Medical Image Display Method for Biological Function Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing biological function data, such as cerebral perfusion function data, face challenges in accurately diagnosing abnormality degrees and maintaining data integrity, especially when using different imaging modalities like CT and MR, as they complicate the recognition of abnormality severity and often result in data loss due to deformation of brain shape.
Innovation Solution
An image diagnostic apparatus and method that summarizes data from tomograms and functional images using a single modality, allowing for arbitrary gradation color scaling, transparent display of non-relevant regions, and flexible display modes (overlapped, parallel, or partial) to enhance the judgment of danger degrees without distorting the brain's shape, utilizing conversion coefficients and look-up tables to optimize image representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple functional images are displayed with color maps to show different parameters, then comprehensive functional data is presented, but the complexity increases making abnormality judgment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional data display by dividing the image into multiple regions, each representing different functional parameters (CBF, CBV, MTT). Each region is displayed with appropriate color coding and can be independently controlled, allowing comprehensive data presentation while maintaining visual organization and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to functional data display by mapping different functional parameters to different regions within the same image plane. This allows multiple parameters to be visualized simultaneously without increasing temporal or informational complexity, as each parameter occupies a distinct spatial zone.
2Quantity of substance
If color is displayed on the whole tomogram to show functional data, then comprehensive functional information is provided, but the abnormality cannot be easily judged due to data complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different color maps and display characteristics to different regions of the image based on their functional significance. Regions containing abnormalities can be highlighted with enhanced color contrast or special markers, while normal regions use standard displays, making abnormality detection easier without losing comprehensive functional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes strategically to indicate functional abnormalities. By modifying color intensity, hue, or saturation in regions with abnormal functional values, the system draws attention to pathological areas while maintaining comprehensive functional data display across the entire image.
3Shape
If SPECT images are deformed to meet the standard brain for overlap with MR image, then alignment is achieved, but the inherent shape and important shape-related data are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the patient's actual brain shape from the MR image and uses this copy as the base for overlaying functional data, rather than deforming the functional images to fit a standard brain template. This preserves the unique anatomical characteristics and shape-related information of the individual patient while still enabling functional data visualization.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple modalities (SPECT and MR) are used to obtain images for overlap, then comprehensive data is obtained, but the patient must be held locked for extended periods and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functional imaging capability into the CT or MR scanner itself, allowing acquisition of both anatomical and functional data in a single examination session. This eliminates the need for separate SPECT and MR scans, reducing total examination time and avoiding the need to hold the patient locked in multiple devices.
5Adaptability or versatility
If different image diagnostic devices are used to obtain tomograms for overlap, then diverse data sources are utilized, but position and shape agreement becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the patient's own anatomical structures visible in the tomogram as an intermediary reference framework for aligning functional data from different imaging devices. By registering functional images to the patient's actual anatomy rather than to each other or to templates, the system achieves accurate alignment while preserving data from diverse imaging sources.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a function image display method and device capable of performing analysis of biological function information by acquiring from a single image, information obtained from a tomogram and information obtained from a plurality of function images without need of observing the plurality of function images and the tomogram by successively moving the eye line, and easily making judgment about the danger degree of the biological function abnormality.A plurality of function images each displayed by a unique and arbitrary gradation color scale are combined with an arbitrary weight or an image obtained by calculating the inter-function images is displayed or these are combined with the tomogram with an arbitrary weight.Furthermore, an operator can arbitrarily set and modify the range to which weight is applied, the range for displaying the gradation color scale, and the range to be combined.