2D Rib Visualization from 3D Spine Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently analyzing 2D CT scans of the chest, as ribs often cross through axial planes at oblique angles, requiring radiologists to scroll through multiple slices to identify and track individual ribs, which is time-consuming and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate 2D transformed images from 3D image data, allowing for the selection of rotation angles for viewing ribs, enabling faster and more reliable analysis by representing ribs and the spine in a straightened configuration, with the option to display multiple angles as a sequence or stack, and incorporating 2D reformatted images for additional diagnostic information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiologists scroll through multiple axial slices to identify and track individual ribs, then complete rib analysis can be achieved, but the analysis process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 3D rib cage data into 2D straightened views that unfold the rib cage structure along the spinal column. This dimensional transformation allows all ribs to be visualized simultaneously in a single 2D plane rather than requiring navigation through multiple axial slices, thereby maintaining complete rib analysis capability while dramatically reducing analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rib cage structure by separating individual ribs and their corresponding spinal segments into distinct visual units within the straightened view. Each rib is displayed as a separate entity with its anatomical position clearly marked, allowing radiologists to systematically evaluate each rib without the complexity of navigating through overlapping axial slices
2Productivity
If ribs are displayed in a straightened configuration, then viewing efficiency is improved, but the ability to select different viewing perspectives is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic interactivity in the straightened view by allowing users to rotate individual ribs around their long axes and adjust viewing angles. This dynamic capability enables radiologists to examine ribs from multiple perspectives within the same straightened configuration, combining the efficiency of the unfolded view with the versatility of adjustable viewing angles
Solution Approach 2:
The straightened view serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides an overview of the entire rib cage structure, allows detailed examination of individual ribs through rotation, and maintains anatomical context by preserving the spinal column reference. This multi-functionality makes the single straightened view as versatile as multiple traditional viewing perspectives
3Reliability
If multiple 2D slices are generated to represent the 3D volume, then comprehensive rib coverage is achieved, but the complexity of navigating and tracking ribs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves navigation complexity by transforming the multi-slice 3D volume into a single 2D straightened representation that preserves complete rib coverage. The straightening process unfolds the rib cage along the spinal column, creating a continuous 2D map where all ribs are visible simultaneously with clear anatomical positioning, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple slices
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of visualization, wherein a 2D transformed image is generated based on 3D image data. A corresponding computation unit, a system including a computation unit and a displaying unit, a medical imaging device, and a computer program are also disclosed. The method of visualization of an embodiment includes receiving 3D image data representing at least a portion of a spine and a plurality of ribs; and generating a 2D transformed image based on the three-dimensional image data, the 2D transformed image representing the plurality of ribs and the portion of a spine in a straightened configuration, and the angle of rotation of at least one of the ribs around its long axis being selected from a plurality of angles. Selecting an angle of rotation from a plurality of angles allows selecting the perspective for viewing the ribs in the 2D transformed image.