Sub-pleural Region Visualization from Volumetric Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 2D visualizations of anatomical structures, such as lungs, often fail to provide an optimal context for observing certain diseases, leading to mis-identification and confusion among physicians.
Innovation Solution
A method for visualizing sub-pleural regions of anatomical structures from volumetric data, which involves receiving and processing volumetric data to identify and extract sub-pleural regions, and rendering display images based on these regions to provide a more informative visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2D cross-sectional visualization methods are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to observe and identify diseases accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D cross-sectional views to a 3D surface-based visualization system. By mapping sub-pleural regions onto the 3D outer surface of the lung, the system provides depth information and spatial context that was absent in 2D images, thereby improving disease identification accuracy without requiring physicians to mentally reconstruct 3D anatomy from multiple 2D slices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the lung volume into specific sub-pleural regions at defined depths from the outer surface. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and highlight specific anatomical zones that are suspicious for disease, enabling focused observation and improving diagnostic precision by directing attention to relevant regions rather than presenting the entire lung volume.
2Loss of information
If multiple cross-sectional images are viewed simultaneously, then more comprehensive information is obtained, but confusion and mis-identification increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cross-sectional slices into a unified 3D surface representation. Instead of displaying numerous 2D slices that require mental integration, the system combines the volumetric data into a single coherent 3D model where sub-pleural regions are projected onto the outer surface, providing comprehensive contextual information in a visually integrated format that reduces cognitive load and eliminates confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D outer surface acts as an intermediary that mediates between the internal volumetric data and the physician's visual observation. By projecting sub-pleural region characteristics onto this intermediate 3D surface, the system translates complex 3D anatomical relationships into an intuitive visual format that preserves contextual information while maintaining ease of observation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for visualizing sub-pleural regions of an anatomical structure of interest from a set of volumetric data includes receiving the set of volumetric data representative of the anatomical structure. The anatomical structure can comprise an outer surface and a plurality of sub-pleural regions with each of the plurality of sub-pleural regions being a region of the anatomical structure which is distant from the outer surface by a corresponding sub-pleural depth. The method further includes determine a first sub-pleural region of the anatomical structure of interest and extracting, from the set of volumetric data, the portions of volumetric data representative of the first sub-pleural region. The method also includes rendering a display image based upon the first sub-pleural region and the extracted volumetric data.