TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for managing calipers for measuring objects in an image. More specifically the subject matter relates to controlling the orientation of calipers in the image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Clinical studies and applications involve procurement of images of a patient that need to be analyzed to determine physiological condition of the patient. The analysis and interpretation can be used by a doctor to determine the physiological condition of the patient and treatment to be given. In this analysis process measurement of objects in an image needs to be performed. The measurements are taken to understand anatomical and pathological information of the anatomy shown in the image. For example in an ultrasound application for diagnosing fetus, measurements are performed to determine head circumference of a fetal head, blood vessel diameter, spine length and so on. To measure an object, the user may need to identify points in the image space (i.e. on the object in the image space) and measure between these points. Identifying the points of interest accurately is often challenging and thus calipers are used to identify and mark these points. While marking these points, the user may accidently move the caliper beyond a boundary or an edge boundary of the image space. Then the caliper may not be visible to the user to make adjustments for measurements. The user may not be able to pull the caliper back to the image space for marking a point on the object which can be annoying.

[0003] The medical imaging device may be a handheld device as well held by the user while performing the imaging. The medical imaging device may be shifted from user's one hand to another so the hand used for operation on the display screen may vary. The arrangement of calipers presented in the display screen may not suit for both hands. For example orientation of the calipers when the user uses a left hand may not be suitable for user's right hand. Further the same medical imaging device may be used by a user who is a left hander and another user who is a right hander and the medical imaging device may not be able to orient the calipers for both these users which limit the usability of the medical imaging device.

[0004] Thus there is a need for a system for managing the calipers used for measuring the objects in an image in a convenient manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.

[0006] As discussed in detail below, embodiments of the invention include a user interface for measuring an object in an image. The user interface includes an imaging unit for presenting the image in a display based on image data; a measurement unit for positioning one or more calipers in an image space for measuring the object; and a caliper translation unit for re-orienting a caliper of the one or more calipers in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

[0007] In another embodiment a method of managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space is disclosed. The method includes positioning one or more calipers in the image space for measuring the object in a user interface; and reorienting a caliper of the one or more calipers in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

[0008] In another embodiment a system for managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space is disclosed. The system includes a memory and a processor communicably connected to the memory. The processor is configured to position one or more calipers in an image space for measuring the object and reorient a caliper of the one or more calipers in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIGURE 1 illustrates a user interface presenting calipers for measuring length between points in an image in accordance with an embodiment;

[0010] FIGURE 2 illustrates a user interface presenting calipers (elliptical calipers) for performing measurements in the medical image using an ellipse in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIGURE 3 illustrates a user interface for measuring an object in an image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIGURE 4 illustrates a system for measuring an object in an image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIGURE 5 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers moving beyond an edge boundary of the image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIGURE 6 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers (an elliptical caliper) moving beyond an edge boundary of the image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIGURE 7 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic inverting of a caliper moving beyond an edge boundary of the image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIGURE 8 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic inverting of a caliper (an elliptical caliper) moving beyond an edge boundary of the image space in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIGURE 9 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers when a user's left hand is used for operating the calipers in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIGURE 10 illustrates a user interface presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers when a user's right hand is used for operating the calipers in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIGURE 11 illustrates a handheld device presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers based on positional coordinate information of the handheld device in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0020] FIGURE 12 illustrates a method of managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0022] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

[0023] A user interface for measuring an object in an image is disclosed. The user interface includes an imaging unit for presenting the image in a display based on image data; a measurement unit for positioning one or more calipers in an image space for measuring the object; and a caliper translation unit for re-orienting a caliper of the one or more calipers in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

