2D Medical Image Slice Orientation via Localizer Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image processing methods for 2D medical images, such as those from tomographic scans, are challenging due to difficulties in interpreting the location of image slices within the object, leading to potential mistakes and inefficiencies, especially for casual users like referring physicians and patients, and existing 3D rendering methods require significant computational power and can be confusing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generates a display image by rendering a selected 2D image slice perpendicular to a localizer image, allowing for improved visualization and orientation, using a database and image processor to select and position the image slices, and outputting a display image that includes both the image slice and localizer image, which can be adapted for diagnostic quality and user manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full 3D image volume rendering is used, then the risk of orientation mistakes is reduced, but computational power requirements increase and calculation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume rendering into multiple 2D image slices that can be independently processed and displayed. Instead of rendering the entire 3D volume at once, the system divides it into discrete slices that are easier to compute and manipulate, reducing computational power requirements while maintaining orientation accuracy through the perpendicular projection method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified 2D copy or projection of the 3D volume data by rendering image slices perpendicular to the localizer image. This copying approach allows users to obtain orientation information without processing the full 3D dataset, significantly reducing computational requirements while preserving the essential spatial relationships.
2Ease of operation
If full 3D image volume rendering is used, then orientation understanding is improved, but information overload occurs and the view becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential orientation information needed for interpretation by rendering image slices perpendicular to the localizer image. This extraction method removes unnecessary 3D rendering complexity and information overload, presenting only the critical spatial relationships in a simplified 2D format that is easier to understand and interpret.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the viewing dimension by projecting 3D volume data onto 2D planes perpendicular to the localizer image. This dimensionality change simplifies the visualization by transforming complex 3D spatial relationships into easier-to-interpret 2D representations, reducing information complexity while maintaining orientation accuracy.
3Loss of information
If 2D image slices are displayed side-by-side with localizer image using cut lines, then orientation information is provided, but user attention is divided and mistakes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the localizer image and image slice into a single integrated display where the image slice is rendered perpendicular to the localizer image. This combining eliminates the need for separate cut line annotations and side-by-side displays, allowing users to view both orientation and slice information simultaneously in one unified view, thereby maintaining focus and reducing errors.
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for image processing including a database, an image processor, and a display. The database includes a plurality of image slices. Each image slice in the plurality of image slices is based at least in part on an object. The image processor is adapted to generate a display image. The display image includes a selected image slice rendered about perpendicular to a localizer image. The selected image slice is selected from the plurality of image slices. The display is adapted to display the display image.