Lesion Mask Visualization Using Single-Click 3D Image Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying lesion masks in medical images, particularly 3D images like CT scans, are inefficient and require manual coloring or erasing of entire areas, leading to degraded efficiency and inconsistency in lesion area judgment.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for easy modification of lesion masks in medical images through a single user input, such as a click, using a computing apparatus with a communicator and processor to generate and provide modified lesion masks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual coloring or erasing of lesion areas is performed using a mouse pointer, then the user can modify the lesion mask, but the efficiency is degraded and the operation becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lesion mask modificationVSAvoidlesion mask modification efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating a modified lesion mask based on the user's initial input (click or selection) before the user completes the modification process. The processor automatically determines the modified lesion mask based on the input, reducing the need for manual coloring or erasing operations and significantly improving modification efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The processor acts as an intermediary between the user input and the final lesion mask modification. Instead of requiring direct manual coloring or erasing, the user provides input (click, selection), and the processor intermediates this input to automatically generate the modified lesion mask, thereby improving both ease of operation and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If all related tomographic images are modified to modify a lesion mask in 3D images, then the lesion mask can be accurately updated, but the time required for modification increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of lesion mask updateVSAvoidtime for lesion mask modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the modification process by allowing users to input modification information at a specific location (click or selection) rather than requiring modification of all tomographic images. The processor then uses this localized input to generate the modified lesion mask, maintaining accuracy while significantly reducing the time required compared to manually modifying all images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of manually coloring or erasing areas in all tomographic images with an automated computational system. The processor automatically generates the modified lesion mask based on user input, substituting manual operations with automated image processing algorithms that are both accurate and time-efficient

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12518381B2Method for aiding visualization of lesions in medical imagery and apparatus using the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 VUNO INC

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for aiding visualization of lesions in a medical image are provided. In detail, the apparatus may receive a user input for selecting a single point in the medical image to modify a lesion mask representing a lesion area in the medical image, may determine a modified lesion mask corresponding to the received user input among a plurality of pre-generated plurality of candidate lesion masks, and may provide the modified lesion mask with the medical image.