Virtual Probe for Medical Image Data Profiling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting information from image data are limited to geometrical information and do not effectively allow probing of data of interest related to the image data, such as local density in a femur bone or tissue quality in knee joints, which require tools to derive scalar or vector fields from the data.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the instantiation, application, and parameter setting of a virtual measuring device probe within a 3D image data view, allowing the determination and visualization of a profile from the data of interest based on the probe's location and scope, with options for navigating and annotating the data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If geometric measurement tools are used to extract information from image data, then geometrical information can be obtained, but other types of data such as local density or tissue quality cannot be extracted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to extract different types of dataVSAvoidloss of non-geometrical information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is designed as a universal measurement tool that can extract multiple types of data from image datasets, including geometrical information, local density, and tissue quality characteristics. The system allows users to select different data types and extraction methods through the probe interface, making it adaptable to various medical analysis requirements without requiring separate specialized tools for each data type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of probe parameters to change the type and characteristics of extracted data. Users can modify parameters such as probe position, orientation, depth, and data type selection to extract different information from the same image dataset, transforming the probe from a static geometric measurement tool into a flexible multi-functional analysis device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the probe allows detailed probing of data of interest, then useful information can be extracted, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of data extractionVSAvoidcomplexity of probing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe system is segmented into distinct functional components: the probe itself for data extraction, the visualization interface for displaying results, and the navigation tools for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability, reducing the perceived complexity despite the enhanced probing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary interface layer between the complex data extraction operations and the user. This interface simplifies the interaction by providing user-friendly controls and visual feedback, hiding the underlying complexity of multi-data-type extraction algorithms while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If the probe is applied to extract scalar or vector fields, then data of interest can be determined, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of scalar and vector field dataVSAvoiddifficulty of field data extraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex manual measurement procedures with automated computational algorithms embedded in the probe. Scalar and vector field data are extracted through programmed processing of image datasets, eliminating the need for manual analysis and reducing the difficulty of field data extraction while maintaining high precision and completeness of information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP1941452B1A method of and a system for interactive probing and annotating medical images using profile flags
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP1941452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1941452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1941452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) of and a system (800) for probing a data of interest on the basis of an object comprised in a related image data, the method comprising an instantiating step (105) for instantiating a probe, an applying step (115) for applying the probe to a location on a surface of the object, and a determining step (120) for determining a profile from the data of interest on the basis of the location of the probe. The probe is a virtual tool for extracting information from the data of interest. This tool is navigated on the basis of a view rendered from the related image data. The probe further comprises means for determining the scope of probing. Thus, the method (100) and the system (800) enable the user to extract the desired information from the data of interest.