Dynamic 3D Slice Visualization for Nodule Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiologists face difficulties in visually detecting small nodules in CT scan images due to their similarity in appearance with other structures, and manual navigation through multiple images is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A computer system displays multiple images representing neighboring slices of a 3D object in a dynamic manner, such as sequentially or rapidly, to create a flashing effect for the nodule, facilitating its detection by generating a visual cue that distinguishes it from other structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a radiologist uses a single CT scan image to detect nodules, then the detection process is simple and quick, but the ability to visually detect small nodules is poor due to their similarity with other structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual detection capabilityVSAvoidtime for manual navigation
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically displays multiple CT scan images in a sequence, automatically transitioning between them without requiring manual navigation. This dynamic presentation allows radiologists to observe nodules across multiple slices, improving detection capability while eliminating the time-consuming manual navigation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-processes and prepares multiple CT scan images for display before the radiologist begins viewing. By having the images ready and configured in advance, the system eliminates the need for radiologists to manually navigate through images, reducing time loss while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a radiologist manually navigates through multiple CT scan images to detect nodules, then the visual detection capability improves, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual detection capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic navigation through multiple CT scan images without requiring manual intervention from the radiologist. The system itself handles the navigation process, displaying images in a predetermined sequence, which maintains detection capability while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the navigation sequence and prepares the display parameters before the radiologist begins viewing. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for radiologists to manually adjust settings or navigate through images, making the operation simple while maintaining detection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If multiple CT scan images are displayed to improve nodule detection, then the visual detection capability improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the display into multiple sequential image presentations, showing different CT scan slices in a structured sequence. This segmentation allows radiologists to detect nodules across multiple views while maintaining a manageable system complexity through organized, modular image presentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system displays multiple CT scan images in a periodic, repeating sequence, automatically cycling through the images without requiring complex manual control. This periodic display pattern improves detection capability by showing nodules across multiple slices while keeping the system simple through automated, rhythmic presentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10146904B2Methods and systems and dynamic visualization
Publication Date: 2018.12.04 FOVIA INC
  • US10146904B2 patent drawing
  • US10146904B2 patent drawing
  • US10146904B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems related to dynamic visualization of a representation of a first three-dimensional (3D) object are provided. In some embodiments, a computer system receives a request for facilitating identification of the representation of the first 3D object based on a plurality of images. The plurality of images represents datasets associated with a series of slices of a second 3D object. The computer system identifies a current image of the plurality of images based on the request. The current image represents a dataset associated with a current slice of the series of slices. The computer system displays, in absence of additional user input, two or more images of the plurality of images to facilitate visualization of the representation of the first 3D object. The two or more images include the current image and one or more images representing datasets associated with neighboring slices of the current slice.