[0024] Various embodiments of the invention provide FIG. 1 illustrating a user interface 100 presenting calipers for measuring length between points in an image 102 in accordance with an embodiment. The user interface 100 may be a touch-based user interface. A user may select a point 104 using a caliper 106 and a point 108 using a caliper 110. A line is drawn connecting the points 104 and 108 so as to find a length between these points in the image 102. The line may be an imaginary line represented using a dotted line for ease of representation. In another embodiment a visible line may be drawn between the points of interest i.e. the points 104 and 108. An input device such as a mouse and a keyboard may be used by the user to select the point 104 and the point 108 using the caliper 106 and the caliper 110 and to draw the line connecting these points. Explaining in more detail according to an embodiment, the caliper 106 may be used to mark and select the point 104 on the image 102 and the caliper 110 may be used to mark and select the point 108. The points 104 and 108 may be the desired points of interest of the user between which the measurements need to be taken. In an embodiment the caliper 106 and the caliper 110 may be visible when the input device is positioned over the points 104 and 108. Now to perform measurements such as circumference and radius of an object, an ellipse may be used. An ellipse 200 may be drawn using calipers 202 and 204 in the image 102 as shown in FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment. The ellipse 200 may be an imaginary ellipse represented using a dotted line for ease of representation. In another embodiment the ellipse 200 may be a visible ellipse drawn connecting points 206 and 208. Here the caliper 202 may be used to mark and select the point 206 and the caliper 204 may be used to mark and select the point 208. The ellipse 200 may be drawn between the points. The ellipse can be expanded using the calipers 202 and 204. In an embodiment the caliper 202 and the caliper 204 may be visible when the input device is positioned over the points 206 and 208. FIG. 2 presents only two calipers however it may be envisioned that more calipers may be present in addition to the two calipers for drawing and modifying the ellipse on the object.

[0025] Considering an example of fetal image captured using an ultrasound imaging device, the physician may need to measure spine length of the fetus, fetal head circumference, and so on. The fetal image may be presented on a display screen of the ultrasound imaging device. Measuring the spine length can be performed by drawing a line between two points on the spine of the fetus. The two points of interest are selected on the fetus's spine using calipers. Then a straight line (an imaginary line) is drawn connecting the two points to measure the fetus's spine. The physician may also need to measure fetal head circumference, calipers may be used to select two points on the fetal head and draw an ellipse. The ellipse can be modified to cover or encircle the fetal head to measure the circumference of the fetal head. The ellipse can be modified or reoriented using the calipers.

[0026] While performing the measurements the user (e.g. a physician) may move the calipers beyond an edge boundary 210 of the user interface or a display area 212. This may happen accidentally while operating in the display area 212. The user may not be able to track or select the caliper that is present outside the edge boundary 210 and bring the caliper back within the display area 212. Thus automatic reorientation of the caliper enables the user to select and track the caliper.

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface 300 for performing measurement of an image in an image space in accordance with an embodiment. The user interface 300 includes an imaging unit 302 presenting an image (for example the image 102) using image data captured using a medical imaging device. The user interface 300 may be touch based user interface configured in a handheld imaging device for e.g. a portable medical imaging device. The image for instance a medical image presented may be a two dimensional image, a three dimensional image and a four dimensional image acquired by various medical imaging device such as, but not limited to, a X-ray imaging device, a computed tomography (CT) device, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, an ultrasound (US) device, a positron emission tomography (PET) device, a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) device, and a nuclear medicine (NM) device. The image data for instance medical image data typically contains information regarding the physical properties of the imaged tissue, and within this data are generally domains of common or shared physical properties based on what is actually being measured within the tissue. These shared physical properties may define common, contiguous, or continuous structures or surfaces and may include density, acoustic impedance, echogenicity, relative motion or flow, relative velocity, spin density, magnetic resonance Tl or T2 relaxation times, radiation absorptance or attenuance, radiation transmittance, contrast agent concentration, and the like. In one embodiment, regions of shared physical properties (e.g., structures, surfaces, vessels, and so forth) may be defined (i.e. labeled) within the image data based on these shared or common properties. In such an embodiment, when a label is applied to a region, other pixels or voxels identified as corresponding to the region or having the common properties (such as a defined surface or threshold) may also be correspondingly labeled. In one embodiment, the boundaries of the region are highlighted using the same color displayed on the modified cursor for further clarity.

[0028] To perform any measurements on an object i.e. anatomy (for example, fetal head, spine, kidney and so on) in the image, a measurement unit 304 positions one or more calipers in the image. As explained earlier with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the calipers are used to select points on the object and then perform measurements. The measurement unit 304 receives an input from the user when the input device is moved in the image space and in response the caliper may be displayed in the display screen. For selecting a point (i.e. a point of interest) on the image the caliper may be positioned at the point and input is received at the measurement unit 304 to confirm the point. The user may move the input device accidently beyond the edge boundary of the display screen resulting in the caliper moving beyond the display screen. A calibration unit 306 automatically reorients the caliper to position it within the display screen so as to be visible to the user. The caliper can reorient by for example changing its angular position with respect to X, Y and/or Z axes, and shifting the caliper position within the display screen.

