposed on or embedded within specimen tray  720 , which rotates by a magnetic force of a magnet in an actuator. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A-D , base  730  includes a bottom member or surface  734  and a cylindrical, circumferential outer sidewall  736  (generally, sidewall  736 ). Sidewall  736  extends upwardly from bottom member  734  and has an inner diameter so that specimen tray  720  is rotatable by spindle  732  of base  730  that receives hub  722  of specimen tray  720  such that specimen tray  720  is rotatable about a rotational axis  740 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A-D , specimen tray  720  also includes a bottom member that may include a filter material  724  and a cylindrical, circumferential sidewall  726  (generally, sidewall  726 ) extending upwardly from bottom member  724 . In certain embodiments, bottom surface  724  of specimen tray  720  includes a porous filter material. Filter material may be a single filter, such as a filter sheet that covers the entire bottom of specimen tray  720  and through which excess fluid  124  flows into suction canister  130 . Alternatively, filter material may be individual filters disposed on the bottom of each tissue storage compartment  728 . 
     Specimen tray  720  also includes a plurality of inner or dividing walls  727  (generally, dividing wall  727 ) extending radially from center or hub  722  to the inner surface of sidewall  726  to define respective tissue storage compartments  728 . In the illustrated embodiment, specimen tray  720  defines 12 tissue storage compartments  728 A-L (generally, tissue storage compartment  728 ). In the illustrated configuration, specimen tray  720  defines an angular arrangement of storage compartments  728  that are in the shape of “pie” or “wedge” shaped segments, each of which is defined by two dividing walls  727  and an arcuate portion of sidewall  726 . Tissue storage compartments  728  are separated, and partially defined, by radially extending dividing walls  727 . It will be understood that specimen tray  720  may define other numbers of tissue storage compartments  728  and have other configurations such that  FIGS.  7 A-D  are provided for purposes of illustration and explanation, not limitation. 
     During a biopsy procedure, tissue specimens  123  and fluid(s)  124  are aspirated through biopsy needle  622  to in-line tissue storage chamber  728 . Tissue chamber indicia or identifiers  750   a - l  (generally, compartment indicia  750 ) are provided to identify respective tissue storage compartments  728  and respective tissue specimens  123  therein. Compartment indicia  750  may be printed or engraved alpha-numeric indicators. For example, radiopaque tungsten ink may be utilized for compartment indicia  750  so that they are visible in X-ray image  151 . In the illustrated embodiment, compartment indicia  750  are alpha indicators in the form of letters A-L to identify respective 12 tissue storage compartments  728 A-L. 
     Certain embodiments may involve initially reducing fluid  124  in tissue storage compartments  728  before tissue specimen  123  imaging. Embodiments are then executed for image processing of tissue specimens  123  in the presence of remaining fluid  124 . 
     According to one embodiment, a fluid management device  760  may be disposed in the interior of base  730 . Embodiments may involve removal of fluids  124  from tissue storage compartment  728  with a mechanical device in the form of fluid management device  760  to address fluids  124  remaining in tissue storage compartments  728  and that continue to interfere with imaging of severed tissue specimens  123 . 
       FIGS.  7 E-M  depict another exemplary configuration of filter assembly  110  that is in fluid communication between biopsy excision tool  120  and suction canister  130  and including additional structures for improved fluid management and to control removal of fluids  124  from tissue storage compartment  728 .  FIGS.  7 E-M  illustrate one embodiment of a tissue filter assembly  110  for receiving a plurality of tissue samples and with a base  730  that is structurally configured for enhanced fluid management. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, tissue filter assembly  110  includes a housing having a base  730  and a cover  710  which removably attaches onto the base  730 . Base  730  and attached cover  710  form an interior or chamber in which specimen tray  720  is enclosed. As discussed above with reference to FIGS. A-D, base  730  has a hub with a spindle which receives a hub of specimen tray  720  such that specimen tray  720  is rotatable relative to the housing  710  about an axis  740 , e.g., using a magnetic drive system. The bottom of tissue specimen tray  720  has a tissue filter  724  comprising a porous filter material. 
     Base  730  has a bottom surface  734  and a circumferential sidewall  736  extending upwardly from bottom surface  734 . Tissue filter assembly  110  also includes a platform  760  with a platform opening  762 . A fluid channel  764  is located below platform  760  (see dashed arrow in  FIG.  7 E  pointing to fluid channel  764  below platform  760 ). As used in this specification, the term “fluid channel” may be any passage that is capable of transporting fluid, such as gas (e.g., air) and/or liquid. 
