Linking Position Location Between 2D and 3D Medical Image Viewers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic systems face challenges in integrating and synchronizing spatial context information between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) image viewing applications, making it difficult for radiologists to correlate 2D and 3D images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that links position location information between 2D and 3D software applications using a 3D cursor mechanism, enabling bidirectional communication and immediate synchronized navigation through different image sets, such as 3D MR and 2D CT images, by transmitting point locations between applications via a standardized format based on the patient coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 2D and 3D image viewing are separated into different applications, then each application can be optimized for its specific viewing paradigm, but it becomes difficult to correlate and synchronize spatial context information between them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cursor object as an intermediary that mediates between the 2D PACS application and the 3D visualization application. This cursor object carries position information that can be transferred between applications, enabling spatial correlation without requiring the applications to be merged. The cursor acts as a messenger that translates position data between different coordinate systems and application contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cursor object is designed with universal functionality that allows it to operate in both 2D and 3D contexts. It can represent position information in either paradigm and facilitate navigation in both applications, making it a multi-functional tool that bridges the gap between specialized viewing applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If specialized workstation applications are used for 3D volumetric visualization, then 3D image quality and performance are improved, but integration with PACS for 2D base images becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor object serves as an intermediary that simplifies integration between the specialized 3D workstation and PACS systems. Rather than requiring complex direct integration between these specialized applications, the cursor provides a standardized interface for exchanging position and navigation information, reducing the overall system integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains segmentation of 2D and 3D viewing functions into separate specialized applications, preserving the advantages of each. The cursor mechanism enables coordination between these segmented components without requiring them to be merged into a single monolithic application, thus maintaining both specialization and integration.
3Quantity of substance
If 3D images are dynamically generated from 2D base images, then storage efficiency is improved, but synchronized navigation between 2D and 3D views becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor mechanism implements feedback by continuously updating position information between the 2D and 3D applications. When the user navigates in one application, the cursor position is updated and this information is fed back to the other application, enabling synchronized navigation. This feedback loop ensures that both views remain coordinated despite being generated and displayed in separate applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for linking position location information between two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) software applications for viewing diagnostic medical images. The position location information is integrated between 2D and 3D viewing paradigms. This integration provides bidirectional communication between the 2D and 3D viewing paradigm systems. The 3D cursor allows for immediate synchronized navigation through different image sets such as 3D magnetic resonance (MR) images and 2D computed tomography (CT) images while they are being simultaneously viewed on the two different viewing applications.