Anatomical Structure Manager for 3D Medical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for segmenting anatomical regions in medical imaging are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to imprecision due to manual tracing and subjective clinician judgment, making them inefficient for managing graphical objects in three-dimensional imaging systems.

Innovation Solution

A workflow system with two modules: one for manual or automated contouring of anatomical regions using techniques like tracing or thresholding, and another for organizing graphical objects into structures, allowing for flexible management and combination of anatomically related parts, suitable for various image modalities and segmentation algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual contouring and tracing methods are used for segmentation, then flexibility and control are maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and controlVSAvoidsegmentation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a computer-based system as an intermediary between the clinician and the segmentation task. The system provides automated contouring algorithms that can be guided by clinician input (seed points, constraints), acting as a mediator that combines automated efficiency with human expertise and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the segmentation process into discrete controllable steps where clinicians can intervene at multiple stages. The workflow is segmented into tasks that can be performed manually, automatically, or in combination, allowing flexibility in how much control vs. automation is used based on the specific anatomical region and clinician preference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual tracing is performed by clinicians, then subjective judgment can be applied, but imprecision and variability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclinical judgment applicationVSAvoidsegmentation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where automated algorithms provide initial contouring results that clinicians can review and correct. The system also provides feedback to the automated algorithms based on clinician corrections, allowing the system to learn and improve precision while maintaining the ability to apply clinical judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges automated contouring algorithms with human clinician expertise into a hybrid system. The automated portion provides consistent, objective baseline segmentation, while the clinician adds subjective judgment and clinical knowledge, combining the strengths of both approaches to achieve both precision and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If the number of image slices and anatomical structures increases, then comprehensive coverage is improved, but time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical coverageVSAvoidsegmentation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated contouring on all image slices and anatomical structures before clinician review. This preliminary action processes the entire dataset systematically, so that when clinicians review the results, they are working with pre-processed data rather than starting from scratch, significantly reducing the time required for comprehensive anatomical coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation and clinician involvement based on the complexity and number of anatomical structures being segmented. For simpler or more numerous structures, higher automation is applied, while for complex critical structures, more manual control is provided, optimizing the balance between comprehensive coverage and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If conventional management methods are used for graphical objects, then simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and usability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidgraphical object management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal graphical object management system that handles multiple types of anatomical structures, image modalities, and segmentation methods through a single integrated interface. This multi-functional system consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools or methods, improving efficiency without requiring the clinician to learn complex specialized procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7864995B2Systems, methods and apparatus of handling structures in three-dimensional images

Publication Date: 2011.01.04 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments, a structure manager explicitly creates a container of graphical objects of anatomical regions by adding a structure, or the structure manager implicitly creates graphical objects of a group of anatomical regions through an organ segmentation process.