     Platform  760  has a planar horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the bottom of specimen tray  720  may rest on the planar horizontal surface of platform  760  as specimen tray  720  rotates relative to base  730 . In other embodiments, the bottom of specimen tray  720  may be spaced away from the planar horizontal surface of platform  760  by a small distance, such as less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.05 mm. Fluid channel  764  extends circumferentially around hub  731  of base  730  underneath platform  760 , and is in fluid communication with a plenum  766  at base  730 . Suction line  132  is coupled to plenum  766  for applying suction inside plenum  766  and fluid channel  764 . Tissue filter assembly  110  also includes flow comb  768  located below platform opening  762 . In some embodiments, flow comb  768  may extend from platform opening  762  into fluid channel  764 . During use, fluid from specimen tray  720  is drawn into platform opening  762  due to suction in fluid channel  764  applied by suction line  132 . Flow comb  768  breaks up the fluid, which is transported by fluid channel  764  around hub  731  of base  730  to reach plenum  766 . Plenum  766  allows a certain amount of fluid to be collected while fluid is being suctioned by suction line  132  out of plenum  766  via outlet or vacuum port  770 . In some embodiments, outlet port  770  has an inner diameter of 0.26 inch. In other embodiments, outlet port  770  may have an inner diameter of other dimensions, which may be larger than 0.26 inch or smaller than 0.26 inch. 
     In one embodiment, fluid channel  764  extends about 270° (e.g., 270°±20°) circumferentially around hub  731  of base  730  such that fluid in fluid channel  764  travels an angular distance of about 270° circumferentially around hub  731  to reach plenum  766 . In other embodiments, fluid channel  764  may extend around hub  731  circumferentially through other angular range. For example, fluid channel  764  may extend around hub  731  through an angle that is at least 180°. Also, in the illustrated embodiments, platform  760  extends circumferentially around a majority of space between hub  731  and circumferential sidewall  736 . In other embodiments, platform  760  may extend around hub  731  by a range that is different from that illustrated. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 E , this embodiment of tissue filter assembly  110  also includes an imaging platform  772  that corresponds with an imaging position for imaging tissue specimens  123 . An imager may be located under imaging platform  772 . In particular, when tissue specimen  123  in specimen tray  720  is placed above imaging platform  772 , imaging may be performed by imager underneath imaging platform  772  to image tissue specimen  123 . In some embodiments, imaging platform  772  is a molded piece having solid walls that is raised above bottom surface  734  to prevent fluid from collecting in and around imaging area. During use, one of the tissue storage compartments  728  containing tissue specimen  123  to be imaged is placed above imaging platform  772 . In some cases, filter or bottom surface  724  of specimen tray  720  may sit flush on imaging platform  772 . It should be noted that imaging platform  772  is a separate piece from platform  766 , and does not define any fluid channel. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 F , cover  710  also includes a raised portion  711  that defines a vaulted compartment corresponding to an imaging position of tissue specimens  123 . In particular, when a tissue storage compartment  728  containing tissue specimen  123  is placed below raised portion  711  and above imaging platform surface  772 , imaging may then be performed to image tissue specimen  123 . 
     In some embodiments, platform opening  762 , fluid channel  764 , and flow comb  768  may be considered as parts of a fluid removal mechanism. Fluid removal mechanism is configured for removing fluid from bottom surface filter  734  underlying the bottom of a plurality of tissue storage compartments  728  in order to improve the quality of images acquired of tissue specimens  123  in tissue storage compartments  728 . In other embodiments, the structures that participate in defining fluid channel  764  may also be considered to be parts of the fluid removal mechanism. For example, platform  760  above fluid channel  764  and/or a bottom member of base  730  below fluid channel  764  may be considered to be parts of fluid removal mechanism. In further embodiments, plenum  766  and/or suction line  132  may be considered to be parts of fluid removal mechanism. 
       FIG.  7 G  illustrates a partial transparent view of tissue filter assembly  110 . Cover  710  of tissue filter assembly  110  is illustrated as being partially transparent so that specimen tray  720  under cover  710  can be seen. 
       FIG.  7 H  illustrates tissue filter assembly  110  with cover  710  removed. Circumferential sidewall  736  of base  730  defines a space for accommodating specimen tray  720 . When specimen tray  720  is rotatably coupled to base  730 , specimen tray  720  is separated from circumferential sidewall  736  by a gap  776 . This allows specimen tray  720  to rotate relative to base  730  without interference. 
       FIG.  71    illustrates base  730  of tissue filter assembly  110  with cover  710  and specimen tray  720  removed. As shown in  FIG.  71   , platform  760  of base  730  of tissue filter assembly  10  is presented in a partial transparent format in order to illustrate a part of flow comb  768  underneath platform  760 . 
