Image Processing Apparatus Region of Interest Marker Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing techniques for displaying time-series images with superimposed markers often hinder observation by using large rectangles that do not consider the shape, size, or orientation of the region of interest, particularly for long and narrow elliptical regions.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that calculates a polygon or ellipse surrounding the region of interest, ensuring the area is smaller than or equal to a circumscribed rectangle, and displays the figure in a way that minimizes observation hindrance, such as at the sides or vertexes of the polygon or on the circumference of the ellipse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large circumscribed rectangle is used to surround the region of interest, then the region of interest is clearly marked, but the observation of the image is hindered due to the large area covering non-interest regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circumscribed rectangle into multiple smaller triangular regions by introducing internal lines from vertices to opposite sides. This segmentation allows the marker to cover only the necessary area to identify the region of interest while reducing the total marker area that hinders observation. The triangular divisions enable selective visibility where different portions can be transparent or opaque based on their contribution to region identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different portions of the marker by making certain triangular regions transparent and others opaque. This local quality differentiation allows the marker to effectively highlight the region of interest through opaque portions while maintaining observation capability through transparent portions, thus resolving the contradiction between marking precision and observation clarity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rectangle is used to mark the region of interest, then the marking is simple and clear, but the shape does not adapt to long and narrow elliptical regions, resulting in excessive marker area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rectangular marker into multiple triangular segments that can be selectively configured. This segmentation allows the marker to adapt to different region shapes by activating only the necessary triangular portions, thereby reducing the effective marker area for long and narrow elliptical regions while maintaining the simplicity of the overall rectangular structure.
3Measurement precision
If a marker is superimposed on the image to attract attention, then the region of interest is highlighted, but the marker overlaps with the region of interest and hinders detailed observation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transparency properties to different triangular portions of the marker. By making some portions transparent and others opaque, the marker can attract attention to the region of interest through its overall presence while allowing detailed observation through the transparent portions that do not overlap with critical features of the region of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to providing an image processing apparatus and an image processing method that assist an observer of a time-series image in performing smooth observation while attracting attention of the observer. An image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image input unit that inputs a time-series image; an information acquiring unit that acquires information on a region of interest in the time-series image; a figure calculating unit that calculates a polygon or an ellipse surrounding the region of interest and having an area smaller than or equal to an area of a circumscribed rectangle, the circumscribed rectangle being a rectangle circumscribing the region of interest and formed of two sides parallel to a horizontal axis of the time-series image and other two sides parallel to a vertical axis of the time-series image; and a display control unit that causes a display apparatus to display a figure such that the figure is superimposed on the time-series image, the figure being based on the polygon or the ellipse and being disposed at sides or vertexes of the polygon or disposed on a circumference of the ellipse or at a plurality of positions on the circumference.