Scout Navigation Tool for Medical Image Series
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating through large series of images in medical diagnostics and other imaging modalities is inefficient, requiring substantial time and effort due to the large number of images produced, especially with advancements in multi-slice CT scanners and other imaging techniques that generate hundreds or thousands of images.
Innovation Solution
A scout navigation tool is developed to efficiently navigate and identify images of interest by computing differential indices between adjacent images, highlighting regions of change, and providing a graphical representation for intuitive selection and viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional visual inspection methods are used to navigate through large image series, then complete viewing of all images is possible, but the time required increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scout image as an intermediary representation that mediates between the large set of detailed images and the viewer. The scout image provides a compressed, low-resolution overview that enables rapid navigation and identification of regions of interest, allowing viewers to locate specific images without examining each one in detail, thus dramatically reducing navigation time while maintaining access to complete image information when needed
2Loss of information
If large numbers of images are acquired using multi-slice CT scanners, then diagnostic information is improved, but navigation and viewing becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large set of images into a compressed overview representation (scout image) and detailed individual images. The scout image segments the essential spatial and temporal information from the full image series, organizing it into a navigable format that maintains diagnostic information while making the large dataset manageable and easy to navigate through functional indexing and change detection
3Loss of information
If functional imaging with repeated scans is performed, then tissue function visualization is improved, but the number of images increases to exceed 2,000
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the large set of functional imaging data to generate a scout image that captures the essential temporal and spatial changes before the viewer needs to analyze the data. This preliminary compression and organization of functional imaging information allows radiologists to rapidly identify relevant time points and regions of interest in studies with 2,000+ images, reducing viewing time while preserving tissue function information
Data Source
AI summary
A navigational tool is provided for selection of images of interest in large series of images. Difference indices are calculated between adjacent images in the series, and the indices are used to generate a navigational tool which can be presented as a graphical representation of differences between the images. A viewer may select specific locations or sets of images for viewing by manipulation of a virtual tool based upon the representation of the difference indices. The technique thus provides a highly efficient and intuitive tool for location of images in a series where particular features of interest or changes may occur, permitting rapid access and viewing of these images.