[0029] Further the user may operate and move the calipers in the display screen using different hands i.e. a left or right hand or different users may operate the calipers at different instances, and these users may be a natural left hander or a right hander and thus orientation of the calipers may not be suitable for different users. The calibration unit 306 translates the calipers within the image space based on positional coordinate information of the user interface i.e. the positional coordinate information of the portable imaging device. The translation of the calipers may include rotation, realignment or any other way of re-orientating the calipers. All these translation may include varying or modification of position of the calipers with respect to one or more axes i.e. X, Y and/or Z axes. Thus the calipers may be configured in an axis modification mode. The calipers are configured in the axis modification mode in response to user's gesture. The user's gesture may be for example a double tap with user's finger in the user interface (for example the user interface 300). The calipers may be also configured in a rotation mode by the calibration unit 306 in response to user's gesture e.g. a tap on the caliper. These gestures explained herein are exemplary and accordingly other user gestures can be used to trigger the calipers to be configured in the rotation mode and/or the axis modification mode without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. The position of the calipers may be varied at least along one coordinate (i.e. X or Y or Z coordinate). In this case the caliper may be an elliptical caliper.

[0030] Turning now to FIG. 4 illustrating a system 400 for managing calipers for measuring the object in the image space in accordance with an embodiment. The system 400 includes a memory 402 for storing images captured by an imaging device such as a medical imaging device. The memory 402 may also store different types of calipers that can be used for selecting and marking points on the object in the image. A processor 404 is communicably coupled to the memory 402. The processor 404 is configured to position one or more calipers in the image space for measuring the object. The calipers may be used to select points on the object in the image and perform measurement between these points. The points are selected by the user based on the measurements to be made between the points of interest. While moving the calipers in the display screen, the user may move the calipers beyond the edge boundary of the display screen resulting in the caliper moving beyond the display screen. The processor 404 automatically reorients the caliper to position it within the display screen so as to be visible to the user. The caliper can reorient by for example changing its angular position with respect to X, Y and/or Z axes, and shifting the caliper position within the display screen.

[0031] Further the user may operate and move the calipers in the display screen using different hands i.e. a left or right hand or different users may operate the calipers at different instances, and these users may be a natural left hander or a right hander and thus orientation of the calipers may not be suitable for different users. The processor 404 translates the calipers within the image space based on positional coordinate information of the user interface i.e. the positional coordinate information of the portable imaging device. The translation of the calipers may include rotation, realignment or any other re¬orientation of the calipers. All these translation may include varying or modification of position of the calipers with respect to one or more axes i.e. X, Y and/or Z axes. Thus the calipers may be configured in an axis modification mode. The calipers may be also configured in a rotation mode by the processor 404. In this case the caliper may be an elliptical caliper.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 5 illustrating a user interface 500 presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers 502 and 504 moving beyond an edge boundary of the image space in accordance with an embodiment. The calipers 502 and 504 are used to measure length between two points i.e. a point 506 and a point 508 on an image 510. While selecting the point 508 or for any other activities the caliper 504 (the caliper 502 may be present at point 506) may be moved resulting in the caliper 504 moving beyond an edge boundary 512 of the user interface 500 (indicated by a shaded area). The caliper 504 may not be traceable now and hence user may not be able to bring the caliper 504 within an image space 514 of the user interface 500. The caliper 504 is automatically re-oriented to be placed within the image space as shown in dotted line form. The re-orientation may occur by varying position of the caliper 504 in Y axis. In another embodiment position of the caliper (e.g. the caliper 504) can be changed by varying its position along the X and Z axes.

