Hideyuki Ban

Rotation method for medical three‐dimensional image using object direct operation

This paper proposes a method of rotating a three-dimensional image on a screen by using a two-dimensional pointer (e.g., a mouse cursor) to make medical diagnoses easier. The apparatus rotates the three-dimensional image by directly clicking and dragging areas of interest with a pointer so that a user (e.g., a busy doctor) can examine the image from any number of angles without a break in his/her concentration. Experiments show that the proposed method is faster by 20 percent and simpler and easier to use without special training as compared with a conventional method (in which a mouse cursor points in a numerical viewing angle direction).

High speed display algorithm for 3D medical images using multilayer range image

We propose a high-speed, three-dimensional display method for objects represented by voxels intended for three-dimensional image diagnostic systems that can be operated interactively. The method extends the concept of the conventional range image and introduces the multilayer range image that stores the distance from the projection plane to the object regardless of whether the object is visible or not. A range image is generated on the surface of any projection plane from the multilayer range images of 6 projection planes perpendicular to the coordinate axes and displayed in three dimensions after shading. Fast speeds are achieved by selecting the multilayer range images that correspond to the projection direction for processing and by eliminating operations on voxels which are not needed in the processing. We were able to display a 2563—voxel object on a 22 MIPS workstation in about 0.5 seconds. Moreover, we anticipate a response of less than one second on the next generation of 100 MIPS workstations.

A Customized Online Nutrition Guidance System Is Effective for Treating Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Supporting Continuity of Diet Therapy at Home: A Pilot Study

Continuity is required for diet therapy, but it depends on patients. We examined the utility of a new tool, the customized online nutrition guidance system, in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Seven patients plotted their body weight (BW) and marked a customized task card on completion for 90 days on a website. The instructors encouraged them by e-mail. BW, serum transaminase levels, and system usage were evaluated. The results showed that BW and serum alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly lower than at baseline. BW and task visualization as well as encouragement by e-mails were effective in ensuring continuity. Thus, this system is effective in keeping NAFLD patients motivated to continue their diet therapy.

Teleradiology system using a magneto-optical disk and N-ISDN

We have developed a new teleradiology system that provides a fast response and secure data transmission while using N- ISDN communication and an ISC magneto-optical disk that is specialized for medical use. The system consists of PC-based terminals connected to a N-ISDN line and the ISC disk. The system uses two types of data: the control data needed for various operational functions and the image data. For quick response, only the much smaller quantity of control data is sent through the N-ISDN during the actual conference. The bulk of the image data is sent to each site on duplicate ISC disks before the conference. The displaying and processing of images are executed using the local data on the ISC disk. We used this system for a trial teleconsultation between two hospitals. The response time needed to display a 2-Mbyte image was 4 seconds. The telepointer could be controlled with no noticeable delay by sending only the pointers coordinates. Also, since the patient images were exchanged via the ISC disks only, unauthorized access to the patient images through the N-ISDN was prevented. Thus, this trial provides a preliminary demonstration of the usefulness of this system for clinical use.