Lesion Contour Generation Using Iterative Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual contour drawing in medical imaging scans, such as MRI and CT scans, is time-consuming and imprecise, with poor repeatability, necessitating an improved system and method for generating contours around lesions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple scans before and after contrast agent injection, combined with threshold-based contour generation and iterative adjustment, to accurately delineate lesion boundaries, utilizing a processing circuit and display system to overlay contours on slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual contour drawing is performed by a radiologist, then the contour can be drawn with human judgment and adaptability, but the process is time-consuming and has poor repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of radiologist contour drawing with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing algorithms and contrast agent enhancement data to automatically generate contours, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining or improving precision through consistent algorithmic application
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the computer automatically performs contour generation without requiring continuous human intervention, using the acquired medical images and contrast agent data to autonomously delineate lesion boundaries, thus resolving the time-consuming nature of manual drawing while preserving measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If manual contour drawing is performed by a radiologist, then flexibility in interpretation is maintained, but repeatability of the process is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the variable human manual process with a standardized automated computer system that applies consistent algorithms across all cases, ensuring high repeatability through uniform processing while managing operational complexity through user-friendly interfaces and automated workflows
3Measurement precision
If multiple scans with contrast agents are performed, then lesion boundary detection is improved, but the complexity of the imaging process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing contrast agent enhancement scans before the final imaging process, allowing the system to pre-identify lesion boundaries and characteristics that will guide subsequent automated contour generation, thereby improving boundary accuracy while managing overall process complexity through structured sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system demonstrates multi-functionality by using the same medical imaging equipment to perform both diagnostic imaging and contour generation tasks, integrating multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall process complexity despite the sophisticated imaging requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for generating and displaying contours. In some embodiments, the method includes: calculating a first threshold, based on a first target point in a first slice; and generating a first contour, the first contour being a boundary of a first region, the first region being a region within which: the elements of the first slice are greater than the first threshold, or the elements of the first slice are less than the first threshold.