Three-Axis MR Pixel Visualization for Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnosis using magnetic resonance (MR) images is subject to misdiagnosis or oversight due to similar contrasts among multiple types of MR images or weak contrasts, requiring expertise and potentially extending examination time, especially when additional imaging is needed.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that acquires pixel values from at least three different MR images and displays them in a three-dimensional diagram, allowing for easy specification and determination of normal or abnormal tissue locations based on pixel values, using normalization and machine learning for tissue property determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple types of MR images are taken to improve diagnosis accuracy, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to similar contrasts among images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms multi-dimensional MR image data into a two-dimensional scatter plot diagram. Each axis represents pixel values from different MR images, and each point represents a pixel location, enabling visual differentiation of tissue types through spatial distribution patterns rather than relying solely on contrast differences in individual images.
Solution Approach 2:
The scatter plot diagram serves as an intermediary visualization tool between raw MR image data and diagnostic interpretation. It converts complex multi-image contrast information into a simplified graphical representation that highlights tissue characteristics without requiring experts to manually compare multiple images.
2Measurement precision
If expertise is required to interpret similar contrasts among MR images, then diagnostic precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extended examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic tissue property determination by having the scatter plot diagram speak for itself through visual pattern recognition. The graphical representation inherently reveals tissue characteristics and abnormality locations without requiring expert interpretation, enabling non-experts to make diagnostic decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color coding in the scatter plot diagram to represent different tissue properties and abnormality locations. By assigning distinct colors to different tissue types and pathological conditions, the system enables rapid visual identification and differentiation without requiring extensive expertise or additional examination time.
3Reliability
If additional imaging is performed when diagnosis is difficult, then diagnostic reliability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The scatter plot diagram provides preliminary diagnostic information by visually presenting tissue property distributions and abnormality locations before final diagnosis is made. This preliminary visualization enables confident diagnostic decisions without requiring additional imaging, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires pixel values of at least three different types of magnetic resonance (MR) images. The processing circuitry causes a display to display a diagram in which values based on the pixel values are arranged in a region with at least three-dimensional axes.