GUI Slice Position Indicators for 3D Medical Image Delineation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical image segmentation tools face challenges in efficiently navigating and modifying 3D image data sets, as manual delineation in 2D views can be cumbersome and prone to inadvertent changes in hidden slices, due to the restricted 2D representation of 3D data.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a graphical user interface that allows users to access and modify 3D image data sets by displaying cross-sectional 2D slices, using a database interface and graphical widgets to indicate slice positions and states, enabling users to protect or modify delineations across multiple slices intuitively through color-coding and interactive controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual delineation is performed on 2D slices of 3D image data, then the delineation can be displayed and modified on screen, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to inadvertent changes in hidden slices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third visual dimension by displaying a visual indication (e.g., a line or marker) that represents the position of the currently displayed slice within the 3D volume. This allows users to perceive the spatial context and depth information on a 2D screen, reducing the risk of inadvertently modifying hidden slices while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback by displaying indicators that show which slice is currently being viewed and modified within the 3D volume. This feedback mechanism allows users to monitor their navigation and editing actions, preventing inadvertent changes to incorrect slices while maintaining workflow efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If 3D image data is displayed in 2D cross-sectional views, then the data can be fully displayed on screen, but navigation and modification become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the 2D display by incorporating indicators that represent the third spatial dimension (depth/slice position). This allows the full 3D context to be perceived on a 2D screen without compromising navigation ease, as users can visually track their position through the volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the 3D image data and the 2D display. It translates spatial position information into a visual form that users can easily interpret, facilitating intuitive navigation through the 3D volume without requiring complex interactions.
3Reliability
If visual indications are added to show slice positions and states, then data integrity is improved, but the graphical user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indications locally at the position where slice information needs to be conveyed, rather than adding complex global controls. The visual indicator is integrated directly into the display area, providing necessary information without adding significant overall interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indication of slice position is merged with the existing image display area, combining multiple functions (image viewing and position indication) into a unified interface. This integration avoids adding separate complex control panels while still providing the necessary information for maintaining data integrity.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus and user interface (155) for aiding in navigating and modifying delineations (117a-c) in or associated with 2D sub-volumes (110a-c) of a 3D or higher dimensional image dataset (100). States and position of the sub-volumes visualized. Both, states and position can be changed by using the functionalities of the user interface generated (155) by said apparatus. The apparatus can be used in medical image post-processing system.