Alternating Medical Image Display for Contrast and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time-resolved imaging methods, such as digital subtraction angiography, face challenges in effectively displaying spatial and temporal changes in medical imaging, leading to reduced contrast and increased noise, which can result in misinterpretations during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A method for alternately displaying graphical representations of anatomical structures and spatial/time-related changes using a medical imaging device, where a first image maps the initial state and a second image maps changes, displayed sequentially on a display unit with adjustable durations and repetition rates to minimize radiation exposure and enhance visual perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If superimposition of two subtracted grayscale images is used for roadmapping, then vascular structure visibility is improved, but noise increases additively and structures may cancel each other out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display into separate regions: one displaying the subtracted fluoroscopic image and another displaying the vascular image, rather than superimposing them. This segmentation prevents noise accumulation and structure cancellation while maintaining visibility of both anatomical structures and vascular details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal mixing (superimposition in time) to spatial separation (side-by-side display). By arranging images in different spatial locations on the display device, the system allows users to view both images simultaneously without the harmful effects of additive noise and contrast cancellation.
2Loss of information
If color images and special mixing processes are used to reduce omissions, then image completeness is improved, but interpretative intervention is required and contrast intensity may lead to misinterpretations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color mapping to the grayscale images, where different grayscale values are transformed into different colors. This enhances the visibility of anatomical structures and vascular details without requiring complex interpretative intervention, as the color-coded display intuitively represents structural variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates color-coded copies of the subtracted images and vascular images, displaying them in separate regions. This allows the original grayscale information to be preserved while providing an enhanced color representation that improves visibility without introducing interpretation complexity.
3Loss of information
If multiple images are displayed simultaneously for comprehensive monitoring, then information completeness is improved, but user perception and interpretation become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into distinct regions for different images (subtracted fluoroscopic image, vascular image, and optionally contrast agent distribution image). This spatial segmentation allows users to perceive multiple images simultaneously without the cognitive overload that would result from superimposition or rapid temporal switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different color mappings and display characteristics to different regions of the display device, optimizing the visual presentation for each specific image type. This allows each image to be displayed with optimal contrast and visibility characteristics tailored to its specific informational content.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for alternately displaying graphical representations includes: a) providing a first image that includes a presentation of an anatomical structure of an object of interest; b) providing a second image that reproduces a spatial and/or time-related change in the object of interest; c) displaying a graphical representation of the first or second image on a display surface of a display unit; and d) displaying a graphical representation of the respective other image on the display surface of the display unit, wherein acts c) and d) are carried out one after the other and acts b) to d) are carried out repeatedly.