Tomographic Image Management Using 3D Voxel Data for Arbitrary Cross-Section Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tomosynthesis image capturing method faces challenges in managing and displaying high-resolution tomographic images due to size limitations of 3D textures, which restrict the ability to appropriately manage and display arbitrary cross-sections of images.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that determines whether tomographic images exceed a predetermined size, managing them as three-dimensional voxel data if within limits, allowing for effective display of arbitrary cross-sections by interpolating pixel values and utilizing GPU capabilities for efficient image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 3D texture is used for managing tomosynthesis images, then arbitrary cross-section display is enabled, but the image size is limited to 2048×2048×2048 pixels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-volume voxel data into multiple smaller 3D texture blocks that fit within GPU memory limits. Each block can be independently processed and displayed, enabling arbitrary cross-section visualization of high-resolution tomosynthesis images without exceeding the 2048×2048×2048 pixel constraint of 3D textures.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution voxel data is used for tomosynthesis images, then image quality is improved, but the data size exceeds 3D texture limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from managing images as conventional 2D arrays to organizing them as 3D voxel data with explicit spatial coordinates (x, y, z). This dimensional transformation enables efficient memory addressing and arbitrary cross-section extraction while maintaining high resolution, as the 3D structure allows direct access to any volumetric position without being constrained by 2D texture memory limits.
3Area of moving object
If conventional 2D texture is used for image management, then large image sizes are supported, but arbitrary cross-section display cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection and processing of 3D texture blocks based on the desired cross-section view. Instead of loading entire high-resolution volumes into GPU memory, the system dynamically identifies relevant blocks, transfers only necessary data to the GPU, and processes arbitrary cross-sections in real-time, enabling both large data size support and flexible display capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a technique of appropriately managing a high-resolution tomographic image and effectively displaying an arbitrary cross section even under an environment where a 3D texture has a size limitation. An information processing apparatus includes a determination unit adapted to determine whether a size of a plurality of tomographic images acquired from a single object is not more than a predetermined size, a management unit adapted to, upon determining that the size is not more than the predetermined size, manage the plurality of tomographic images as three-dimensional voxel data, a decision unit adapted to decide a cross-sectional image as a display target of an object image managed as the three-dimensional voxel data, and a display control unit adapted to cause a display unit to display the decided cross-sectional image.