3D Lumen Extraction Reliability Index for Anatomical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating the reliability of target structures with lumen structures in three-dimensional images, such as the liver, fail to accurately consider the relationship between target structures and lumen structures, leading to poor image quality and imbalanced distribution of lumen structures, which affects the precision of extraction results.
Innovation Solution
An evaluating apparatus and method that extracts regions of target structures with lumen structures, calculates an index value representing the uniformity of lumen structure distribution, and quantifies the reliability of extraction results using this index value, considering factors like shortest distances and volume occupancy within the target structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods are used to evaluate reliability of target structures, then evaluation can be performed, but the accuracy is insufficient because the relationship between target structures and lumen structures is not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation process is segmented into distinct steps: extracting the target structure, extracting lumen structures, determining distribution regions of lumen structures, calculating uniformity index values for each region, and synthesizing overall reliability. This segmentation allows comprehensive evaluation while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by calculating uniformity index values for different distribution regions of lumen structures separately within the target structure. Each region's reliability is evaluated based on its specific characteristics, and these local evaluations are then synthesized to determine overall reliability, allowing nuanced assessment of different areas.
2Reliability
If image quality deteriorates due to imaging conditions, then three dimensional images can still be obtained, but extraction precision of target structures and lumen structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by calculating uniformity index values that reflect the quality of lumen structure distribution, and using these index values to determine reliability. This feedback mechanism allows the system to assess extraction quality and provide reliable indicators even when image quality varies due to imaging conditions, helping users evaluate whether extraction results are trustworthy.
3Ease of operation
If lumen structures are imbalanced in distribution within target structure, then extraction can be performed, but the dominated region determination becomes inappropriate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target structure into multiple distribution regions based on lumen structure locations and calculates uniformity index values for each region separately. This local evaluation identifies areas with imbalanced lumen distribution, allowing surgical planning to account for regional variations in blood supply and structure distribution, thereby maintaining reliability in dominated region determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A first extracting unit extracts at least one portion of a region of a target structure that includes lumen structures having branches from a three dimensional image of the target structure. A second extracting unit extracts the lumen structures from the at least one portion of the region of the target region. An index value calculating unit calculates an index value that represents the uniformity of the distribution of the lumen structures within the at least one portion of the region of the target structure, based on the at least one portion of the region of the target structure and the extracted lumen structures. Further, a quantifying unit quantifies the degree of reliability of the image quality of the at least one portion of the region of the target structure.