[0033] In an embodiment movement of the caliper 504 beyond the edge boundary 512 is detected and in response it is re-oriented. Positional information of the edge boundary 512 in X, Y and Z axes and other edge boundaries of the user interface 500 is stored. To determine a position of the caliper 504 its coordinates in X, Y and Z axes may be compared with respect to the coordinates of the edge boundary 512. Once the caliper 504 is detected beyond the edge boundary 512, the caliper 504 is re-oriented. However it may be appreciated that the method of identifying the position of the caliper (such as the caliper 504) is explained according to some exemplary embodiments and hence other techniques or methods may be used to determine the position of the caliper without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The caliper 504 may be re-oriented to be positioned within the image space 514. Here positional information of the image space 514 in X, Y and Z axes may be stored and accordingly the caliper 504 can be positioned within the image space 514. Positional information of each point within the image space 514 may be stored. In an alternate embodiment the caliper 504 may be automatically reoriented and positioned to a point out of a set of predefined points within the image space 514. The predefined points and their coordinates may be pre-stored. In an embodiment the caliper 504 may be positioned to a point closer to the edge boundary 512. The point may be at a predefined distance from a point in the edge boundary 512.

[0034] In another embodiment the caliper 504 may be re-oriented and positioned within any location in the user interface 500 i.e. may be positioned out of the image space 514. The location (outside the image space) where the caliper 504 may need to be positioned is determined based on its positional information (in X, Y and Z axes). Thus the positional information of each point outside the image space 514 may be also stored. In an alternate embodiment the caliper 504 may be positioned to a point out of a set of predefined points outside the image space 514. These predefined points and their coordinates may be pre-stored. In an embodiment the caliper 504 may be positioned to a point closer to the edge boundary 512. The point may be at a predefined distance from a point in the edge boundary 512. These embodiments for re-orienting the caliper (e.g. the caliper 504) and determining the positions where the caliper needs to be re-oriented and positioned are exemplary and thus other techniques may be utilized for determining the position where the caliper needs to be placed without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. When re-oriented and positioned within the image space 514 or at any position outside the image space 514 within the user interface 500 the user can select the caliper 504 and move to a desired point on the image 510 to select the point 508 to perform measurements.

[0035] The calipers can be used to form an ellipse (e.g. an imaginary ellipse) for conducting measurements on the image. FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface 600 presenting automatic re-orientation of calipers 602 and 604 forming an ellipse 606 moving beyond an edge boundary 608 of the image space in accordance with an embodiment. The calipers 602 and 604 (also referred to as ellipse calipers) are used to select points 610 and 612 respectively and to form the ellipse 606. The ellipse 606 may be used to measure circumference and diameter of an object such as fetal head circumference of a fetus. While selecting the point 612 or for any other activities the caliper 604 (the caliper 602 may be present at point 610) may be moved resulting in the caliper 604 moving beyond an edge boundary 608 of the user interface 600 (indicated by a shaded area). Also a portion of the ellipse 606 may move beyond the edge boundary 608 which make the caliper 604 not accessible to the user. The caliper 604 may not be able to bring it within an image space 614 of the user interface 600. The caliper 604 is automatically re¬oriented to be placed within the image space as shown in a dotted line ellipse 616. The re-orientation may occur by varying position of the caliper 604 in Y axis. In another embodiment position of the caliper (e.g. the caliper 604) can be changed by varying its position along the X and Z axes.

[0036] In an embodiment movement of the caliper 604 beyond the edge boundary 608 is detected and in response it is re-oriented. Positional information of the edge boundary 608 in X, Y and Z axes and other edge boundaries of the user interface 600 is stored. To determine a position of the caliper 604 its coordinates in X, Y and Z axes may be compared with respect to the coordinates of the edge boundary 608. If the caliper 604 is detected beyond the edge boundary 608, the caliper 604 is re-oriented. However it may be appreciated that the method of identifying the position of the caliper (such as the caliper 604) is explained according to some exemplary embodiments and hence other techniques or methods may be used to determine the position of the caliper without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The caliper 604 may be re-oriented to be positioned with in the image space 614. Here positional information of the image space 614 in X, Y and Z axes may be stored and accordingly the caliper 604 can be positioned within the image space 614. Positional information of each point within the image space 614 may be stored. In an alternate embodiment the caliper 604 may be re-oriented and positioned to a point selected out of set of predefined points within the image space 614. The predefined points and their coordinates may be pre-stored. In an embodiment the caliper 604 may be positioned to a point closer to the edge boundary 608. The point may be at a predefined distance from a point in the edge boundary 608.

