Dynamic Annotation Display for Multi-Dimensional Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying multi-dimensional images and annotations often result in inadequate representation, where annotations may be ill-represented or difficult to identify, especially in three-dimensional images, leading to errors in interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that receive multi-dimensional image and annotation data, allowing users to switch from an initial representation to a preferred representation based on user input, ensuring that the annotation and its associated region are fully and accurately displayed, using cross-sections or time-dependent views as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cross-section or initial representation is used to display the multi-dimensional image, then the display is simple and straightforward, but the annotation may be ill-represented or difficult to identify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of displayVSAvoidannotation representation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between initial representation and preferred representation based on user interaction. When a user activates the annotation, the display automatically transitions from the simple cross-section view to the preferred representation that fully displays the annotation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the dimensional perspective by switching from a cross-sectional view (2D slice) to a preferred representation that may include volume rendering or alternative cross-sections that fully contain the annotation. This dimensional transformation allows the annotation to be properly visualized without losing the simplicity of the initial display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the preferred representation is always displayed, then the annotation is fully visible and accurately represented, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveannotation representation qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains simplicity by default (initial representation) and only transitions to the more complex preferred representation when needed (upon annotation activation). This dynamic approach ensures the annotation is fully visible when required, while avoiding unnecessary complexity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines when to switch representations based on user interaction with the annotation. The complexity management is self-regulating, transitioning to the detailed preferred representation only when the annotation is activated, thereby balancing information quality with system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the initial representation is used, then the display is computationally efficient, but interpretation errors increase due to poor annotation visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay efficiencyVSAvoidinterpretation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the representation based on annotation activation status. During normal efficient display, it uses the computationally lightweight initial representation. When an annotation is activated, it automatically switches to the preferred representation that ensures accurate interpretation, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses user interaction with the annotation as feedback to determine when to switch representations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the preferred representation is displayed only when necessary for accurate interpretation, maintaining both efficiency and reliability by responding to actual user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2622582B1Image and annotation display
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2622582B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2622582B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2622582B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system (100) for displaying a multi-dimensional image and an annotation located therein, the system comprising receiving means (110) for receiving: the multi- dimensional image, the annotation, and representation data associated with the annotation, the representation data being indicative of a preferred representation of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein; display means (130) for displaying an initial representation (300) of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein; input means (120) for enabling a user to provide a visualization request when the initial representation shows at least a first part (310) of the annotation; and the display means (130) being arranged for, after receiving the visualization request, displaying the preferred representation (400) of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein in accordance with the representation data, the preferred representation showing at least a second part (410) of the annotation, the second part being different from the first part.