Anatomical Structure Manager for 3D Medical Image Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for segmenting anatomical regions in 3D medical images are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring significant human effort and introducing subjectivity, which inefficiencies and inaccuracies in managing graphical objects.
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
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual contouring is performed by tracing on 2D slices, then the quality of segmentation depends on clinician knowledge and judgment, but the process is very time consuming and labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital replica of the anatomical structure by automatically generating contours from 2D image slices. The computer-implemented method copies the segmentation process from manual tracing to automated algorithmic generation, preserving the essential function of outlining anatomical regions while eliminating the time-consuming manual operation. The system processes multiple 2D slices through computational algorithms to produce accurate 3D structural representations without requiring clinician tracing on each slice.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical manual tracing process with an automated computational system. Instead of clinicians physically drawing contours on images, the system uses computer algorithms to automatically generate contours from image data. This substitution transforms a labor-intensive manual operation into an efficient automated process that maintains segmentation quality while dramatically reducing time requirements.
2Reliability
If the number of image slices, organs, and tumors in the anatomical area of interest increases, then more comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the time and labor required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex task of processing multiple slices and structures into manageable segments. The computer-implemented method processes image slices in sequences, handling different anatomical structures through systematic segmentation of the overall workflow. This allows comprehensive coverage of numerous slices and organs to be achieved through structured, automated processing rather than overwhelming manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous processing through the entire dataset without interruption. Unlike manual tracing that requires repeated clinician intervention for each slice, the computational method continuously processes slices sequentially, maintaining steady productivity even as the number of slices and structures increases. This continuous automated action ensures comprehensive coverage is achieved efficiently.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods of managing graphical objects are used, then simple organization is possible, but the methods are inefficient and overwhelming to the abstraction skills of human clinicians
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically organizing graphical objects and structures without requiring extensive clinician intervention. The computer-implemented method autonomously manages the complexity of organizing multiple contours and anatomical structures, handling the abstraction and classification tasks that would otherwise overwhelm clinicians. This self-organizing capability reduces the burden on users while maintaining comprehensive structure management.
Data Source
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.