Multitouch Interface for Medical Image Window Width and Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for adjusting window width and level in medical imaging using a mouse are not intuitive or efficient, leading to inaccurate and resource-intensive adjustments due to the complexity of coordinating multiple directional movements.
Innovation Solution
A multitouch user interface is employed to adjust window width and level by interpreting finger positions and movements, allowing for direct and intuitive control through changes in finger spacing and reference point location, enabling precise and efficient adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mouse is used to adjust window width and level, then the adjustment can be performed, but the operation becomes complex and inefficient requiring multiple directional movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adjustment control into two independent segments: window width adjustment via horizontal finger movement and window level adjustment via vertical finger movement. This segmentation allows users to control each parameter independently without coordinating complex multi-directional mouse movements, directly resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mouse control system with a direct touch-based control system. Instead of using a mouse where directional movements must be coordinated, users directly interact with the touchscreen using natural finger movements, eliminating the need for complex coordination and simplifying the operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual window leveling is performed to find optimal values, then the image can be viewed, but repeated modifications are required consuming processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by immediately displaying the image update in response to each finger movement-based adjustment. This allows users to see the effect of their adjustments instantly, enabling precise control without repeated modifications and reducing the time lost to iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where window width and level can be modified in real-time during image viewing. The continuous updating of window parameters based on finger movements allows for adaptive optimization without requiring multiple discrete modification cycles, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dynamic pixel value range is divided into intervals for display, then the display can present values, but pixel values outside the window are mis-represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic changing of window width and level parameters to adapt the display to different pixel value ranges. By enabling users to adjust these parameters interactively, the system can accommodate various pixel value distributions while maintaining accurate representation, resolving the contradiction between display adaptability and information accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computing device and computer program product are provided in order to utilize a multitouch user interface so as to adjust the window width and window level of an image. In the context of a method, an indication of user input provided via a multitouch user interface is received. The indication of user input includes an indication of respective positions of first and second fingers upon the multitouch user interface. The method also includes adjusting, with processing circuitry, a window width of an image based upon a change in spacing between the first and second fingers. Further, the method includes adjusting, with the processing circuitry, a window level of the image based upon a change in location of a reference point defined by the respective positions of the first and second fingers upon the multitouch user interface.