Tomographic Image Processing for Reduced-Blur 2D-to-3D Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems struggle to display optimal three-dimensional images when switching from two-dimensional tomographic images, often resulting in blurring due to inconsistent image intervals, particularly when transitioning from axial to sagittal or coronal planes.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus and method that extracts a second tomographic image group with a smaller interval based on accessory information, such as imaging date and time, series description, or position, to generate a three-dimensional image from the extracted group, ensuring optimal display without blurring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a thick slice image series with larger interval is used for two-dimensional tomographic image display, then the display coverage and interpretation efficiency are improved, but the image resolution and clarity in the body axis direction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image data into two distinct groups: a first tomographic image group with larger intervals optimized for 2D display and interpretation efficiency, and a second tomographic image group with smaller intervals optimized for 3D reconstruction quality. This segmentation allows each group to serve its specific purpose without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D display using thick slices to 3D display using thin slices by extracting and reconstructing a second tomographic image group with smaller intervals. This dimensional change enables optimal image quality for three-dimensional visualization while maintaining efficient 2D interpretation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If display is switched from axial plane to sagittal plane using thick slice image series, then the multi-planar reconstruction capability is improved, but the image blurring in the body axis direction worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary extraction of a second tomographic image group with smaller intervals from the original imaging data, preparing high-resolution data in advance for potential 3D reconstruction and multi-planar viewing. This preliminary action ensures that when multi-planar reconstruction is needed, high-quality data is already available.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interval parameter between tomographic images by creating a second image group with smaller intervals specifically for 3D reconstruction and multi-planar viewing. This parameter change resolves the blurring issue while maintaining the adaptability for different viewing planes.
3Device complexity
If a single tomographic image group is used for both 2D and 3D display, then the data management complexity is reduced, but the display quality for three-dimensional images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tomographic image data into two distinct groups with different interval characteristics, allowing optimized 2D and 3D display quality. The system manages this segmentation through automated extraction based on imaging date, series description, and position information, balancing quality requirements with management complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus, an image display system, an image processing method, and a program by which it is possible to display an optimum three dimensional image when display is switched from a two dimensional tomographic image to a three dimensional image are provided. The processor (14) outputs a tomographic image display signal representing a two dimensional tomographic image included in a first tomographic image group based on first imaging data obtained by imaging a subject, extracts a second tomographic image group having a smaller interval between tomographic images than the first tomographic image group, on the basis of second imaging data acquired in imaging corresponding to the imaging for acquiring the first imaging data, if a display switching signal indicating switching from display of the two dimensional tomographic image to display of a three dimensional image is acquired, and outputs a three dimensional image display signal representing a three dimensional image generated on the basis of the extracted second tomographic image group.