Abstract: A computer-aided method (30) comprises alternating between one or more of (i) navigational tasks and (ii) measuring, qualification, and quantification tasks of a clinical task in accordance with defined simple click style user interactions. The defined simple click style user interactions are based upon a domain knowledge (34) that includes (i) details of an anatomy and (ii) details of a clinical measurement, quantification, or workflow of the clinical task associated with the anatomy. Responsive to execution of a simple click style user interaction within a current view (36), and further in accordance with a corresponding navigational task or measuring, qualification, or quantification task, the method transitions within the clinical task and its workflow between one or more of (a) a first measurement point and a next measurement point within the current view (36) or (b) the current view (36) and a next view (38).

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing apparatus arranged to scale an object within an image, said image processing apparatus comprising a calibrator arranged to scale the object based on a calibration factor derived from a relationship between a true dimension of a marker and a dimension of the marker in pixel units in the image, wherein the calibrator is further arranged to generate a plurality of calibration factors obtained using a plurality of differently oriented markers identified within said image. The image (I) comprises a plurality of objects (3, 8, 9) which are oriented differently in space resulting in a different alignment of these objects with respect to the anatomical structures (2). The object (3) is linked to a measurement tool, which is arranged to measure a length of the object (3) in pixel units and to calculate a true length of the object (3) using a calibration factor determined from a marker (A), which has a similar alignment in space as the object (3).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improving the planning process for an activity such as a medical procedure. A what-if report is provided that includes predicted eventualities resulting from an initial change in a value of a parameter, as well as proposed alternative values of parameters, in which proposed values are adapted for the initial change in the value of the parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing an image comprising the steps of: assigning a value of a positioning error to a detail in the image; visualizing said value of the positioning error; enabling an interactive adjustment of said value; storing the value of the positioning error with reference to the position of the detail. At step 1a of the method the image 1 two details 2a and 2b are identified. The details are positioned so that to coincide with an exterior of a femoral bone 3, whereby ach detail is assigned a value of a positioning error, which is visualized to the user, for example by means of suitable ellipses 4a and 4b. The respective values of the positioning error may be introduced manually by the user using suitable input means. Alternatively, it is possible that the value of the positioning error is assigned to the detail based on a parameter indicative of the image quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing apparatus arranged to scale an object within an image, said image processing apparatus comprising a calibrator arranged to scale the object based on a calibration factor derived from a relationship between a true dimension of a marker and a dimension of the marker in pixel units in the image, wherein the calibrator is further arranged to generate a plurality of calibration factors obtained using a plurality of differently oriented markers identified within said image. The image I comprises a plurality of objects (3, 8, 9) which are oriented differently in space resulting in a different alignment of these objects with respect to the anatomical structures (2). The object (3) is linked to a measurement tool, which is arranged to measure a length of the object (3) in pixel units and to calculate a true length of the object (3) using a calibration factor determined from a marker (A), which has a similar alignment in space as the object (3).

Abstract: In a method for use in a medical environment, which is designed to develop an executable template of an image processing protocol (21), a user at step (22) selects and loads a reference image, on which at step (24) the user defines all necessary reference marks together with necessary image handling operations by means of an interactive protocol editor arranged to operate in a geometrical relational application framework macro. The actions carried out by the user for purposes of template development are logged as corresponding entries in the protocol. Upon completion of the template development, the template is tested at step (26) and is stored at step (28). A method (30) for use in a medical environment to carry out a customized image handling process comprises the steps of loading a template from a list of pre-defined templates at step (32), carrying out necessary customization operations at step (33), executing the template at step (36).