[0037] In another embodiment the caliper 604 may be re-oriented and positioned within any location in the user interface 600 i.e. may be positioned out of the image space 614. The position (outside the image space) where the caliper 604 may be located based on positional information (in X, Y and Z axes) of the position. Thus the positional information of each point outside the image space 614 may be stored. In an alternate embodiment the caliper 604 may be re-oriented and positioned to a point out of predefined points outside the image space 614. The predefined points and their coordinates may be pre-stored. In an embodiment the caliper 604 may be positioned to a point closer to the edge boundary 608. The point may be at a predefined distance from a point in the edge boundary 608. These embodiments for re-orienting the caliper (e.g. the caliper 604) and determining the positions where the caliper needs to be re-oriented and positioned are exemplary and thus other techniques may be utilized for determining the position where the caliper needs to be placed without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. When re-oriented and positioned within the image space 614 or at any position outside the image space 614 within the user interface 600 the user can select the caliper 604 and move to a desired point on an image 618 to select the point 612 to perform measurements.

[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a user interface 700 presenting automatic re-orientation of a caliper 702 moving beyond an edge boundary of an image space in accordance with an embodiment. The calipers 702 and 704 are used to measure length between two points i.e. a point 706 and a point 708 on an image 710. While selecting the point 706 or for any other activities the caliper 702 (the caliper 704 may be present at point 708) may be moved resulting in the caliper 702 moving beyond an edge boundary 712 of the user interface 700 (shown in a dashed line form). The caliper 702 may not be traceable now and hence user may not be able to bring the caliper 702 within an image space 714. However the caliper 702 may be positioned proximal to the edge boundary 712. The caliper 702 is automatically re-oriented to be placed within the image space as shown. The re-orientation may occur by varying position of the caliper 702 in X and/or Y axes. In other words the caliper 702 is inverted to position within the image space 714. Here the position of the caliper 702 (i.e. X, Y and Z coordinates) is determined with respect to a point in the edge boundary 712. If the caliper 702 is positioned close to a point in the edge boundary 712 then the caliper 702 is inverted to be positioned within the user interface 700. In an embodiment the caliper 702 may invert its position when the caliper 702 is positioned at a predefined distance from the point in the edge boundary 712. Similarly predefined distances from different points in the edge boundary 712 may be stored. Accordingly when the caliper 702 is positioned at these predefined distances from respective points in the edge boundary 712, the caliper 702 inverts to be visible to the user. Further when the caliper 702 is far from any points on the edge boundary 712 then the caliper 702 may be reoriented as discussed with respect to FIG. 5.

[0039] In an embodiment the caliper 702 may move beyond the edge boundary 712 with a portion of the caliper 702 visible in the image space 714, however still it may be difficult for the user to position the caliper 702 within the image space 714. Hence the caliper 702 may invert to position to be visible in the image space 714. In this embodiment the caliper 702 may invert when a predefined portion of the caliper 702 moves beyond the edge boundary 712. The amount of portion of the caliper 702 that moved beyond the edge boundary 712 may be determined by detecting positional information of multiple points of the caliper 702 with respect to points in the edge boundary 712 according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates a user interface 800 presenting automatic re-orientation of a caliper 802 and a caliper 804 forming an ellipse 806 moving beyond an edge boundary of an image space in accordance with an embodiment. The calipers 802 and 804 are used to perform measurements between two points i.e. a point 808 and a point 810 on an image 812. While selecting the point 808 or for any other activities the caliper 802 (the caliper 804 may be present at point 808) may be moved resulting in the caliper 802 moving beyond an edge boundary 814 of the user interface 800 (indicated by a dashed line). The caliper 802 that moved beyond the edge boundary 814 is shown in dashed line form. The caliper 802 may not be traceable now and hence user may not be able to bring the caliper 802 within an image space 816 of the user interface 800. However the caliper 802 may be positioned proximal to the edge boundary 814. The caliper 802 is automatically re¬oriented to be placed within the image space as shown. The re-orientation may occur by varying position of the caliper 802 in X and/or Y and/or Z axes. In other words the caliper 802 is inverted to position within the image space 816. Here the position of the caliper 802 (i.e. X, Y and Z coordinates) is determined with respect to a point in the edge boundary 814. If the caliper 802 is positioned close to a point in the edge boundary 814 then the caliper 802 is inverted to be positioned within the user interface 800. In an embodiment the caliper 802 may invert its position when it is positioned at a predefined distance from the point in the edge boundary 814. Similarly predefined distances from different points in the edge boundary 814 may be stored. Accordingly when the caliper 802 is positioned at these predefined distances from respective points in the edge boundary 814, the caliper 802 inverts to be visible to the user. Further when the caliper 802 is far from any points on the edge boundary 814 then the caliper 802 may be reoriented as discussed with respect to FIG. 6.

