Medical Imaging Thumbnail Selection for Parameter Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of medical imaging devices face challenges in selecting optimal rendering parameters for generating high-quality and photorealistic 3D/4D ultrasound images due to lack of time, expertise, and non-intuitive interfaces, leading to inefficient and computationally intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus with a selection unit that displays multiple thumbnail images rendered with varying rendering parameters, allowing users to easily select optimal parameters through user input devices, such as touch screens or mice, and providing a hierarchical interface for fine-tuning, reducing the need for extensive parameter exploration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If operators manually explore and select rendering parameters using traditional interfaces, then image quality and realism can be improved, but user time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-generates multiple thumbnail images with different rendering parameters (light position, color map, brightness, radiosity) before user interaction. This preliminary action allows operators to immediately view and compare multiple rendering options without manually adjusting parameters, significantly reducing selection time while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copy representations (thumbnails) of the full-resolution rendered images. These thumbnails serve as surrogate options that allow rapid visual comparison and selection of rendering parameters without requiring operators to interact with complex parameter controls or wait for full-resolution rendering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rendering interfaces are used, then detailed parameter control is available, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary visual interface (thumbnail gallery) between the operator and the complex rendering parameters. Instead of directly manipulating technical parameters like radiosity or light position, operators interact with visual thumbnail representations that intuitively display the rendering effects, making the interface more user-friendly while preserving parameter versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes visual variations in thumbnail images (color maps, brightness levels, lighting effects) to represent different rendering parameter combinations. These visual changes provide an intuitive visual language that allows operators to understand and select rendering parameters based on visual appearance rather than technical specifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive parameter exploration is performed to achieve optimal rendering, then image realism is improved, but computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial rendering action by generating only thumbnail-sized images with various parameter combinations instead of full-resolution renders. This partial action provides sufficient visual information for parameter selection while consuming significantly less computational energy, avoiding the excessive computational load of exploring all possible parameter combinations at full resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging data processing apparatus comprising a data receiving unit for receiving imaging data, a rendering unit for rendering images from the imaging data according to one or more rendering parameters and a selection unit configured to output a plurality of images rendered by the rendering unit. At least one of the plurality of output images is rendered using one or more rendering parameter having a value that is different to the value used to render one or more of the other rendered images. The output images are selectable to select the value of one or more rendering parameters associated with the selected image.