Rule-Based Volume Rendering for Radiological Studies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for radiological image analysis, such as PACS workstations, require numerous user interactions for volume rendering and navigation, which can be repetitive and inefficient, especially for clinicians who have characteristic navigation techniques.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a customizable set of rules for automatic rendering and navigation of radiological studies, allowing users to associate specific rules with image data based on modality, anatomy, user identity, preferences, and procedures, reducing the need for manual interactions and facilitating consistent results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual volume rendering and navigation is performed through multiple user interactions, then the clinician can control the rendering process, but the number of user interactions increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of volume rendering and navigationVSAvoidtime required for multiple user interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures volume rendering protocols and navigation paths based on study type and anatomical region. When a clinician initiates volume rendering, the system automatically executes pre-planned rendering parameters and navigation sequences, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each rendering parameter and navigation step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts rendering parameters, selects appropriate protocols, and navigates through volumetric data based on the study characteristics and pre-defined rules. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about rendering and navigation without requiring continuous user input, while still allowing user intervention when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automatic rule-based navigation is implemented, then the number of user interactions decreases, but the ability to handle individual clinician preferences and characteristic navigation techniques is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of volume rendering and navigationVSAvoidadaptability to individual clinician navigation styles

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the specific study type, anatomical region, and associated clinical protocols. Different navigation paths and rendering parameters are automatically selected based on the characteristics of the current study, allowing the system to be versatile across different clinical scenarios while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes rendering and navigation parameters based on study-specific protocols and anatomical considerations. By automatically adjusting parameters such as rendering algorithm, resolution, navigation speed, and viewing angles according to the study type, the system maintains high productivity while adapting to different clinical requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple user interactions are required for rendering and navigation, then the clinician can customize the process, but the complexity of the interface and操作流程 increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of volume rendering resultsVSAvoidcomplexity of rendering and navigation interface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and separates the complex rendering and navigation tasks into automatic background processes. The intricate details of parameter adjustment, protocol selection, and navigation path planning are handled by the system's automatic rule-based engine, while the user interface presents only simple initiation and control commands, greatly reducing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intelligent intermediary layer that translates simple user commands into complex rendering and navigation operations. This intermediary automatically interprets the clinician's intent, selects appropriate protocols, and executes the necessary sequence of operations, shielding the user from the underlying complexity while ensuring reliable results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8179396B2System and methods for rule-based volume rendition and navigation

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for clinical presentation of a radiological study including: associating a customizable set of rules with image data corresponding to at least a portion of the radiological study; and rendering automatically the image data to form volumetric data; and navigating automatically the volumetric data with the customizable set of rules to present a navigated the at least a portion of the radiological study to a user. In an embodiment, the system further includes halting the navigating automatically the volumetric data from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the rendering automatically the image data is initiated from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the navigating automatically the volumetric data is initiated from an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, both the rendering automatically the image data and the navigating automatically the volumetric data are initiated an interaction by the user. In an embodiment, the customizable set of rules includes at least one of: a rendering rule and a navigation rule.