       FIG.  7 J  illustrates base  730  of tissue filter assembly  110 , in particular, platform  760  removed from base  730 . Imaging platform  772  and the extent of flow comb  768  can be seen. As shown in the figure, base  730  includes a bottom member  780  surrounded by circumferential sidewall  736  of base  730 . Bottom member  780  has an elevation that is below that of flow comb  768 . In some embodiments, imaging platform  772  and/or flow comb  768  may be molded together with bottom member  780 . As shown in the figure, flow comb  768  has an arcuate shape, which allows fluid  124  to be transported along a curvilinear path from platform opening  762  into fluid channel  764 . In the illustrated embodiments, flow comb  768  has six parallel flow channels. In other embodiments, flow comb  768  may have more than six parallel flow channels (e.g., seven, eight, nine channels, etc.), or fewer than six flow channels (e.g., five, four, three, two channel). In some cases, flow comb  768  may include at least four flow channels. Also, in the illustrated embodiments, flow comb  768  has a length that is longer than a dimension of platform opening  762  measured along a longitudinal axis of fluid channel  764 . In other embodiments, flow comb  768  has a length that is shorter than, or the same as, a dimension of platform opening  762  measured along a longitudinal axis of fluid channel  764 . Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiments, a first part of flow comb  768  adjacent platform opening  762  may have a first slope that is approximately vertical (e.g., 90°±20°), a second part of flow comb  768  following the first part may have a second slope that is approximately 45°±20°, and a third part of flow comb  768  following the second part and extending inside fluid channel  764  may have a third slope that is approximately 0°±20°. In other embodiments, flow comb  768  may have other sloping profiles. In some embodiments, surface treatment may be applied to flow comb  768  to assist in flow of fluid  124  over the flow comb  768 . For example, in some embodiments, anti-coagulant coating, hydrophobic coating, or other treatments may be applied on the surface of flow combs  768 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 K , bottom member  780  and platform  760  together define fluid channel  764 . Platform  760  and fluid channel  764  are located below specimen tray  720  when specimen tray  720  is coupled to base  730 . Fluid channel  764  is configured to provide suction for transporting fluid  124  through fluid channel  764 . 
       FIG.  7 L  illustrates a partial cut-away view of tissue filter assembly  110 , particularly showing specimen tray  720  having been loaded inside the interior defined by base  730  and cover  710 . Cover  710  includes a protrusion  782  configured to mate with an opening  784  at hub  722  of specimen tray  720 . The lower part of hub  722  of specimen tray  720  has an opening for receiving hub  731  of base  730 , and hub  722  includes a slot for receiving spindle  732  of base  730 . Thus, rotation of spindle  732  will cause specimen tray  720  to rotate relative to base  730 . Protrusion  782  from cover  110  and hub  731  of base  730  extend into hub  722  of specimen tray  720  from opposite directions, thereby stabilizing specimen tray  720  during rotation. Accordingly, specimen tray  720  is removably coupled to spindle  732  (drive member) at base  730  and configured to be selectively rotated thereby about an axis  140  that is substantially orthogonal (e.g. 90°±10°) with respect to bottom member  780 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7 L , inlet port  122  at cover  110  is radially aligned with a respective tissue storage compartments  728 , and also radially aligned with the platform opening  762  formed at least partially with platform  760 . Accordingly, when tissue specimen  123  with fluid  124  is delivered into inlet port  122 , tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  are deposited into respective tissue storage compartments  728 . Tissue specimen  123  is contained by bottom surface filter  734  while fluid  124  exits through bottom surface filter  734  and through platform opening  762  of platform  760 . During use of tissue filter assembly  110 , suction will be provided inside of fluid channel  764  to help draw fluid  124  from the bottom of specimen tray  720  and into platform opening  762 . 
       FIG.  7 M  illustrates a partial cut-away view of tissue filter assembly  110  of  FIG.  7 L , particularly showing fluid flow direction. As shown, a tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  from biopsy device  120  enter into tissue filter assembly  110  via inlet port  122 . Tissue specimen  123  is deposited into one of the tissue storage compartments  728  in specimen tray  720 . Bottom surface filter  734  prevents tissue specimen  123  from exiting through bottom of specimen tray  720  while allowing fluid  124  to pass therethrough. Due to suction provided in fluid channel  764 , fluid  124  enters into platform opening  762  at platform  760 , and is broken up by flow comb  768  inside of fluid channel  764 . Fluid  124  is then transported, due to suction force inside fluid channel  764 , through fluid channel  764 , and exits via exit port  97  at circumferential sidewall  746  into plenum  766 . Plenum  766  allows a certain amount of fluid  124  to be collected while fluid  124  is being suctioned out of plenum  766  via outlet port into suction line  132 . 
