Constrained surface controllers for three-dimensional image data reformatting.

This study did not require ethical approval in the United Kingdom. The aim of this work was to create two controllers for navigating a two-dimensional image plane through a volumetric data set, providing two important features of the ultrasonographic paradigm: orientation matching of the navigation device and the desired image plane in the three-dimensional (3D) data and a constraining surface to provide a nonvisual reference for the image plane location in the 3D data. The first constrained surface controller (CSC) uses a planar constraining surface, while the second CSC uses a hemispheric constraining surface. Ten radiologists were asked to obtain specific image reformations by using both controllers and a commercially available medical imaging workstation. The time taken to perform each reformatting task was recorded. The users were also asked structured questions comparing the utility of both methods. There was a significant reduction in the time taken to perform the specified reformatting tasks by using the simpler planar controller as compared with a standard workstation, whereas there was no significant difference for the more complex hemispheric controller. The majority of users reported that both controllers allowed them to concentrate entirely on the reformatting task and the related image rather than being distracted by the need for interaction with the workstation interface. In conclusion, the CSCs provide an intuitive paradigm for interactive reformatting of volumetric data.