Modality Control Display Segmentation for Medical Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users operating multiple medical imaging modalities simultaneously using a portable user interface terminal face difficulties in identifying which modality is currently being operated.

Innovation Solution

A modality controlling apparatus with a display and processing circuitry that displays an input object for controlling a first modality and a status object indicating the status of a second modality, with the input object in a larger section and the status object in a smaller section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a portable user interface terminal is used to control multiple modalities, then operational flexibility and mobility are improved, but the user's ability to identify the currently operated modality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmodality identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is segmented into multiple regions, with each region dedicated to displaying information for a specific modality. This spatial segmentation allows the user to visually distinguish between different modalities and quickly identify which modality is currently being operated, resolving the confusion that arises from using a single portable terminal for multiple modalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display are assigned different visual characteristics or information densities according to the specific needs of each modality. The region corresponding to the currently operated modality is highlighted or given prominent visual quality, enabling the user to easily detect which modality is active while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If multiple modalities are operated simultaneously using a single terminal, then device complexity is reduced, but operational clarity and workflow efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal quantityVSAvoidoperational clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a temporal dimension of modality switching (one modality at a time on the entire screen) to a spatial dimension where multiple modalities are displayed simultaneously in different regions. This dimensional change allows multiple modalities to coexist on a single terminal without compromising operational clarity, as each modality has its designated display area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

By dividing the terminal display into separate regions for different modalities, the system maintains low device complexity (single terminal) while improving operational clarity. Each segmented region provides clear visual feedback about the status and controls for its associated modality, preventing confusion despite multiple modalities being accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12224060B2Modality controlling apparatus and non-volatile computer-readable storage medium storing therein display controlling program

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A modality controlling apparatus according to an embodiment includes a display and a processing circuitry. The display is configured to display an input object for inputting an instruction for controlling a first modality and a status object indicating a status related to a second modality. The processing circuitry is configured to display the input object in a first section of the display and to display the status object in a second section of the display which is a section smaller than the first section.