Medical Image Processing Apparatus Thumbnail Display for Parameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of medical image processing apparatuses face difficulties in achieving optimal image quality due to the need to adjust multiple image quality parameters, often resulting in small changes to the displayed image, making it challenging to recognize the effects of parameter changes.
Innovation Solution
The medical image processing apparatus implements an image quality adjustment screen display process that generates and displays multiple thumbnail images with incremental changes in image quality parameters, allowing users to visualize and adjust noise reduction, edge enhancement, and coherency enhancement parameters more intuitively by switching between reference, second, and first medical images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the value of an image quality parameter is changed with a predetermined change strength, then the image quality parameter can be adjusted systematically, but the change in the displayed medical image becomes too small for the user to recognize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of display by showing multiple thumbnail images simultaneously, each representing different parameter values. This transforms the single-dimensional parameter adjustment into a multi-dimensional visual comparison space, allowing users to perceive parameter effects across multiple dimensions at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single medical image into multiple thumbnail images, each representing a different parameter setting. This segmentation allows users to compare different parameter effects side-by-side, making the subtle changes in each thumbnail more perceptible when viewed collectively.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple image quality parameters are adjusted to achieve optimal image quality, then comprehensive control over image appearance is possible, but the number of adjustments required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically generating multiple thumbnail images with different parameter combinations before the user makes final adjustments. This pre-computation of various parameter effects allows users to see potential outcomes in advance, reducing the number of iterative adjustments needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by displaying multiple thumbnail images that show the effect of different parameter values simultaneously. This visual feedback mechanism allows users to immediately see the impact of parameter changes across multiple settings, enabling faster and more informed adjustment decisions.
3Device complexity
If a single medical image is displayed for parameter adjustment, then the display area is simple and uncluttered, but the user cannot easily compare different parameter effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the display by arranging multiple thumbnail images in a grid or sequence layout. This dimensional expansion allows comparison of different parameter effects without significantly increasing overall display complexity, as the thumbnails share the same visual space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of the medical image in thumbnail form, each representing different parameter settings. These copies allow users to compare parameter effects without requiring a completely new display layout, as they are simply scaled-down versions of the same underlying image data.
Data Source
AI summary
The medical image processing apparatus disclosed herein includes processing circuitry configured to generate a first medical image by changing a value of an image quality parameter of a reference medical image with a first change strength predetermined for the image quality parameter, generate a second medical image by changing the value of the image quality parameter of the reference medical image with a second change strength greater than the first change strength; and switch and display the first medical image and the second medical images on a screen.