3D Medical Image Label Display via Opacity Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

In three-dimensional medical imaging, displaying labels for numerous structures within a wide-range image, such as the chest or abdominal area, often results in all labels not being visible on the screen, and switching between display modes is cumbersome due to the large number of labels, making it burdensome for users.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional image display apparatus and method that determines which labels to display based on the opacity of the image, allowing only labels within a specified distance or area to be shown, reducing user intervention and improving visibility by controlling label display automatically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all labels are displayed in a three-dimensional image, then the quantity of information is improved, but the visibility of internal structures deteriorates and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel visibilityVSAvoiddisplay screen visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic label display that automatically adjusts which labels are shown based on the current viewing state of the three-dimensional image. The system monitors the transparency level and automatically determines whether to display labels, creating a dynamic adaptation rather than a static all-or-nothing approach. This resolves the contradiction by making the label display flexible and context-dependent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the three-dimensional image. Labels are displayed selectively in regions where they do not obstruct the view of internal structures, while being hidden in regions where they would block important visual information. This local differentiation allows the system to preserve both label visibility and structural visibility in their respective appropriate areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If manual switching between display modes is implemented, then the label display control is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the large number of labels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel display controlVSAvoiduser operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the three-dimensional image display apparatus automatically determines and adjusts label display without requiring user intervention. The system monitors the transparency level of the displayed image and autonomously decides whether labels should be shown, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between display modes. This resolves the contradiction by transferring the control burden from the user to the automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the current display state (transparency level) and automatically adjusts label visibility based on this feedback. The system responds to changes in the viewing state by automatically determining the appropriate label display mode, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to user needs without requiring manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If labels are displayed when organs are visualized, then the information completeness is improved, but the visibility of internal structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel informationVSAvoidlabel obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic label display that automatically adjusts which labels are shown based on the current viewing state of the three-dimensional image. The system monitors the transparency level and automatically determines whether to display labels, creating a dynamic adaptation rather than a static all-or-nothing approach. This resolves the contradiction by making the label display flexible and context-dependent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different display qualities to different regions of the three-dimensional image. Labels are displayed selectively in regions where they do not obstruct the view of internal structures, while being hidden in regions where they would block important visual information. This local differentiation allows the system to preserve both label visibility and structural visibility in their respective appropriate areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9495794B2Three-dimensional image display apparatus, method, and program

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

A label adding unit adds labels to structures such as a body surface region, a lung region, bronchi, and pulmonary nodules of a human extracted by a structure extraction unit from a three-dimensional image of a chest. An image display control unit displays the three-dimensional image by volume rendering on a display unit. At this time, a label display determination unit determines at least one label to be displayed with the volume rendering image to be displayed based on the opacity during the volume rendering display. A label display control unit displays the determined label with the volume rendering image on the display unit.