     While various tissue filter assembly  100  configurations have been described with reference to  FIGS.  7 A-D  and  FIGS.  7 E-M , it will be understood that embodiments may involve or utilize various tissue filter assembly  100  configurations including those with particularly configured mechanical fluid management devices  760  as described with reference to  FIGS.  7 E-M  to reduce the amount of fluid  124  that is imaged. Thus, certain fluid management devices  760  are described herein as non-limiting examples how fluids  124  that are subjected to image processing can be reduced and removed from a tissue storage compartment  728 . It will also be understood that embodiments may not involve mechanical fluid management devices  760 . 
     Having described various aspects, structures and operation of an exemplary tissue biopsy system  100  and components thereof that can be utilized in conjunction with embodiments of processing X-ray images  150  of tissue specimens  123  to generate a modified X-ray image  150   m,  image processing embodiments described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3    are described in further detail with reference to  FIGS.  8 - 11    and the exemplary biopsy system  100  described above with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 7 M . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , one embodiment of image processor  160  of tissue biopsy system  100  is configured or operable for selective X-ray image modification by execution of an imaging algorithm including a plurality image masks  170  based on a structural or geometric configuration  171  of at least a portion of a specimen tray  720  that was imaged and depicted in X-ray image  150 . 
     At  802 , a structural or geometrical configuration  171  or template of specimen tray  720  is received or determined and stored by image processor  160  for subsequent access. 
     Structural or geometrical configuration  171  may include geometric data of tissue storage compartments  728 , sidewalls  726  and inner dividing walls  727 . Sidewall  726 , dividing wall  727  and tissue specimen  123  boundaries within tissue storage compartment  728 , whether placed in a middle of a tissue storage compartment  728  or in contact with a wall, can be determined with structural or geometric configuration data  171  including one or more or all of component dimensions, centers, rotation centers, and radii of curvature for various components. Structural or geometrical configuration  171  or template may also account for other objects embedded within or affixed to specimen tray  720 , such as geometric data of pre-determined printed indicia  750  and a magnet or compartment “zero” position object. Structural or geometric configuration  171  data may include, for example, mass center of printed indicia  750 , the location of magnet relative to storage compartments  728 , the size or dimensions of indicia  750  and a magnet, a center thereof, and a radius thereof as applicable. While printed indicia and magnets are provided as examples of such objects, other objects and image data thereof may be processed depending on specimen tray  720  configurations and processing. 
     With the exemplary tissue biopsy systems  100  described above, a single magnet may be sufficient for magnetically driven rotation of specimen tray  720 , and such magnet may be positioned between or adjacent to a compartment  728  with printed indicia “A” (where magnet of specimen tray  720  is imaged as brightest portion in  FIG.  9   ) and a compartment  728  with printed indicia “L” as an example. The magnet may not only serve to rotation specimen tray  720 , but also as a compartment “zero” or reference marker. Thus, it will be understood that one or more storage compartments  728  may be adjacent to a magnet, whereas other storage compartments  728  are not. 
     At  804 , tissue biopsy system  100  is activated and utilized to sever tissue specimen  123 . For example, as described above with reference to  FIG.  6   , this may involve insertion of biopsy needle  622  into a patient and biopsy needle  622  being attached to a driver of the biopsy excision tool  120  for tissue extraction. 
     At  806 , severed tissue specimen  123  is delivered via suction through lumen of inlet line  122  and deposited into storage compartment  728  of specimen tray  720  of tissue filter assembly  110 . For example, as described above with reference to  FIG.  6   , proximal end of biopsy excision tool  120  is in communication with a saline/aspiration tubing assembly  610  comprising inlet line  122  for delivery of saline fluid  124  and delivery of fluid to filter assembly  110 , and tissue specimen  123  excised by needle  622  of biopsy excision tool  120  is aspirated together with fluid  124  through suction line  612  that is in communication with an inlet into filter assembly  110  to deposit severed tissue specimen  123  and fluid  124  into storage compartment  128 . 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG.  8   , at  808 , X-ray imaging device  141  is activated to acquire X-ray image  150  of tissue specimen  123  in storage compartment  728  and at least a portion of specimen tray  720 . X-ray image  150  is stored and/or provided to image processor  160 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates an exemplary X-ray image  150  of a portion of specimen tray  720  including storage compartment  728 . While  FIG.  9    is an X-ray image  150  rather than an actual specimen tray  720 , reference numbers of specimen tray  720  and other structures are provided in  FIG.  9    for reference to identify physical structures of specimen tray  720  depicted in X-ray image  150 . 
