Acoustic Probe Registration with 3D Reference Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic imaging systems face challenges in interpreting and registering 2D acoustic images with absolute 3D reference frames, particularly when integrating with other imaging modalities like CT or MRI, due to the lack of tracking devices and the complexity of spatial alignment.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an acoustic probe without tracking devices, employing a processing system to access 3D reference images, segment regions of interest, and generate standardized predicted poses for 2D acoustic images using a convolutional neural network, allowing for registration with 3D reference images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking devices are added to acoustic probes to enable spatial alignment and registration with other imaging modalities, then registration accuracy and diagnostic confidence improve, but device complexity, cost, and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from separate hardware devices and integrates it into the acoustic probe itself through embedded sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers). This consolidation eliminates the need for external tracking systems while maintaining spatial registration capability, directly resolving the contradiction between registration accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic probe is designed to perform multiple functions: acoustic imaging, spatial tracking via embedded sensors, and automatic registration with reference images from other modalities. This multi-functional integration allows a single device to achieve both high measurement precision and reduced system complexity by eliminating separate tracking hardware
2Measurement precision
If optical or electromagnetic tracking systems are used to register acoustic images with CT or MRI, then registration between modalities is achieved, but additional hardware cost and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting anatomical landmarks and computing registration transformations without requiring manual identification or calibration procedures. The processing system automatically identifies corresponding features between acoustic and reference images and calculates the transformation parameters, eliminating time-consuming setup procedures while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic imaging system performs self-registration by using its own sensor data and image content to automatically align with reference images from other modalities. The system identifies anatomical landmarks and computes registration transformations autonomously without requiring external tracking systems or manual calibration, thereby reducing both hardware requirements and setup time
3Loss of information
If 3D acoustic imaging is used to provide volumetric views, then anatomical context and diagnostic information improve, but cost and availability decrease due to specialized hardware requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconstructs 3D volumetric acoustic images from sequences of 2D acoustic images by integrating spatial position data from embedded sensors. This approach enables 3D visualization without requiring expensive specialized 3D acoustic probes, as the volumetric information is synthesized computationally from standard 2D images combined with spatial tracking data, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving anatomical context
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the registration and fusion of acoustic images with other imaging modalities without the need for additional tracking hardware, reducing setup time and costs while improving diagnostic confidence and interventional procedure guidance.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic probe has an array of acoustic transducer elements, and is not associated with any tracking device. The acoustic probe is configured to transmit one or more acoustic signals to a region of interest (ROI) in a subject and is further configured to receive acoustic echoes from the region of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for registering two dimensional (2D) acoustic images to a three dimensional (3D) reference image.