Medical Image Processing Apparatus Optical Attribute Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image presentation methods, such as volume rendering, fail to effectively combine data from original images with additional information from parametric images to achieve intuitive visualization, particularly in medical imaging, where specific attributes like color and transparency are not adequately represented.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that acquire both original and parametric images, using an optical attribute value determination section to determine presentation attributes based on pixel data values and parameter values, enabling targeted presentation by defining correspondences through transfer functions, which highlight regions of interest and differentiate areas based on parameter value ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If volume rendering is used for image presentation, then the original image can be visualized on a two-dimensional screen, but the additional information from parametric images cannot be effectively combined and differentiated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image presentation process by separating the original image data from parametric image data, and further segments the optical attributes by assigning different attributes (color, transparency, etc.) to different parameter value ranges. This allows information from both original and parametric images to be preserved and differentiated in the final visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different optical attributes to different regions of the image based on their parameter values. Specifically, different parameter value ranges are mapped to different optical attributes such as color and transparency, allowing specific regions of interest to be highlighted with appropriate visual characteristics while maintaining the original image structure.
2Loss of information
If traditional image presentation methods are used, then the processing flow remains simple, but the visualization cannot effectively highlight regions of interest or differentiate areas based on parameter values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes parameters by establishing correspondences between parameter values (from parametric images) and optical attributes. Different parameter value ranges are mapped to different optical attribute sets, enabling the visualization system to highlight regions of interest and differentiate areas based on their parameter characteristics through systematic parameter transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the determination section) that mediates between the original image data/parameter values and the final optical attributes. This intermediary establishes the correspondence relationships and performs the mapping operation, adding functional capability without requiring fundamental changes to the overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If multiple optical attributes are assigned based on parameter value ranges, then regions of interest can be highlighted and differentiated, but the determination process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The determination process is segmented by dividing the parameter value range into multiple intervals, with each interval corresponding to a specific set of optical attributes. This segmentation approach systematically manages the complexity by breaking down the determination process into discrete, manageable segments rather than requiring continuous complex calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, an image processing method and a medical imaging system are disclosed. The image processing apparatus comprises: an original image acquisition section configured to acquire the original image of an object; a parametric image acquisition section configured to acquire a parametric image corresponding to the original image; and an optical attribute value determination section configured to determine, based on the data value of a pixel of the original image and the parameter value of a corresponding pixel in the parametric image, optical attribute values for presenting the pixel of the original image according to a predetermined correspondence.