Medical Imaging Composite Display for Depth Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in effectively combining 2D slice images with 3D volume renderings to provide both diagnostic accuracy and anatomical context, as 2D slice images lack depth information while 3D volume renderings may not be sufficiently detailed for diagnostic purposes.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging data visualization system that generates a composite image by positioning a 3D dataset relative to a viewing plane, cropping it at a selected slice plane, and producing first and second color volume renderings using different color maps, which are then blended based on estimated depth to combine with a 2D diagnostic image, enhancing diagnostic information with contextual depth cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 2D slice images are used for diagnostic purposes, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but depth information and anatomical context are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 2D diagnostic slice images with 3D volume rendering images into a composite display. The 2D slice provides high-contrast diagnostic information while the 3D rendered background adds depth context and anatomical orientation, merging the strengths of both visualization modes to resolve the contradiction between diagnostic accuracy and depth information preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overlays 3D depth information from volume rendering onto the 2D slice plane, effectively adding a depth dimension to the otherwise flat 2D diagnostic image. This dimensional enhancement provides contextual depth cues without compromising the diagnostic quality of the 2D slice.
2Loss of information
If 3D volume rendering is used to provide anatomical context, then depth information is improved, but diagnostic detail and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges 3D volume rendering with 2D diagnostic slices in a composite display where each modality serves its strength: the 3D rendering provides anatomical context and depth perception while the 2D slice maintains high diagnostic accuracy. This combination resolves the contradiction by allowing both depth information and diagnostic detail to coexist in the same visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visualization qualities to different regions of the display: the background uses 3D volume rendering with softer contrast for anatomical context, while the foreground 2D slice uses high-contrast diagnostic optimization. This local differentiation allows each region to serve its specific purpose without compromising the other.
3Device complexity
If simple overlay techniques are used to combine 2D and 3D images, then implementation complexity is reduced, but integration quality and effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts multiple display parameters including transparency levels, contrast ratios, and positioning of the 2D slice relative to the 3D volume. These parameter optimizations enhance the integration quality by ensuring the 2D diagnostic information remains visible and accurate while the 3D background provides appropriate contextual depth without overwhelming the diagnostic content.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes a medical imaging and/or visualization system and method that provide a user interface enabling a user to visualize (e.g., via a volume rendering) a three dimensional (3D) dataset, manipulate the rendered volume to select a slice plane, and generate a diagnostic image at the selected slice plane, which is enhanced by depth colorized background information. The depth colorization of the background image is produced by blending, preferably based on the depth of structures in the volume, two differently colorized volume renderings, and then fusing the background image with a foreground diagnostic image to produce the enhanced diagnostic image.