3D Anatomical Modeling With Ultrasound Uncertainty Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies face challenges in accurately predicting anatomical structures due to inherent uncertainties, which can impact patient outcomes and procedural efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that generates a three-dimensional (3D) model with an overlay by using a processor to analyze ultrasonic images, determine uncertainty levels, and overlay a map on the 3D model, simplifying the reconstruction process through AI-based learning from CT datasets and neural networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If AI-based prediction models are used for anatomical reconstruction, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inherent uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by generating uncertainty maps that visualize the confidence levels of AI predictions. These maps provide continuous feedback about the reliability of reconstructed anatomical structures, allowing operators to identify and review uncertain regions. This feedback mechanism transforms the black-box AI prediction process into an interpretable system where uncertainty information guides further analysis or manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The uncertainty map serves as an intermediary between the AI prediction model and the final anatomical reconstruction output. Rather than directly presenting only the reconstructed anatomy, the system introduces an intermediate visualization layer that mediates the interpretation process. This intermediary provides contextual information about prediction confidence, enabling more informed decision-making without requiring complex changes to the underlying AI model.
2Reliability
If complex manual reconstruction methods are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using AI to automatically reconstruct only the high-confidence portions of anatomical structures. Regions with low confidence scores are identified through uncertainty maps and left for selective manual review or additional imaging. This approach avoids the need for complete manual reconstruction while maintaining accuracy where it matters most, achieving a balance between automation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anatomical reconstruction process is segmented into different confidence-based regions. The uncertainty map divides the reconstruction into high-confidence areas (generated automatically by AI) and low-confidence areas (requiring manual verification). This segmentation allows the system to apply different processing strategies to different parts of the anatomy, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability in critical regions.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model with an overlay may include at least a processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor, wherein the memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a set of ultrasonic images of a structure; generate a set of shape parameters representing the structure's shape as a function of the set of ultrasonic images and a shape identification model trained on a training dataset comprising historical ultrasonic images correlated with historical computed tomography scan data; generate a 3D model of the structure based on the set of shape parameters; generate a map by determining a level of uncertainty at each location of a plurality of locations on the 3D model; and overlay the map onto the 3D model.


