Seamless Sectional Image Switching in Tomosynthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical diagnostic imaging, particularly in tomosynthesis, there is a challenge in smoothly switching between sectional images of a breast, as existing systems struggle to synchronize the display of multiple images taken from different angles, leading to discontinuous and non-smooth transitions.
Innovation Solution
An image displaying device and method that allows for seamless switching between sectional images by generating a combined sectional image based on the instructed slice position, using a controller to coordinate the display of one sectional image with a corresponding combined image from another, ensuring smooth transitions by aligning frame numbers and using weighted averages for image combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple sectional images from different angles are displayed simultaneously, then comprehensive diagnostic information is provided, but smooth switching between images becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A combined sectional image is generated as an intermediary between the first and second sectional images. This combined image serves as a transition mediator that smoothly connects the two different-angle images, enabling seamless switching while preserving diagnostic information from both angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the display based on the relationship between slice positions of the first and second sectional images. When slice positions differ, the system automatically generates and displays a combined sectional image, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that ensures smooth transitions while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic information.
2Loss of information
If slice position is changed for one sectional image, then diagnostic coverage is improved, but synchronization with the other image is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the slice position relationship between the first and second sectional images in real-time. When a change in slice position is detected for one image, the system provides feedback by generating a combined sectional image that reflects the new slice position relationship, thereby maintaining synchronization while improving diagnostic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined sectional image is generated in advance or in real-time based on the anticipated or detected slice position change. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the slice position changes, the combined image is already available to maintain synchronization, preventing any disruption in the displayed image pair.
3Ease of operation
If combined sectional image is generated, then smooth transition is achieved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined sectional image is generated only in the specific local condition where the slice positions of the first and second sectional images differ. This localized processing approach avoids unnecessary computation when images are already synchronized, reducing overall processing complexity while achieving smooth transitions when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an image displaying device including: a display section that displays a pair of mutually related sectional images; a reception section that, for one of the sectional image pair, receives a successive change instruction for a slice position; a generation section that generates a combined sectional image, corresponding to the slice position of the one sectional image, from the other sectional image of the pair; and a controller that, in cases in which the reception section has received the successive change instruction, effects control to switch display of the one sectional image from the one sectional image being displayed to the one sectional image that corresponds to the slice position indicated in the instruction, and, in conjunction with switching, to successively switch display of the other sectional image from the other sectional image that is being displayed to the combined sectional image.