Curved Slice Extraction for 3D Tomographic Image Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for comparing three-dimensional tomographic images face challenges in accurate deformation alignment and presenting auxiliary information, particularly due to alignment errors and the limitation of using two-dimensional images for three-dimensional space comparisons.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that generate a two-dimensional tomographic image from a three-dimensional image by obtaining a curved slice based on a reference position, allowing for reproducible presentation of slices centered on a reference point, reducing the impact of deformation and facilitating comparison across different image captures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If deformation alignment is performed between three-dimensional tomographic images captured in different body postures, then the ability to compare images is improved, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to alignment errors causing slices to not coincide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from comparing three-dimensional volumes directly to extracting and comparing two-dimensional curved slices at specific reference positions. This dimensional reduction allows precise comparison of corresponding regions across different 3D images captured in different postures, avoiding the cumulative alignment errors that affect entire volumetric datasets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the three-dimensional tomographic images into multiple two-dimensional curved slices based on reference positions. By segmenting the volumetric data into discrete 2D sections, the system enables focused comparison of specific anatomical regions while minimizing the impact of global deformation and alignment discrepancies.
2Device complexity
If two-dimensional images are used for comparison, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to present auxiliary information in three-dimensional space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts two-dimensional curved slices from three-dimensional tomographic images while preserving spatial context through careful selection of reference positions and slice orientations. This approach maintains essential 3D structural information in a 2D format that is easier to process and compare, balancing information retention with computational simplicity.
3Productivity
If slices are extracted from three-dimensional tomographic images for comparison, then comparison efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision of slice extraction deteriorates due to difficulty in accurate slice alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of two-dimensional curved slices from three-dimensional tomographic images based on predetermined reference positions before comparison. This preprocessing step organizes the 3D data into standardized 2D sections that can be efficiently compared across different images, reducing the computational burden during the actual comparison phase while maintaining consistent extraction criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A curved slice is obtained from a three-dimensional tomographic image of an object based on a reference position in the three-dimensional tomographic image. A two-dimensional tomographic image corresponding to the curved slice is generated from the three-dimensional tomographic image.