Medical Imaging Apparatus Bone Region Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 4D medical imaging representations, it is challenging for operators to recognize target bones due to complex movements of multiple bones, requiring manual specification and comparison of multiple 4D representations to identify the correct bone, which decreases diagnostic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging apparatus and method that aligns and stabilizes bone regions within 3D image data across multiple time phases, allowing for clear differentiation between stationary and moving bones, thereby simplifying the identification of target bones in 4D representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If 4D representation shows sequential changes of relative positions of multiple bones, then movement information is provided, but target bone recognition becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the target bone from the complex 4D representation by generating a dedicated 3D image showing only the target bone's position changes. This separates the target bone information from other bones, making it easily recognizable while preserving the sequential movement information across multiple time phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 4D representation into two distinct components: (1) a simplified 3D image showing only target bone position changes, and (2) the full 4D representation showing all bones. This segmentation allows operators to easily identify the target bone in the segmented view while still accessing complete movement information when needed.
2Measurement precision
If operator specifies target bone candidates one by one and executes multiple 4D representations, then target bone can be identified, but diagnostic time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically generating the target bone identification 3D image before the operator needs to identify the target bone. The system pre-processes the 4D data to create a simplified view showing only target bone movements, eliminating the need for operators to manually specify multiple candidates and execute repeated 4D representations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the target bone data in a dedicated 3D image format. This copy contains only the essential target bone position information across time phases, allowing rapid identification without processing or displaying the complete complex 4D data set.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bones move in complicated manner, then realistic movement is captured, but visual recognition of target bone becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target bone's movement trajectory from the complex multi-bone 4D data and presents it in isolation through a dedicated 3D image. This extraction maintains the realistic movement patterns while removing the visual clutter of other bones, making target bone recognition straightforward even when multiple bones move in complicated coordinated fashion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different visual representations for different purposes: the full 4D representation shows all bones with their complex coordinated movements for comprehensive analysis, while the segmented 3D image provides simplified target bone-specific visualization for easy identification. Each view has optimized quality for its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging apparatus according to a present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains pieces of medical image data, the pieces each being generated in each of multiple time phases and each including bone information. The processing circuitry sets first regions each being included in each of the pieces. The processing circuitry generates pieces of corrected medical image data by aligning the pieces of medical image data so that the first regions are substantially a same position. The processing circuitry specifies second regions each corresponding to a bone moving in the pieces of the corrected medical image data. The processing circuitry displays the second regions so as to be recognized on a display.