     In the illustrated example, X-ray image  150  includes one complete specimen compartment  728  defined by arcuate, cylindrical or circumferential outer sidewall  736   o  (“o” referring to “outer,” generally, outer sidewall  736   o ), an arcuate, cylindrical or circumferential inner sidewall  736   i  (“i” referring to “inner,” generally inner sidewall  736   i ), and inner dividing walls  727   a - b.  Tissue specimen (not shown) is deposited into storage compartment  728  and imaged by X-ray imaging device  141 . 
       FIG.  9    further illustrates X-ray image  150  as generated by X-ray imaging device  141  relative to a pre-determined structural or geometric framework  171  including rotation point or rotation center (0) or axis  740  and associated x axis  901  and y axis  902 .  FIG.  9    further illustrates how specimen tray  720  and compartment  728  structure depicted in X-ray image  150  are expressed relative to different references and radii such as rotation center (0) or axis  740 , x axis  901  and y axis  902 . 
     In particular, Line OA  911  extends from rotation center (0) or axis  740  through center of printed indicia or landmark  750  to represent or approximate a lengthwise center line of storage compartment  728 . Exemplary X-ray image  150  is an image of specimen tray  720  defining 12 tissue storage compartments (A-L), with only one complete storage compartment  728  included in X-ray image  150  and identified by printed indicia  750  “A.” However, it will be understood that embodiments are not so limited and that X-ray image  150  is provided as an example to describe how embodiments may be implemented.  FIG.  9    also illustrates an example in which X-ray image  150  is not in proper rotational alignment. Line O-A  911  is displaced in a clockwise direction relative to Y axis  902 . In other words, Line O-A  911  through printed indicial  750  “A” is not coincident with Y axis  902 . 
     Line OB  912  extends from rotation center (0) or axis  740  and through an approximate center of dividing wall  727   b.  Line OC  913  extends from rotation center (0) or axis  740  and through an approximate center of dividing wall  727   a.  Thus, Lines OB  912  and OC  913  effectively split imaged dividing walls  727   b,    727   c  into two image sections—an “inner” wall section or inner wall that defines at least a portion of storage compartment  728 , and an “outer” wall section or outer wall. Arcuate sidewalls  736   i,o  in X-ray image  150  may also be similarly divided into “inner” and “outer” portions as described in further detail below, but based on other structural criteria besides Lines OB and OC  912 ,  913 . As described in further detail below, imaging algorithm, according to certain embodiments, utilizes this virtual splitting of specimen tray walls  727  to generate modified X-ray image  150   m.    
       FIG.  9    also illustrates different radius and curvatures relative to rotation center (0) or axis  740  including Radius R1  921  representing a virtual radius of outer sidewall  736   o  from axis  740 , Radius R2  922  representing a virtual radius of inner sidewall  736   i  from axis  740 , Radius R3  923  representing a virtual radius of a wall  736   m  (“m” referring to magnet) relative to axis  740 , and Radius R4  924  and Radius R5  925  representing respective virtual radii of respective boundaries of imaging mask  170  described in further detail below. 
     X-ray image  150  of  FIG.  9    also includes dark corner areas  931  and a surrounding light area  932  resulting from imaging a portion of collimator  142  of X-ray imaging device  141  that was in the field of view when X-ray image  150  was acquired. 
     Referring to again to  FIG.  8   , at  810 , image processor  160  executes an imaging mask  170  of a ROI mask to remove image portions  931  and  932 , e.g., using segmentation or other image processing or filter suitable for radiopaque/metal objects. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , at  812 , image processor  160  identifies a registration and/or orientation reference for determining whether X-ray image  150  is in proper lateral and/or rotational alignment for correspondence to known structural or geometric structure  171  of imaged specimen tray  720 . Registration and/or orientation references may include, for example, x axis  901 , y axis  902 , and rotation center (0)  740 . At  814 , image processor  160  identifies printed indicia or landmark  750  (e.g., printed “A”) associated with storage compartment  728  of specimen tray  720 . Printed indicia or landmark  750  may be a pre-determined letter, shape or indicator (e.g., from Letters “A” to “L”) so that this limited set of pre-determined characters is identifiable by character recognition or selectable by user via UI  182  as indicia  750  for a compartment  728 . At  816 , having identified or received selection of indicia or landmark  750 , image processor  160  determines the center, e.g., mass center, of printed indicia  750 , which in the illustrated embodiment, is also identified by Line OA  911 . Line OA  911  represents an estimated lengthwise central line of compartment  728 . 
