Virtual Ruler for Medical Image Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently composing separate images into a composite image, as existing methods require a physical ruler that occupies valuable imaging space and can be inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for displaying a virtual ruler on each separate image, which calculates and displays distance values between reference points on each image, allowing for accurate composition without the need for a physical ruler, and includes features for user input to control the display and movement of virtual rulers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical ruler is used to indicate distance in separate images, then measurement capability is provided, but imaging space is occupied and operation convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual ruler by displaying distance scale information on the image display device rather than using a physical ruler in the imaging field. The virtual ruler is generated through software processing that calculates and displays distance values based on image data, eliminating the need for physical ruler placement while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical ruler with a digital virtual ruler system. Instead of using a tangible measuring tool that occupies space and requires manual handling, the system uses computational methods to generate and display distance measurements electronically on the image display, substituting mechanical measurement with digital processing.
2Measurement precision
If a physical ruler is placed in the imaging area, then distance indication is possible, but valuable imaging space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent displays a virtual ruler on the image display device that replicates the measurement function of a physical ruler without occupying imaging space. The virtual ruler is generated by processing image data and displaying distance scale information electronically, allowing measurement capability while preserving the entire imaging area for actual subject capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the ruler from a two-dimensional physical object occupying imaging space to a virtual display element that exists in the display dimension. The virtual ruler is rendered on the image display device, separating the measurement indication function from the imaging space, thereby eliminating space occupation while maintaining measurement capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate images are composed manually with physical rulers, then composition accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides real-time feedback by displaying distance values and virtual ruler markings on the image display device during the composition process. This feedback mechanism allows users to accurately align separate images by comparing distance measurements directly on the display, improving composition accuracy while the automated display system reduces manual measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and displays distance values and virtual ruler markings before the user performs the composition operation. By having the measurement references ready and pre-positioned on the display, the system eliminates the need for users to manually measure and mark positions during composition, thereby improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical image displaying apparatus includes: an image obtainer that obtains a medical image of an object without placing a physical ruler beside the object; a controller that generates a virtual ruler based on a location of the image obtainer when the medical image is obtained; and a display that displays the virtual ruler on the medical image.