Ultrasound Intersection Visualization for 3D Slice Plane Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating and visualizing the relationship between two-dimensional (2D) slice planes and three-dimensional (3D) image volumes in ultrasound imaging is challenging, especially in 3D cardiac ultrasound, due to difficulties in determining the position of 2D slices within the colorized 3D image volume.
Innovation Solution
A method that renders a 3D image and 2D images from a 3D dataset, generates a 3D model of the region of interest, identifies intersections between the 2D and 3D images, and displays these intersections on the 3D model, allowing users to easily visualize the position of 2D slice planes within the 3D volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If 2D slice planes are displayed within a colorized 3D image volume, then the visualization of anatomical structures is enhanced, but it becomes difficult for users to determine the position of 2D slices within the 3D volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume visualization into distinct components: the colorized 3D anatomical structures and separate intersection indicators showing where 2D slice planes intersect the volume. This segmentation allows users to perceive both the enhanced 3D visualization and the slice positions simultaneously without confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intersection indicators as intermediary visual elements that mediate between the 2D slice planes and the 3D volume. These indicators (such as outlines or markers at intersection points) serve as visual cues that bridge the gap between the slice position information and the colorized 3D anatomy, making slice locations easily detectable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually navigate the 3D ultrasound data volume to adjust 2D views, then flexibility in viewing different planes is achieved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback by displaying intersection indicators that update in real-time as users adjust 2D slice plane positions. This feedback mechanism shows users immediately where their adjusted slices intersect the 3D volume, eliminating the need for manual navigation through the entire volume and simplifying the operation while maintaining full flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new visual dimension by overlaying 2D intersection indicators (outlines or markers) onto the 3D volume display. This additional visual layer provides spatial information about slice positions without requiring users to mentally navigate through the 3D space, thereby reducing operational complexity while preserving view adjustment flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for visualizing intersection information on ultrasound images. In one embodiment, a method comprises rendering a three-dimensional (3D) image and at least one two-dimensional (2D) image from a 3D dataset, generating a 3D model of at least a subset of the 3D dataset, identifying intersections between the 3D image, the at least one 2D image, and the 3D model, and displaying the 3D model and the intersections on the 3D model. In this way, a user may easily visualize how the 2D slice planes are positioned with respect to the volume rendering.