[0041] In an embodiment the caliper 802 may move beyond the edge boundary 814 with a portion of the caliper 802 visible in the image space 816, however still it may be difficult for the user to position the caliper 802 within the image space 816. Hence the caliper 802 may invert to position to be visible in the image space 816. In this embodiment the caliper 802 may invert when a predefined portion of the caliper 802 moves beyond the edge boundary 814. The amount of portion of the caliper 802 that moved beyond the edge boundary 814 may be determined by detecting positional information of multiple points of the caliper 802 with respect to points in the edge boundary 814.

[0042] The calipers may be re-oriented when position of a handheld device with a user interface embodied there within varies. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 illustrate re-orientation of the calipers depending on a hand used by the user in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, calipers 902 and 904 may be oriented such that a user commonly using a left hand 906 can conveniently operate these calipers. The user can use the left hand 906 to move the calipers 902 and 904 for selecting different points on an image 908 and perform measurements. The calipers 902 and 904 may be oriented conveniently for use by the left hand 906 based on orientation of the handheld device. This is because the handheld device may be oriented in a particular position so that the user can use the left hand 906 to operate the calipers 902 and 904. When the user uses a right hand 1002, the calipers 902 and 904 may be re-oriented accordingly as shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment. Here variation in orientation of the handheld device is detected and the calipers 902 and 904 are re-oriented to be operated by the right hand 1002.

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates a handheld device 1100 presenting a user interface showing re-orientation of calipers based on a hand used by the user in accordance with an embodiment. The handheld device 1100 may be held by a right hand 1102 of the user and a left hand 1104 may be used to operate the calipers 902 and 904 on a user interface 1106. As shown the calipers 902 and 904 are oriented such that the left hand 1104 is used to draw an imaginary line 1108 to measure the length between the positions of the calipers 902 and 904. The calipers 902 and 904 are oriented based on positional information of the handheld device 1100 along the X, Y and Z axes (shown in a coordinate system 1110).

[0044] The handheld device 1100 may be used by another user who may want to hold the handheld device 1100 using a left hand 1112 and the calipers 902 and 904 may be operated by a right hand 1114. When held by the left hand 1112, naturally the position of the handheld device 1100 may vary as compared to the position of the handheld device 1100 held by the left hand 1104 as illustrated in FIG. 11. Based on the positional information of the handheld device 1100 with respect to the X, Y and Z axes the calipers 902 and 904 may re-orient in the user interface 1106 to be conveniently operated by the right hand 1114. The positional information may be determined using a gyroscope sensor present within the handheld device 1100 according to an embodiment. Alternatively in other embodiments other types of sensors may be embodied within the handheld device 1100 to determine the positional information and orientation of the handheld device 1100. It may be noted that the position of the handheld device 1100 may vary in X or Y or Z axis, or in all axes or any combination thereof. Accordingly the orientation of the calipers 902 and 904 may randomly vary. The calipers 902 and 904 may be arranged to draw an imaginary line 1116 to perform measurement between the positions of these calipers. Thus based on the orientation of the handheld device 1110 with respect to the coordinate system 1110 the calipers 902 and 904 may re-orient for convenient operation of these calipers by user's hand.

[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 of managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space in accordance with an embodiment. The method 1200 includes positioning one or more calipers in the image space for measuring the object in a user interface at block 1202. For example an image of anatomy may be presented in the image space. During a measurement configuration the user may move an input device on the image space so that a caliper is presented to be operated by the user. The user positions the caliper on the image to select a point (i.e. a point of interest) on the image. Further another caliper may be used by the user to select another point (i.e. another of point of interest) and subsequently a line (e.g. an imaginary line) may be drawn between these points to perform measurement between the points on the anatomy.

