Shortest Path Search in Tubular Structures with Interrupted Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for finding the shortest path in tubular structures within three-dimensional medical images, such as blood vessels, require user intervention to address interruptions, increasing operational complexity and burden.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that automatically detect and connect interrupted paths in tubular structures by analyzing distances and radii within three-dimensional images, generating a search path, and searching for the shortest path without user specification, incorporating a path extraction unit, interrupted path detection unit, search path generation unit, and search unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the center line extraction method is used to find the shortest path in tubular structures, then the path can be extracted from three-dimensional images, but the center line may be interrupted at narrowed portions or portions with deposited tissue, making shortest path search impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of interrupted paths by calculating distances between terminal points and other path parts before attempting shortest path search. This preliminary action identifies potential connection points in advance, allowing the system to prepare search paths that bridge interruptions automatically without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces search paths as intermediary elements that connect interrupted center line segments. These search paths act as mediators between disconnected path portions, enabling the shortest path search to proceed continuously through narrowed portions or areas with deposited tissue by using the search path as a bridge.
2Reliability
If user specification of interrupted portions is required to connect broken paths, then the shortest path search can be achieved, but the operation becomes complicated and increases user burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting interrupted paths and generating search paths to connect them without requiring user specification. The interrupted path detection unit autonomously identifies broken segments by calculating distances, and the search path generation unit automatically creates connection paths, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the extracted path for interruptions and automatically adjusting by generating search paths when interruptions are detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that path connectivity is maintained without user input, as the system detects the problem and corrects it autonomously.
3Extent of automation
If the center line is extracted through narrowed portions with plaque or deposited tissue, then the path may be interrupted, but automatic detection and connection of these interruptions is needed to maintain continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by performing distance calculations specifically at terminal points of extracted paths and comparing them with other parts of the path in their local vicinity. This localized approach focuses computational resources on critical connection points where interruptions are most likely to occur, improving detection precision without requiring global path analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A path extraction unit extracts a path of a tubular structure from a three-dimensional image containing the tubular structure, and an interrupted path detection unit detects an interrupted path in the extracted path. A search path generation unit generates a search path that connects the interrupted path, and a search unit searches for the shortest path between a start point and an end point on the extracted path based on the extracted path and the search path.