Dynamic Medical Image Rendering via Viewer Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasound systems can only display three-dimensional medical images from predetermined cross-sections, limiting the user's ability to precisely observe desired portions at various angles.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that allow rendering and displaying medical images from multiple directions using a viewer tool, enabling users to adjust the viewpoint and rendering parameters to observe internal structures at various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasound systems display three-dimensional medical images from predetermined cross-sections only, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy deteriorate due to limited viewing angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation precisionVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic rendering capabilities that allow the display system to adaptively generate three-dimensional medical images from multiple predetermined directions based on user interaction. The rendering apparatus dynamically adjusts the display content according to viewer tools and selection areas, transforming a static display system into a dynamic one that provides precise observation from various angles without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the volume data into multiple predetermined cross-sections and renders each from specific directions (e.g., first direction and second direction perpendicular to each other). This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by processing data in manageable sections while providing comprehensive viewing capabilities through multiple predetermined rendering directions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ultrasound system generates and displays only three-dimensional ultrasound images of predetermined cross-sections, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates as users cannot observe desired portions at various angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle flexibilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-divides the volume data into multiple predetermined cross-sections and prepares rendering configurations for multiple directions in advance. When users interact with the display, the system retrieves and displays pre-prepared rendering results from appropriate directions, eliminating the need for real-time complex calculations while maintaining operational simplicity and providing versatile viewing angles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of the volume data organized into multiple predetermined cross-sections, each ready for rendering from specific directions. Users can switch between different viewing perspectives by selecting appropriate cross-sections and rendering directions, effectively copying the data structure to enable multiple viewing angles without adding computational complexity during interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3042612B1Apparatus and method of displaying medical image
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP3042612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3042612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3042612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of displaying a medical image includes displaying a first image that is generated by rendering volume data of an object in a first direction, displaying on the first image a viewer tool for generating a second image, wherein the viewer tool indicates a section of the object, generating the second image by rendering sub-volume data included in the volume data in a second direction which is different from the first direction and indicated by the viewer tool, and displaying at least a part of the second image.