Automatic Multi-Planar Reformatting Alignment for 3D Medical Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual positioning of multi-planar reformatting (MPR) images from three-dimensional medical data is cumbersome, inconsistent, and time-consuming, leading to variations in comparison outcomes among practitioners when monitoring anatomical changes over time.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for automatically matching MPRs by computing a comparison score between digitized volumes, adjusting the position and orientation of subsequent MPRs to achieve a predetermined correspondence, and identifying matching images, reducing the need for manual alignment and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual positioning of MPRs is performed, then anatomical comparison can be conducted, but the process is lengthy and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning process with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing algorithms to calculate and apply positioning transformations. The system automatically computes comparison scores between MPRs and performs positioning adjustments without manual intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital representation (copy) of the reference MPR and uses image processing to compare and match it with MPRs from subsequent scans. By working with digital copies and using automated matching algorithms, the system achieves rapid positioning without the time constraints of manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If manual positioning is used, then MPR alignment can be achieved, but consistency and repeatability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconsistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism by computing a comparison score that quantifies the correspondence between reference MPR and subsequent MPRs. The positioning process uses this score to iteratively adjust and optimize alignment, ensuring consistent and repeatable results. The automated feedback loop eliminates variability between different practitioners and ensures reliable positioning across multiple comparisons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing manual positioning with an automated computer-based system, the patent eliminates the inconsistency inherent in human judgment. The system uses objective image processing algorithms and comparison scores to determine positioning, ensuring that the same anatomical structures are consistently aligned across different scans and practitioners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If manual positioning is performed, then MPR comparison can be conducted, but it requires talent and knowledge of anatomies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically conducting the positioning process without requiring user expertise in anatomy. The computer-based algorithm independently analyzes the MPR images, computes comparison scores, and performs positioning adjustments based on image data alone, eliminating the need for practitioners to have specialized anatomical knowledge for the positioning task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for human anatomical expertise with an automated image processing system. The computer-based algorithm uses computational methods to identify and align anatomical structures, substituting manual anatomical knowledge with automated pattern recognition and image analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated matching is implemented, then positioning speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated matching using computer-based image processing algorithms that rapidly compute comparison scores and perform positioning. The system uses software automation to handle the complex calculations and image analysis, achieving high positioning speed without requiring complex hardware modifications. The complexity is managed through software implementation rather than mechanical or hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7822254B2Automatic positioning of matching multi-planar image reformatting (MPR) views of multiple 3D medical images

Publication Date: 2010.10.26 SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA INC

AI summary

A computer-implemented method is disclosed for comparing three dimensional (3D) digital medical images. The method uses a reference MPR to position subsequent MPRs in one or more other 3D digital medical images so their content matches the reference MPR. The matched MPRs may then be used by a medical professional to diagnose a patient condition. The ability to quickly and automatically position matching MPRs for multiple 3D images eases the medical staff workload and shortens diagnostics time. Matching MPRs provides an effective way to view the 3D volumes for anatomical changes over time and to monitor medical conditions such as stenosis and tumors.