Anatomy Map Navigator for Medical Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Comparing images from different time points or modalities in medical screening and post-treatment procedures is cumbersome and prone to errors due to the complexity of setting up side-by-side comparisons, especially when evaluating anatomical changes over time.
Innovation Solution
An anatomy map navigation system that allows users to load and compare current and reference images, register markers indicating clinical findings, and navigate through image and marker data over time, providing a synopsis of information and allowing for regional trending and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side-by-side comparison of images is performed manually, then image comparison can be conducted, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and time-consuming with lengthy training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of medical images and stores them in a database with associated metadata. These digital copies can be retrieved, displayed, and compared without requiring physical image setups or extensive manual training, thereby reducing operational complexity and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical image comparison processes with an automated computer-based system. The system automatically loads images, registers them, and provides comparison tools through software interfaces, eliminating the need for lengthy manual training and complex physical setup procedures.
2Reliability
If manual side-by-side image comparison is used, then image evaluation can be performed, but the process is prone to errors and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically loading images from the database, registering them with appropriate orientation and positioning, and pre-configuring comparison parameters. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for complex manual setup and reduces errors associated with manual image alignment and comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can review automatically registered images, correct any registration errors, and provide feedback on comparison results. This feedback loop improves accuracy by allowing verification and correction of automated processes, thereby reducing errors while simplifying the overall operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If evaluation of anatomical evolution from multiple sources is performed, then comprehensive analysis can be achieved, but the task becomes more complex leading to error and uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple image sources, modalities, and formats within a single integrated platform. The same interface and tools can evaluate anatomical evolution from different sources (e.g., CT, MRI, ultrasound) without requiring separate complex evaluation procedures for each source type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple image sources, patient data, and evaluation tools into a single integrated system. By combining registration algorithms, comparison tools, and display interfaces in one unified platform, the system reduces the complexity that would otherwise arise from managing separate evaluation processes for different image sources.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive image comparison setup is implemented, then thorough evaluation can be performed, but productivity is reduced due to manual steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service functions by automatically loading images, registering them with appropriate positioning, and preparing them for comparison without requiring extensive manual intervention. This automation maintains evaluation precision while significantly improving productivity by reducing the time spent on manual setup and preparation steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Example anatomy map-based navigation systems and methods are disclosed and described. An example method includes displaying, via a graphical user interface, markers on an image, the markers corresponding to a plurality of marker types. The example method includes receiving a selection of a selected marker type from the plurality of marker types. The example method includes providing a synopsis overlaid on the image via the graphical user interface, the synopsis generated from historical data based on the selected marker type. The example method includes highlighting a subset of markers of the selected type on the image via the graphical user interface when the markers are included in the synopsis.