     At  818 , embodiments determine whether rotational misalignment adjustments are required. This may be done by rotating X-ray image  150  as needed based on step  816  to correct rotational positioning of X-ray image  150 . For example, in the illustrated example, X-ray image  150  is not in proper rotational alignment as a result of Line O-A  911  being rotated in a clockwise direction relative to Y axis  902 . In other words, Line O-A  911  is rotationally displaced since it is not coincident with Y axis  902 . In this case, X-ray image  150  is rotated until Line O-A  911  is in alignment or coincident with Y axis  902 . X-ray image  150  may already be in proper rotational alignment such that no rotational adjustment is needed. Further, in other embodiments, to adapt to rotational misalignment, X-ray image orientation may remain as imaged and embodiments can instead rotate or reposition image masks  170  and structural or geometric configuration  171  as described in further detail below. Rotational adjustments, whether of X-ray image  150  and/or image masks  170  and structural or geometric configuration  171 , may be clockwise or counter-clockwise. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , at  820 , image processor  160  determines X-ray collimator offsets  941 ,  942  within X-ray image  160 , for example, left collimator offset  941  relative to outer edge of outer sidewall  736   o  and right collimator offset relative to outer edge of inner sidewall  736   i.  In the illustrated example, left collimator offset  941  is larger than right collimator offset  942 . X-ray image  150  can be translated at  822  to center so that X-ray image  150  depicting specimen tray  720  or portion thereof corresponds with a known structural or geometric configuration  171  of the specimen tray  720  or portion thereof. There may be cases where X-ray image  150  is already properly centered and no offset adjustment is needed. Further, in other embodiments, to adapt to collimator offsets, X-ray image position may remain as imaged and embodiments can instead reposition image masks  170  and structural or geometric configuration  171 . Thus, embodiments can adapt to manufacturing imperfections and collimator offsets during imaging, whether such imperfections result in rotational and/or offset adjustments. 
     Thus, after any rotational and/or offset adjustments, X-ray image  150  of specimen tray  720  or portion thereof corresponds to the known structural or geometric configuration  171  of the actual specimen tray  720  or portion thereof. Image masks  170 , based on structural or geometric configuration  170 , are ready for execution on X-ray image  150 . 
     At  824 , image processor  160  executes imaging algorithm including a compartment mask  951 , which is executed on a portion of X-ray image  150  depicting an internal area of storage compartment  728 . Compartment mask  951  substantially conforms to a contour of the interior of the storage compartment  728  defined by a plurality of walls of specimen tray  720 , which in the illustrated embodiment, includes dividing walls  727  and arcuate sidewalls  736  and arcuate wall portion  956  (resulting from imaging of a magnet  953 ). Different magnet shapes will result in different image  953  profiles so that the shape of wall portion  956  will reflect such shapes. Moreover, in the absence of a magnet, outer side wall  936   o  would extend between dividing walls  727   a,b  without wall portion  956  resulting from magnet imaging. Accordingly, it will be understood that  FIG.  9    is provided for purposes of illustration, not limitation. 
     Compartment mask  951  enhances at least one of a brightness and a contrast of pixels of X-ray image  150  depicting tissue specimen  123  within boundary of compartment mask  951 . In the illustrated embodiment and the depicted specimen tray  720  configuration, boundary of compartment mask  951  includes a pair of linear boundary sections and a pair of arcuate boundary sections extending between the linear boundary sections and an arcuate section following contour of wall section  956  adjacent to portion of X-ray image of imaged magnet. It will be understood that compartment mask  951  boundary may be different shapes depending on the shape of a tissue storage compartment  728  such that the linear/arcuate configuration shown in figures and described herein is provided for purpose of illustration and explanation, not limitation. In this manner, compartment mask  951  boundary is contained within interior of storage compartment  728  and excludes dividing walls  727   a - b,  excludes sidewalls  736   i,    736   o,  as well as wall portion  56 . Compartment mask  951  boundary also excludes results or dark areas  931  and areas  932  as a result of X-ray collimator  142  being within field of view, positioning magnet of specimen tray  720  and other objects outside of storage compartment  728 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  9    in which X-ray image  150  includes an imaged magnet, the wall structure and shape of compartment mask  951  changes compared to when adjacent storage compartments  728  do not have a magnet and no magnet is imaged. In either case, compartment mask  951  substantially follows an inner contour of compartment  728 , and with an imaged magnet as illustrated, includes a first linear boundary section, a second linear boundary section, a first arcuate boundary section, a second arcuate boundary section and a third arcuate boundary section. First arcuate boundary section of compartment mask  951  extends between the first linear boundary section and the second linear boundary section, second arcuate boundary section of the compartment mask extends between the first linear boundary section and the third arcuate boundary section and third boundary section of the compartment mask extends between the second arcuate boundary section and the second linear boundary section. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  9   , radius of curvature of the third arcuate section of compartment mask  951  adjacent to arcuate wall portion  956  is smaller than respective radii of curvature of respective first and second arcuate boundaries of compartment mask  951  and other masks due to curvature around imaged area of magnet. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , at  826 , image processor  160  executes imaging algorithm including partial structure mask  952  on a portion of X-ray image  150  that depicts respective walls (inner walls  727  and outer/inner side walls  736   i,    736   o ) of specimen tray  720  and storage compartment  728 . Boundary of partial structure mask  952  extends around compartment mask  951  or encompasses compartment mask  951 . 