[0046] While moving the calipers in the image space the user may move a caliper beyond an edge boundary of the user interface i.e. proximal to an edge boundary of the image space. In response the caliper may be reoriented at block 1204. The calipers may be reoriented by changing its position along X and/or Y and/or Z axis or any combination thereof. In this case the calipers may be configured in an axis modification mode. In another instance the calipers may be configured in a rotation mode. For instance the caliper may be rotated along an X axis. The caliper may be an elliptical caliper.

[0047] In another embodiment the calipers may be reoriented based on a hand used by the user for operating the calipers. The caliper's orientation may vary for a user using a left hand and another user using a right hand. The calipers are oriented in the user interface such that the user can conveniently move the calipers to perform measurements on the object in the user interface. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 11.

[0048] The various embodiments and/or components, for example, the modules, or components and controllers therein, also may be implemented as part of one or more computers or processors. The computer or processor may include a computing device, an input device, a display unit and an interface, for example, for accessing the Internet. The computer or processor may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor may be connected to a communication bus. The computer or processor may also include a memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer or processor further may include a storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive such as a floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, and the like. The storage device may also be other similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer or processor.

[0049] As used herein, the term "computer" or "module" may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term "computer".

[0050] The computer or processor executes a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements, in order to process input data. The storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[0051] The methods described in conjunction with FIG. 12 can be performed using a processor or any other processing device. The method steps can be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The tangible computer readable medium may be for example a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), any other computer readable storage medium and any storage media. Although the method of managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space is explained with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 12, other methods of implementing the method can be employed. For example, the order of execution of each method steps may be changed, and/or some of the method steps described may be changed, eliminated, divide or combined. Further the method steps may be sequentially or simultaneously executed for managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space.

[0052] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any computing system or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

We Claim:

1. A user interface for measuring an object in an image, the user interface comprising:
an imaging unit for presenting the image in a display based on image data;
a measurement unit for positioning at least one caliper in an image space for measuring the object; and
a caliper translation unit for re-orienting a caliper of the at least one caliper in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the caliper located proximal to the edge boundary of the image space reorients within the image space.

3. The user interface of claim 2, wherein the caliper rotates to orient within the image space.

4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the caliper translation unit is further configured to realign the at least one caliper based on a hand used by a user.

5. The user interface of claim 4, wherein the at least one caliper is realigned based on positional coordinate information associated with the user interface.

6. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the caliper translation unit is further configured to set the at least one caliper in a rotation mode, a caliper of the at least one caliper is an elliptical caliper.

7. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the caliper translation unit is further configured to set the at least one caliper in an axis modification mode, wherein in the axis modification mode at least one coordinate of a caliper of the at least one caliper is modifiable.

8. The user of claim 1, wherein the user interface is a touch-based user interface configured in a portable medical device.

9. A method of managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space, the method comprising:
positioning at least one caliper in the image space for measuring the object in an user interface; and
reorienting a caliper of the at least one caliper in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge boundary of the image space.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the caliper is located proximal to the edge boundary of the image space reorients within the image space.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprises realigning the at least one caliper based on a hand used by a user.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprises realigning the caliper based on positional coordinate information associated with the user interface.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprises setting the at least one caliper in a rotation mode, a caliper of the at least one caliper is an elliptical caliper.

14. The method of claim 8 further comprises setting the at least one caliper in an axis modification mode, wherein in the axis modification mode at least one coordinate of a caliper of the at least one caliper is modifiable.

15. A system for managing calipers for measuring an object in an image space, wherein the system comprises:
a memory; and
a processor communicably connected to the memory, the processor configured to:
position at least one caliper in an image space for measuring the object; and
reorient a caliper of the at least one caliper in response to the caliper located proximal to an edge
boundary of the image space.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the caliper is located proximal to the edge boundary of the image space reorients within the image space.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to realign the at least one caliper based on a hand used by a user.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to realign the caliper based on positional coordinate information associated with the user interface.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to set the at least one caliper in a rotation mode in response to user input, a caliper of the at least one caliper is an elliptical caliper.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured to set the at least one caliper in an axis modification mode in response to user input, wherein in the axis modification mode at least one coordinate of a caliper of the at least one caliper is modifiable.