Dynamic Registered Image Visualization for Ultrasound Context

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for visualizing registered ultrasound images and pre-acquired volume data sets face challenges such as misalignment due to patient movement and limitations in display size, leading to partial clipping or loss of context when displayed side-by-side.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow selective adjustment of the display of pre-acquired image data to provide context to the ultrasound image, enabling side-by-side or overlay configurations that enhance visualization and clinical workflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the ultrasound image and pre-acquired image volume are displayed side-by-side in their entirety at the same scale, then both images can be viewed completely, but the displayed images become relatively small and may be clipped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage completenessVSAvoiddisplayed image size
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the field of view and scaling of the pre-acquired image volume based on the ultrasound image being displayed. The display parameters are not fixed but adapt in real-time to maintain optimal visualization of both images simultaneously, allowing the pre-acquired volume to be scaled and positioned to provide context without clipping the ultrasound image

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes multiple display dimensions and layers to accommodate both images. By employing a multi-layered display approach where the ultrasound image and pre-acquired volume can be positioned at different scales and orientations, the system maintains completeness of both images while preserving adequate display size through spatial arrangement in the display domain

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

2Area of moving object

If the pre-acquired image volume is clipped to fit the display, then the ultrasound image can be displayed at adequate size, but the context of the currently displayed slice is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplayed image sizeVSAvoidanatomical context
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-acquired image volume is segmented and selectively displayed at different scales. The system divides the volume data into relevant regions that provide anatomical context while maintaining adequate display size for the ultrasound image. This selective segmentation allows context preservation without requiring the entire volume to be displayed at the same scale

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pre-acquired image volume are displayed with different qualities and scales. Areas providing anatomical context are displayed at reduced scale while maintaining visibility, whereas regions directly corresponding to the ultrasound image are displayed at higher resolution. This local quality differentiation preserves context while maintaining adequate display size for diagnostic regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of information

If the display screen size is increased to accommodate both images, then both images can be displayed completely, but the system becomes less adaptable to different display configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage completenessVSAvoiddisplay configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system employs dynamic parameter adjustment that adapts to different screen sizes and configurations. Rather than requiring a fixed large display, the system dynamically scales and positions images based on the actual display dimensions, maintaining image completeness across various screen sizes while preserving adaptability to different display environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The visualization system is designed to function universally across different display configurations and screen sizes. By implementing scalable display parameters and flexible positioning, the system maintains its ability to display both images completely regardless of the specific display hardware, thereby preserving adaptability while achieving image completeness

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

Data Source

PatentUS8090168B2Method and system for visualizing registered images
Publication Date: 2012.01.03 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC
  • US8090168B2 patent drawing
  • US8090168B2 patent drawing
  • US8090168B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for visualizing a registered image is presented. The method includes receiving a first image data set and at least one other image data set. Further, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the first image data set on a first portion of a display. Also, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the at least one other image data set on a second portion of the display. Additionally, the method includes selectively adjusting display of the at least a portion of the at least one other image data to provide a context to the first image data set. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method is also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.