3D Anatomical Modeling With Ultrasound Uncertainty Overlay

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If AI-based prediction models are used for anatomical reconstruction, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inherent uncertainties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical reconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidprediction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complex manual reconstruction methods are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical reconstruction accuracyVSAvoidreconstruction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260038175A1Apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model with an overlay
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 ANUMANA INC
  • US20260038175A1 patent drawing
  • US20260038175A1 patent drawing
  • US20260038175A1 patent drawing

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.