Compartmentalized Dynamic Anatomic Atlas for 4D CT Image Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current anatomical atlases do not account for dynamic physiologic movements and time-dependent spatial properties, limiting their ability to accurately analyze and classify patient images over time.

Innovation Solution

A compartmentalized dynamic anatomic atlas is developed, separating static and dynamic data to include spatial and representational properties, allowing for the integration of dynamic information from physiologic volume rendering and elastic fusion of 4D CT data, enabling enhanced matching and classification of patient images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dynamic information is integrated into an anatomic atlas, then matching accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematching accuracyVSAvoidatlas structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The atlas data is segmented into spatial element data (describing spatial properties) and element representation data (describing representational properties). This segmentation allows dynamic information to be integrated without overwhelming complexity, as each component can be processed and matched independently, improving matching accuracy while managing structural complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The atlas transitions from a static structure to a dynamic structure that incorporates time-dependent spatial properties such as physiologic movements (respiration, heartbeat) and other dynamic changes. This dynamic capability enables the atlas to accurately match patient images across different time points, improving matching accuracy and reliability while the compartmentalized structure manages the added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If compartmentalized structure is used to separate spatial and representational data, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing easeVSAvoiddata integration completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The data is segmented into spatial element data and element representation data, allowing independent processing and selection of suitable representation data sets based on image modality. This segmentation improves ease of operation by enabling targeted data retrieval and processing, while the compartmentalized design maintains information integrity through structured relationships between segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compartmentalized structure serves multiple functions: it enables independent processing of spatial and representational data, allows selection of appropriate representation data sets for different image modalities, and maintains comprehensive information through structured links between compartments. This multi-functionality improves operational ease while preventing information loss through systematic data organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic atlas data is stored as metadata, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoiddata storage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dynamic atlas data describing time-dependent spatial properties (trajectories, movement correlations) is stored as metadata linked to spatial atlas elements. This dynamic metadata structure improves adaptability by enabling analysis of physiologic movements and temporal patterns in patient data, while the compartmentalized metadata organization manages complexity through structured associations rather than monolithic storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Metadata acts as an intermediary layer between the spatial element data and the dynamic information, providing a structured way to store and access time-dependent properties. This intermediary structure improves adaptability for various analysis types (movement analysis, classification) while containing complexity within the metadata layer, keeping the core spatial and representational data structures simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3877989B1Compartmentalized dynamic anatomic atlas
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP3877989B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3877989B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3877989B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A compartmentalized dynamic anatomic atlas is disclosed, comprising static atlas data comprising spatial element data and element representation data, wherein the spatial element data describes spatial properties of a spatial atlas element and wherein the element representation data describes representational properties assignable to the spatial atlas element, the atlas further comprising dynamic atlas data comprising information on a dynamic property which information is respectively linked to the spatial atlas element.