Virtual Endoscopy MPR Region Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In medical image processing, distinguishing between observation and non-observation regions on multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) images is difficult, as the view point location is not clearly indicated, leading to potential blind spots during virtual endoscopy and preoperative diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A medical image processing apparatus comprising a storage, virtual endoscopic image generating unit, region identifying means, and image generating unit, which uses three-dimensional images to generate virtual endoscopic images and MPR images, clearly differentiating observation and non-observation regions by associating them with view point locations and directions, allowing for their distinct display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only the view point location is displayed on the MPR image, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it becomes difficult to distinguish which region is being observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tubular body into observation regions and non-observation regions based on the view point location and view direction. By dividing the MPR image into these distinct regions and displaying them with different visual characteristics, the system enables easy identification of which areas are being observed during virtual endoscopy without adding complex display mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different visual properties to different regions of the MPR image. The observation region is displayed with one set of visual characteristics while the non-observation region is displayed with different characteristics, allowing users to immediately distinguish which areas are currently being viewed during virtual endoscopy.
2Device complexity
If the observation region and non-observation region are not clearly distinguished on the MPR image, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential blind spots in diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tubular body into observation regions and non-observation regions based on the view point location and view direction. By dividing the MPR image into these distinct regions and displaying them with different visual characteristics, the system enables easy identification of which areas are being observed during virtual endoscopy without adding complex display mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by displaying the view point location and view direction information directly on the MPR image. This provides continuous feedback to the operator about which regions are being observed and which are not, allowing for immediate adjustment of the virtual endoscopy parameters to ensure complete coverage and eliminate blind spots in the diagnosis.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image processing apparatus including a storage, virtual endoscopic image generating unit, region identifying unit, and image generating unit. The storage stores three-dimensional images of a tubular body. The virtual endoscopic image generating unit generates, by using the three-dimensional images of the tubular body, virtual endoscopic images when an inside of a tract of the tubular body is observed based on a view point location and view direction placed inside the tract. The region identifying unit obtains an observation region and/or non-observation region based on the view point location and view direction by using the three-dimensional images. The image generating unit that generates an image that corresponds to the observation region and/or non-observation region are/is distinguishably displayed on the image obtained from the three-dimensional images.