Medical Image Thumbnail Anchoring for Image Quality Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical image diagnosis apparatuses face difficulty in adjusting multiple image quality indexes to achieve optimal image quality due to the vast number of combinations and limited freedom in adjusting image quality settings, even with graphical user interfaces and thumbnail image displays.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a touch command screen with adjustable range setting processes that allow users to adjust image quality indexes through thumbnail images, using anchor points and predefined ranges, enabling smoother adjustments by previewing changes and limiting the selectable range based on user operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image quality indexes are provided for adjustment, then the ability to control image quality is improved, but the complexity of adjustment increases making it difficult for users to reach optimal settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment process into two distinct phases: (1) a setup phase where the adjustable range for each image quality index is defined based on user preferences and diagnostic purposes, and (2) an execution phase where only pre-defined thumbnail images within the adjustable range are selected. This segmentation transforms the originally overwhelming continuous adjustment task into a manageable two-step process, reducing perceived complexity while preserving full control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple thumbnail images for each image quality index at different adjustment levels before the user needs to make a selection. These thumbnails are generated in advance within the adjustable range, so when the user needs to adjust image quality, they are presented with pre-rendered options rather than having to perform real-time adjustments. This eliminates the complexity of real-time parameter tuning while maintaining adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustable range of image quality indexes is expanded, then the freedom of adjustment is improved, but the number of combinations increases making adjustment more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the adjustment process by separating it into setup time (defining ranges) and usage time (selecting from thumbnails). During setup, the system accommodates any adjustable range the user desires. During usage, the system presents a manageable subset of pre-computed thumbnails. This dimensional separation allows large adjustable ranges without increasing the complexity of the actual selection task, as the heavy computation is shifted to the setup phase.
3Ease of manufacture
If thumbnail images are displayed for each rendering condition, then visual understanding is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex parameter adjustment interface and replaces it with simple thumbnail image selection. Instead of displaying sliders, numerical inputs, or complex menus for adjusting multiple image quality indexes, the system extracts only the essential visual information needed for decision-making—the thumbnail images showing the actual rendering results. This extraction simplifies the interface to its core function (visual comparison) while removing unnecessary complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment comprises processing circuitry configured to set a value of an image quality index selected regarding multiple types of the image quality index to display medical image as an anchor, and generate a first thumbnail image based on the anchor; display the first thumbnail image; generate second thumbnail images by increasing or decreasing the image quality index by a preset value from the anchor; display the plurality of second thumbnail images; generate a new first thumbnail image, display the new first thumbnail image, generate a new second thumbnail image, and display the new second thumbnail image; and generate an anchor flow line based on at least a starting point in which the anchor starts a movement and an ending point in which the anchor ends the movement, and set an adjustable range of the value of the image quality index.