Interactive Region Extraction in Medical Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for segmenting images, particularly in medical imaging technologies like ultrasounds and tomography, are time-consuming and user-dependent, requiring significant learning and effort, and become inefficient with increasing data set sizes.

Innovation Solution

A system with a user-friendly graphic interface that allows intuitive region extraction using virtual buttons and a region growth method, enabling users to control the extraction process visually without needing to input numeric parameters, and allowing real-time display and adjustment of the extracted region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated editing tools are used for image segmentation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates due to significant learning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegmentation speedVSAvoiduser learning curve

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs segmentation automatically based on user-selected regions without requiring manual parameter adjustment or complex tool operation. The automated editing tool analyzes the image data and generates segmentation results independently, eliminating the need for users to learn complex tool operations while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between simple user input (region selection) and complex segmentation algorithms. This intermediary automatically translates user-friendly region selection into sophisticated segmentation results, bridging the gap between ease of operation and advanced processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual editing tools are used for precise segmentation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming editing processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesegmentation accuracyVSAvoidsegmentation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automatic segmentation to generate an initial result, then allows users to make minor adjustments if needed. This preliminary action provides a high-quality starting point that maintains precision while dramatically reducing the time required compared to starting from scratch with manual tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies automated processing to the entire image dataset, performing more processing than strictly necessary for some regions. This excessive automated action ensures high precision across all regions while maintaining overall productivity by eliminating manual intervention for most of the image

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If automated editing tools are used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because results are not efficient in all situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidresult consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the segmentation parameters and algorithms based on the specific characteristics of each image and user preferences. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliability across different situations while preserving the productivity benefits of automation by avoiding manual reconfiguration for each case

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If data set size increases, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to longer extraction periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidextraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual sequential processing with parallel computational algorithms that can efficiently handle large datasets. This substitution maintains measurement precision by using sophisticated analysis methods while dramatically reducing extraction time through optimized computational performance and parallel processing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8019133B2Method and system for display of structures or regions of interest

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A system and a method for extracting regions of interest from a medical image in order to obtain an image useable by a user. The system includes a user interface comprising virtual buttons that the user can select using an input, the buttons enabling the user to control a selected region extraction method using a region growth method to extract a region The region extraction method depend on which virtual buttons are selected by the user. The user interface also includes a window in which the result of extraction of the region of interest can be displayed, as the region is being grown.