     Boundary of partial structure mask  952  extends along respective lengths of, and partially through, respective walls  727 ,  736  of specimen tray  720  to capture respective inner wall sections of respective walls of specimen tray  720  and a remaining portion of storage compartment  728  that is beyond the boundary of specimen image mask  951 . Thus, partial structure mask  952  is applied to a portion of X-ray image  150  depicting specimen wall structure determined, for example, based on image portions inside of Lines O-B  912  and O-C  913  or based on a pre-determined distance from boundary of compartment mask  951 . Partial structure mask  952  is executed to mask out image portions or reduce at least one of a brightness and a contrast of pixels of the X-ray image  150  depicting outer portions of respective specimen tray walls  727   a,b  and  736   i,o  thereby leaving only an inner portion of specimen tray walls  727   a, b  and  736   i,o.  In other words, partial structure mask  952  cuts the thickness of walls, e.g., keeping 25%, 33% or 50% of the thickness of a wall, whereas the other wall portion that is processed by reducing brightness and/or contrast thereof. 
     In this manner, in an X-ray image  150  that does not include an imaged magnet, boundary of partial structure mask  952 , similar to boundary of compartment mask  951  to include a pair of linear boundary sections and a pair of arcuate boundary sections extending between the linear boundary sections such that partial structure mask can be substantially the same shape as, but encompassing, compartment mask  951 . In an X-ray image  150  including a portion for an imaged magnet, as shown in  FIG.  9   , compartment mask  951  and partial structure mask  952  may have different shapes due to compartment mask  951  including additional curvature as a result of the imaged magnet and resulting wall portion  956 . Further, with an imaged magnet, as shown in  FIG.  9   , a portion of partial structure mask  952  may extend through a portion of X-ray image  150  that was generated by imaging of a magnet or other extraneous object, or in other embodiments, follow the curvature of compartment mask  951  through wall portion  956  so that both compartment mask  951  and partial structure mask have similar shapes. 
     At  828 , image processor  160  identifies or receives user selection of X-ray image  150  portions for “extraneous” objects that are located outside of storage compartment  728  area, such as a magnet and printed indicia. At  830 , image processor  160  identifies respective extraneous object image masks  953 ,  954  for respective identified objects and executes extraneous object image masks  953 ,  954 . A portion of X-ray image  150  generated by imaging a metal magnet may be a bright spot  960  or high attenuation object as depicted in  FIG.  9   , in which case a metal mask  953  for same would substantially reduce at least one of brightness and contrast of the X-ray image  150  or delete this area and fill with pixel values of adjacent image areas. Other objects may be processed differently. For example, it is desirable to maintain imaged printed indicia  750  such that the object mask  954  for these indicia objects selects a ROI that includes the printed indicia  750  to be included in modified X-ray image  150   m.  Such character objects can be identified by a user via UI  182  or via character recognition. 
     Thus, portions of X-ray image  150  for different types of extraneous objects may be processed with different types of extraneous object masks  953 ,  954  that deemphasize or delete a portion of an X-ray image  150 , or maintain and/or enhance a portion of X-ray image  150 . 
     At  832 , image processor  160  executes background image mask  955  on other portions of X-ray image  150  depicting other areas of specimen tray  420 . This may involve, for example, other plastic specimen tray structures or plastic structures utilized for fluid management and that are located outside of partial structure mask  952  or between partial structure mask  952  boundary and ROI mask boundary. These background structures, which may include various added structures for enhanced fluid management control, can be masked out or deemphasized. 
     At  834 , image processor  160  determines contrast and/or brightness adjustments to adapt pixel values to respective thicknesses of tissue specimen  123 . Statistical analysis of portions of X-ray image  150  depicting tissue specimen  123  can be analyzed with statistical analysis, such as one or more of mean value, standard deviation and thresholding, to identify portions of the X-ray image  150  depicting a thinner part of the specimen  123  in contrast to a thicker part of the specimen  123  such that pixel adjustments can be made based on different specimen thicknesses, e.g., brightness values of pixels for thinner and thicker specimen  132  portions are enhanced with respective brightness and contrast so that specimen edges, of both thinner and thicker specimen  132  portions, can be delineated while the thicker specimen  132  portion is not too bright. Thus, pixel values can be selectively adapted across specimen  123  thicknesses. 
