Three-Dimensional Anatomical Atlas Interface for Database Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anatomical atlases, both printed and electronic, are limited by their two-dimensional representation, which restricts the ability to accurately depict and interact with anatomical structures, particularly in terms of scale and resolution, and lack a comprehensive three-dimensional interface for searching and retrieving information relevant to specific anatomical elements.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a three-dimensional atlas and database, allowing users to interact with anatomical structures through a computing device, enabling selection of labels or keywords for searching information categorized relative to spatial coordinates or anatomical structures, with the capability to display images at multiple scales and link to rich multi-content knowledge databases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If two-dimensional panels are used to depict anatomical structures, then the atlas can be published in printed media format, but the number of slices that can be shown is limited and the resolution is fixed by paper size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional printed panels to three-dimensional digital visualization, allowing simultaneous display of multiple slices at different orientations and contrasts without the spatial constraints of print media. This enables showing 120+ slices with variable magnification in a single interactive view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic control of slice locations, orientations, and magnifications that can be adjusted in real-time by users. The digital format enables continuous zooming and panning across anatomical structures without the fixed panel layouts of printed atlases.
2Manufacturing precision
If the panel covers the entire anatomical element to provide high resolution, then the deliverable resolution is determined by paper size, but users cannot access higher magnification views
Solution Approach 1:
The digital atlas enables dynamic magnification where users can zoom to any level of detail across the entire anatomical structure. The system maintains high resolution throughout by loading only the currently viewed region at maximum magnification, allowing exploration from whole-organ view down to cellular detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements multi-scale visualization where high-resolution detailed views are nested within lower-resolution overview contexts. Users can navigate from macroscopic anatomical structures down to microscopic details, with each level providing context for the next, similar to nested dolls.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic format is used to include larger number of panels with different contrasts, then users can dynamically control slices and magnifications, but there is no consistent coordinate system or link to comprehensive knowledge database
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal three-dimensional coordinate system that serves multiple functions: spatial localization of anatomical structures, registration of multi-contrast images, and indexing of associated knowledge database entries. This single coordinate framework enables all dynamic controls while maintaining consistent spatial references.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a knowledge database as an intermediary layer that connects the visual atlas with comprehensive anatomical information. The database stores structured data linked to coordinate locations, providing contextual information, measurements, and references that enrich the visual exploration while maintaining coordinate consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a system and method for a three-dimensional interface for interacting with a database. The three-dimensional interface can include an interactive three-dimensional atlas depicting an element of anatomy, machine, device, or other object. Given the three-dimensional nature of the atlas, a user can zoom in on particular areas to view them with more specificity. Different structural points of the anatomy are labeled with names or coordinates, such that the user can select one of the structural points and search a database for information related to that specific structural point. The user can also use specific keywords to search with respect to the specific structural point selected. The three-dimensional interface and atlas are displayed to the user on a computing device that can either house the database within its memory or alternately communicate with the database over a network.