Intestinal Protrusion Detection via 3D Area-Preserving Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intestinal tract detection methods, such as enteroscopy, cause patient pain and risk of damage due to intervention, and fail to detect hidden diseased parts obscured by folds.
Innovation Solution
A method involving three-dimensional modeling of the intestinal tract followed by area-preserving mapping to a two-dimensional plane for accurate detection of protrusions like polyps, using CT, MR, or SPECT scanning, and harmonic mapping with weighted Voronoi diagrams to maintain area accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If enteroscopy is used to detect intestinal tract protrusions, then detection capability is improved, but patient pain and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical enteroscopy system with a non-contact magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves to obtain images of the intestinal tract, eliminating the need for physical insertion of devices into the patient's body. This substitution maintains detection capability while completely avoiding patient pain and mechanical damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a special imaging medium (oral contrast agent) as an intermediary between the MRI scanner and the intestinal tract. This medium enhances the visibility of intestinal structures and protrusions in MRI images, enabling accurate detection without direct mechanical contact. The contrast agent is swallowed by the patient and distributes within the intestinal lumen, acting as a mediator that improves image quality without causing harm.
2Ease of operation
If conventional detection methods are used, then detection process is simple, but hidden diseased parts in folds cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement through specialized image processing techniques that focus on specific regions of interest within the intestinal tract images. The system identifies and enhances areas with abnormal characteristics (such as protrusions hidden in folds) by analyzing local image features, texture patterns, and geometric properties. This allows the system to maintain overall process simplicity while achieving high detection accuracy for hidden diseased parts through localized analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional endoscopic images to three-dimensional volumetric MRI data, providing an additional spatial dimension for detection. This 3D representation allows radiologists to view the intestinal tract from multiple angles and depths, revealing hidden protrusions that may be obscured in conventional 2D images. The multi-planar reconstruction capability enables detection of lesions in any orientation without complicating the operational workflow.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables non-invasive, accurate detection of intestinal tract protrusions without causing pain or damage, improving diagnostic precision and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring the plurality of sections by CT scanning technology
Implementation Method 2
acquiring the plurality of sections by a magnetic resonance (MR) device
Implementation Method 3
acquiring the plurality of sections by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a protrusion in an intestinal tract in a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes acquiring a three-dimensional model of the intestinal tract scanned by a scanning device, the three-dimensional model comprising three-dimensional data of the intestinal tract; mapping, in the computer, the three-dimensional model to a two-dimensional plane in an area-preserving manner; and detecting an area of the protrusion in the two-dimensional plane. The method can replace traditional modes such as enteroscopy, and the protrusion in the intestinal tract is detected in a painless and low-cost mode.