Anatomical Contouring Vector Map for Multimodal Tumor Delineation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinicians struggle to effectively utilize multi-dimensional data from various imaging modalities during anatomical contouring, as current tools lack advanced methods to integrate and interpret information from multiple image sources, leading to inefficiencies in tumor delineation.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a vector map by processing multiple medical images captured with different imaging modalities or sequences, combining visual characteristic values to indicate potential contour lines, and providing a gradient field for guiding clinicians during contouring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple imaging modalities are used to improve contouring accuracy, then the reliability of tumor delineation is improved, but the complexity of interpreting and integrating multi-dimensional data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET) into a unified vector map representation. Different image types are processed to extract visual characteristic values, which are then integrated into a single gradient field that highlights potential contour lines. This merging approach maintains high contouring accuracy while simplifying the clinician's task by presenting integrated multi-modal information in one coherent visualization rather than requiring separate interpretation of multiple complex datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The vector map serves as an intermediary between multiple imaging modalities and the clinician. Instead of directly interpreting complex multi-dimensional data from various modalities, the system processes these inputs through visual characteristic extraction and gradient field computation to generate an intermediate representation (the vector map) that naturally highlights tumor boundaries. This intermediary transformation reduces the cognitive burden on clinicians while preserving the diagnostic value of multi-modal imaging.
2Measurement precision
If clinicians manually interpret multiple imaging modalities to achieve accurate contouring, then the precision of tumor delineation is improved, but the time required for contouring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of multiple imaging modalities by automatically extracting visual characteristic values and computing gradient fields before the clinician begins contouring. Potential contour lines are pre-identified and highlighted in the vector map, so when the clinician starts the contouring process, the boundary definitions are already partially prepared and visually emphasized. This preliminary computation reduces the interactive time needed while maintaining high delineation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of interpreting multiple imaging modalities with an automated computational system. Instead of clinicians manually comparing and integrating data from CT, MRI, and PET scans, the system automatically processes these modalities, extracts relevant visual features, and generates the vector map with highlighted contours. This substitution of manual interpretation with automated image processing significantly reduces contouring time while preserving measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If a single imaging modality is used for contouring, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of tumor identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vector map system provides a universal interface that can process and integrate multiple imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET, and their sequences) through a single unified representation. The gradient field computation and visual characteristic extraction work across different modality types, creating a multi-functional system that handles diverse input formats while presenting a consistent, easy-to-use output interface. This universality allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while incorporating the reliability benefits of multi-modal imaging.
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed concepts thus aim to provide schemes, solutions, concepts, designs, methods and systems pertaining to generating a vector map for anatomical contouring. In particular, embodiments aim to provide a method for generating a vector map for anatomical contouring by obtaining and processing a plurality of medical images including the same anatomical region but captured using different imaging modalities or sequences to generate at least one visual characteristic value for each respective image. Based on the visual characteristic values, a vector map can then be generated describing a gradient field indicating at least one potential contour line for the anatomical region.