Anatomical Scan-Window Detection for Repeatable Ultrasound Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reproducible ultrasound image acquisition is challenging due to variations in positioning of the ultrasound probe and patient, making it difficult to track anatomical changes over time in longitudinal studies, and existing systems fail to reliably capture and compare physiological parameters.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound imaging system using a deep learning network to identify and record anatomical scan window, probe orientation, and patient position, enabling retrieval and comparison of these parameters across imaging procedures to ensure consistent image acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual ultrasound image acquisition is used, then the imaging process is simple and flexible, but positioning variability increases and measurement reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer vision system that uses image processing and machine learning algorithms to automatically identify anatomical landmarks, scan windows, and probe orientation. This substitution eliminates human variability in positioning while maintaining system flexibility through software-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-positioning guidance by automatically analyzing ultrasound images to identify anatomical features and providing real-time feedback on probe placement. The system serves itself by using its own imaging data to guide positioning, eliminating the need for external calibration or manual intervention for position verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If automated deep learning identification is implemented, then positioning precision improves, but processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing ultrasound images to enhance anatomical features before deep learning analysis. Image enhancement techniques such as contrast adjustment, noise reduction, and edge detection are applied beforehand to improve the accuracy and speed of subsequent automated identification of scan windows and probe orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The complex image analysis task is segmented into multiple independent processing stages: initial image preprocessing, anatomical landmark detection, scan window identification, and probe orientation determination. Each segment can be processed independently and in parallel, reducing overall processing time while maintaining high precision in each step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple imaging parameters are recorded and compared, then longitudinal study accuracy improves, but data management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelongitudinal study reliabilityVSAvoiddata management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal data management framework that handles multiple imaging parameters (anatomical landmarks, scan window, probe orientation, measurements) through a single integrated database structure. This multi-functional system can store, retrieve, and compare all parameter types using the same interface and processing logic, simplifying data management despite the variety of parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically compare current imaging parameters with historical data from previous longitudinal studies. The feedback loop identifies deviations from established baselines and provides real-time guidance for position adjustment, enabling automatic quality control and reducing the burden of manual data verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12402863B2Ultrasound image-based identification of anatomical scan window, probe orientation, and/or patient position

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An ultrasound imaging system includes an a processor circuit that stores, in a memory in communication with the processor circuit, a target parameter representative of a target anatomical scan window. The processor circuit receives a first ultrasound image acquired by a first ultrasound probe with a first anatomical scan window during a first acquisition period. The processor circuit determines a first parameter representative of the first anatomical scan window. The processor circuit retrieves the target parameter from the memory. The processor circuit compares the target parameter and the first parameter. The processor circuit outputs a visual representation of the comparison to a display in communication with the processor circuit.