3D Image Data Navigation via Highlight-Driven Opacity Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D imaging systems in medical diagnostics face challenges due to the limitations of 2D displays and user interfaces, which hinder effective navigation and visualization of three-dimensional data, leading to users often reverting to 2D slices, thereby losing valuable information and rendering the 3D systems less effective.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for navigating and displaying 3D image data by calculating a scalar opacity map based on the highlight position, allowing for the generation of a modified 3D image view that focuses on structures of interest by applying opacity masks to suppress surrounding structures, enabling intuitive navigation using a 2D display with user-controllable parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3D image data is displayed on conventional 2D displays, then the system can be used with existing user interfaces and hardware, but the ability to effectively navigate and visualize three-dimensional data is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by representing 3D spatial relationships through 2D projection techniques. The system projects 3D image data onto 2D display surfaces while maintaining depth information through visual cues such as perspective projection, shading, and overlay techniques. This allows users to navigate and visualize three-dimensional data structures using conventional 2D interfaces without losing essential spatial context.
2Loss of information
If full 3D visualization is implemented, then more comprehensive anatomical information is available, but the complexity of navigation and information assimilation increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume data into multiple 2D slice representations that can be independently navigated and displayed. By dividing the complex 3D dataset into manageable 2D sections, the system maintains comprehensive anatomical information while reducing navigation complexity. Users can move between slices and combine them mentally to reconstruct the full 3D structure, making the information more assimilable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by allowing users to selectively activate and deactivate different 3D viewing modes and information layers. Rather than presenting all 3D information simultaneously, users can gradually engage deeper levels of 3D visualization as needed, reducing initial complexity while preserving access to complete anatomical data when required.
3Ease of operation
If 3D holographic or virtual reality displays are used, then intuitive 3D visualization is achieved, but the system becomes expensive and the interface becomes alien to users accustomed to 2D
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified 2D copy or projection of the 3D data that preserves essential spatial relationships. Rather than requiring expensive holographic or VR hardware, the system generates 2D representations that mimic 3D viewing experiences through clever use of projection geometry, color coding, and interactive layering. This provides intuitive 3D visualization capabilities on standard displays without the associated hardware costs or interface learning curves.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system for navigation and display of 3D image data is described. In the method, a 3D image dataset to be displayed is retrieved and a highlight position is identified within the 3D image dataset. A scalar opacity map is calculated for the 3D image dataset, the opacity map having a value for each of a plurality of positions in the 3D image dataset, the respective value being dependent on the respective position relative to the highlight position, and on the value of the 3D image at the respective position relative to the value of the 3D image at the highlight position. The opacity is applied to the 3D image dataset to generate a modified 3D image view.