     At  836 , a modified X-ray image  150   m  is generated based on respective results of executing various image masks  170  or based on respective results of executing various image masks  170  and specimen thickness adaptation. 
       FIG.  10 A  is a ray X-ray image  150  generated by the X-ray imaging device  141  (before being processed with embodiments) and depicts a magnet (imaged as high attenuation/bright spot).  FIG.  10 B  is a modified X-ray image  150   m  generated according to embodiments. 
     As can be seen by comparing  FIG.  10 A  (raw X-ray image  150 ) and  FIG.  10 B  (modified X-ray image  150   m  generated by embodiments), modified X-ray image  150   m  generated according to embodiments is cleaner, smaller and more focused, and includes more consistent or flatter brightness profile or less brightness variance. Modified X-ray image  150   m  does not include bright, high attenuation image portions (e.g., resulting from imaging a metal magnet or plastic portions of specimen tray  720 ). Embodiments also deemphasize or eliminate image portions for additional tray structure, e.g., additional plastic structure used for fluid management in tissue filter assemblies  100  described above with reference to  FIGS.  7 E-M . Modified X-ray image  150   m  of  FIG.  10 B  is significantly more pleasing to the eye with substantially reduced distractive elements. Modified X-ray image  150   m  generated according to embodiments is less distracting than an X-ray image  150  shown in  FIG.  10 A  and are less likely to contribute to eye fatigue while providing a more productive and efficient review experience. 
       FIGS.  11 A-B  provide another example of a modified X-ray image  150   m  generated according to embodiments for a different tissue storage compartment  728  (identified by printed indicia “G”) that is not adjacent to a magnet and that includes a tissue specimen  123  deposited therein. Similar advantages of modified X-ray image  150   m  in  FIG.  11 B  relative to a raw X-ray image  150  as shown in  FIG.  11 A  are visually apparent including deemphasizing or eliminating image portions for other plastic specimen tray areas while enhancing a tissue specimen  123  within a tissue storage compartment  728 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  8   , at  838 , modified X-ray image  150   m  pixel data is incorporated into a Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) object, which may be exported for display to a user at  840  or communicated to another system or via a network. 
     Thus, as described above, embodiments provide for improved tissue specimen imaging and enhanced X-ray images that selective emphasize certain image portions while eliminating or deemphasizing other image portions by use of selective image masking based on a structural or geometric configuration of the imaged specimen tray. Embodiments achieve these significant imaging improvements, in tissue image processing, which may be in real time during a biopsy procedure or after the biopsy procedure, such that improved imaging results can be presented to the operator who can make a more accurate and efficient analysis and determine, for example, whether additional tissue specimens should be acquired. Embodiments are also adaptable to various system components configurations and tissue specimens and biopsy procedures, one example of which is a breast biopsy procedure. 
     Although particular embodiments of the disclosed inventions have been shown and described, it is to be understood that the above description is provided for purposes of explanation and illustration only. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed inventions. 
     For example, not all of the components depicted and described in the disclosed embodiments are necessary to implement embodiments, and various additional embodiments of the disclosed inventions may include suitable combinations of the described components, including different numbers and combinations of imaging masks. 
     Further, while embodiments have described tissue filter assemblies, specimen trays and associated imaging masks having certain shapes (with linear and/or curved/arcuate walls), it will be understood that embodiments are not so limited, and that embodiments may involve specimen trays with different configurations and compartment configurations and image masks with different respective shapes for different configurations, which may include different combinations of linear and curved/arcuate walls and/or other shaped walls for other specimen storage compartment shapes and specimen tray configurations. 
     Embodiments may be executed to generate modified X-ray images that mask our or deemphasize different portions of tissue filter assemblies and specimen trays depending on the particular structural configuration utilized. For example, embodiments may be executed to mask our or deemphasize additional plastic or other materials structures that are added for fluid management as described with reference to  FIGS.  7 E-M , and tissue filter assemblies may include different fluid management structures. 
     While the systems and methods have been described with reference to imaging of breast tissue samples acquired during a biopsy procedure, embodiments can also be configured and utilized with other types of tissue specimens. 
     Further, while imaging algorithms have been described with respective to various imaging masks, embodiments may involve some or all of these masks and different combinations thereof, which may be executed in different sequences. 
     Accordingly, embodiments are intended to exemplify alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may fall within the scope of the claims.