Adjustable Anatomical Imaging Planes from 3D Landmark Coordinates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in efficiently providing adjustable anatomical viewing planes, particularly during interventions like mitral valve procedures, as manual setting is tedious and encoding all relevant planes in a model is difficult.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for providing image data of adjustable anatomical viewing planes using a data input, processor, user interface, and output interface to establish anatomical context, generate a reference coordinate system, define an anchor point, and compute viewing planes based on user-defined parameters, allowing real-time adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual setting of viewing planes is used, then anatomical viewing planes can be obtained, but the process is tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical viewing plane accuracyVSAvoidtime for setting viewing planes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting anatomical landmarks and pre-defining multiple candidate viewing planes based on the 3D image data before user interaction. This preprocessing enables the user to simply select from pre-computed options rather than manually creating planes from scratch, significantly reducing setup time while maintaining anatomical accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically establishing the coordinate system, detecting anatomical reference points, and generating candidate viewing planes without requiring manual intervention. The computer automatically processes the 3D image data to identify anatomical structures and compute optimal viewing planes, eliminating the tedious manual setting process while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If view planes are encoded in a model, then retrieval is faster, but it is challenging to encode all potentially relevant planes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview plane retrieval speedVSAvoidcoverage of relevant planes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamics by generating viewing planes on-demand based on user selection rather than relying on a static pre-encoded set. The candidate viewing planes are dynamically computed from the 3D image data according to anatomical landmarks detected in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to any anatomical variation and provide comprehensive coverage of all potentially relevant planes without being limited by pre-encoding constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies parameter changes by varying the orientation and position parameters of viewing planes based on detected anatomical landmarks and user preferences. Instead of using fixed pre-encoded planes, the system dynamically adjusts plane parameters (normal vectors, positions, orientations) to generate candidate planes that adapt to different anatomical configurations, ensuring both versatility and comprehensive coverage of relevant anatomical views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple measurement systems are used, then comprehensive imaging is achieved, but complexity and error potential increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging comprehensivenessVSAvoidnumber of measurement systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies universality by creating a single multi-functional measurement framework that handles multiple anatomical structures and viewing requirements through one unified system. The same coordinate system and landmark detection mechanism serve multiple purposes: defining viewing planes, orienting images, and supporting various anatomical assessments. This single system replaces multiple specialized measurement systems, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability through its ability to adapt to different anatomical contexts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4352601B1Imaging with adjustable anatomical planes
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4352601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4352601B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4352601B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to providing image data of adjustable anatomical planes. In order to provide a more user friendly way of images in selected viewing planes, a device (10) for providing image data of adjustable anatomical planes is provided that comprises a data input (12), a data processor (14), a user interface (16) and an output interface (18). The data input is configured to receive 3D image data of a region of interest of a subject. The data processor is configured to establish anatomical context for identifying anatomical reference locations within the 3D image data. The data processor is also configured to generate a reference coordinate system based on the identified anatomical reference locations. The data processor is also configured to define an anchor point. The data processor is further configured to compute a viewing plane as a selected anatomical imaging plane based on the anchor point and at least one plane-related parameter. The user interface is configured for entering the at least one plane-related parameter for determining the viewing plane as the selected anatomical imaging plane by the user. The output interface is configured to provide a representation of a view in the selected anatomical imaging plane.