Medical Image Processing Device for Diagnostic Information Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and time-consuming nature of diagnostic processes in medical imaging, particularly with MRI apparatuses, due to the need for comparing multiple images to determine physical property values of tissues, lead to cumbersome and inefficient diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A medical diagnostic imaging support apparatus and method that allows users to select specific diagnostic information types, calculating and displaying only the necessary information using physical property values and stored calculation information, reducing the need for multiple imaging sequences and simplifying the diagnostic process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple imaging sequences are used to acquire different emphasized images for diagnosis, then diagnostic information completeness is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary diagnostic information from the complex set of images by using a physical property value map as a guide. The map identifies regions with specific physical properties (e.g., T1, T2 relaxation times) that are diagnostically relevant, allowing the system to extract and present only those critical information elements rather than requiring the user to manually review all image sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical property value map serves as an intermediary between the raw imaging data and the diagnostic conclusion. This map translates complex multi-parameter imaging data into an intuitive visual representation that highlights diagnostically important regions, mediating the information flow and reducing the cognitive load on the user.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging sequences are used to compare signal levels for diagnosis, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but diagnosis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by generating the physical property value map before the actual diagnosis. This map pre-identifies and highlights regions of interest based on their physical properties, so that during diagnosis, the user only needs to review the pre-sorted critical information rather than systematically comparing multiple images, thereby reducing diagnosis time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts diagnostically critical information from the complex imaging data by using physical property values as selection criteria. The system identifies and extracts regions with specific physical properties (e.g., abnormal T1 or T2 values) and presents only these extracted regions for diagnosis, eliminating the need to review all image sequences while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If quantitative measurement of physical property values is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging sequences into a single integrated measurement process. By simultaneously acquiring data from different pulse sequences and combining the results into a unified physical property value map, the system obtains precise quantitative measurements without requiring separate sequential measurements, thereby reducing total measurement time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed with multi-functionality to simultaneously perform multiple tasks: acquiring imaging data, calculating physical property values, and generating the physical property value map all within a single measurement process. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate measurement steps for different physical properties, reducing time consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique for supporting diagnosis by reducing a user's time and effort in quantitative diagnosis using a quantitative value acquired by a medical image acquisition apparatus. A user is allowed in advance to select only desired diagnostic information from vast amounts of diagnostic information such as images and numerical values. Only the selected diagnostic information is presented to the user in a user-friendly mode. The diagnostic information is calculated by using a physical property value necessary for the calculation of the diagnostic information in question and calculation information such as arithmetic functions and variables, the physical property value and calculation information being stored in advance.