3D Medical Image Segmentation with 1D Reference Path Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adjusting three-dimensional medical image segmentations is challenging due to difficulties in visualizing and modifying them on two-dimensional screens, requiring precise positioning of planes which can lead to inefficiencies and the need for repeated repositioning of slices.

Innovation Solution

A control element that allows for adjusting reference locations along a predetermined one-dimensional path within the three-dimensional segmentation, independent of two-dimensional slices, facilitating ergonomic and anatomically meaningful adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two-dimensional slices are used to adjust three-dimensional segmentation, then the segmentation can be visualized on a screen, but the adjustment process requires iterative repositioning of slices and precise plane positioning which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegmentation accuracyVSAvoidadjustment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a one-dimensional slider control that operates independently from the two-dimensional slice display. This slider provides a direct interface for adjusting reference locations along a specific axis, allowing users to modify three-dimensional segmentation parameters without being constrained by slice positioning. The slider translates one-dimensional input directly into three-dimensional segmentation adjustments, bypassing the need for iterative slice repositioning while maintaining visualization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If two-dimensional slices are used for segmentation adjustment, then visualization is possible, but the user interface requires careful selection and repositioning of planes which degrades ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization capabilityVSAvoiduser interface ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a slider control as an intermediary element between the user and the three-dimensional segmentation data. This slider acts as a mediator that translates simple one-dimensional user input into complex three-dimensional segmentation adjustments. The slider maintains the visualization capability through the two-dimensional slice display while providing an ergonomic interface that eliminates the need for users to manually position slices, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4107704B1Image segmentation system
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4107704B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4107704B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4107704B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a medical system (100, 300) comprising a display (112) and a user interface (114). The execution of machine executable instructions (120) causes a processor (104) to: receive (200) three-dimensional medical image data (122) of an anatomical structure (128, 322); receive (202) a three-dimensional segmentation (124) with one or more reference locations (800); display (204) at least one two-dimensional slice (126) of the three-dimensional medical image data; render (206) a cross section (134) of the three-dimensional segmentation, provide (208) a control element (130) of the user interface that is configured for receiving a one-dimensional position of the at least one reference location along a predetermined one-dimensional path (806); receive (210) the one-dimensional position (137) from the control element; adjust (212) the three-dimensional segmentation (124) using the one-dimensional position; and update (214) the rendering of the cross section of the three-dimensional segmentation.