Ultrasound Imaging System for Automatic Vessel Image Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of manually assessing multiple ultrasound images to select optimal images for further evaluation can prolong procedures and potentially miss important images.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system that automatically captures and analyzes ultrasound images, determining optimal images based on vessel characteristics such as shape, size, circularity, and depth, using a console with processors and logic modules to compare these characteristics with predefined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment of multiple ultrasound images is performed, then accurate image selection can be achieved, but procedure time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-assessment of ultrasound images by comparing captured images against stored optimal images and vessel characteristic thresholds, eliminating the need for manual technician assessment. The console automatically determines whether captured images meet acceptance criteria based on vessel characteristics such as circularity, area, and depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical assessment process is replaced with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing algorithms and comparison logic to evaluate ultrasound images. The console systematically compares captured images with stored reference images and applies decision logic to determine image acceptance, replacing human manual review with automated computational analysis.
2Reliability
If manual assessment of multiple ultrasound images is performed, then optimal images can be selected, but important images may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures and assesses ultrasound images without interruption during the procedure. Rather than performing discrete manual assessments, the automated system continuously monitors incoming images, compares them against criteria, and immediately determines acceptance or rejection, ensuring no important images are missed while maintaining continuous procedural flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback to the technician regarding whether each captured image meets acceptance criteria. The console automatically communicates assessment results, allowing the technician to adjust positioning or capture additional images based on real-time feedback, thereby improving reliability of image selection while maintaining procedural efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated image selection is implemented, then procedure time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optimal ultrasound images are captured and stored in advance during the procedure. The system uses these pre-captured reference images to establish acceptance criteria before final image selection is made. This preliminary capture and storage of reference images simplifies the automated comparison process and reduces the computational complexity required for real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system evaluates multiple vessel characteristic parameters (circularity, area, depth, orientation) and changes the acceptance criteria based on the specific vessel being imaged. By dynamically adjusting evaluation parameters based on detected vessel characteristics, the system maintains high productivity while managing complexity through adaptive parameter selection rather than fixed complex algorithms.
4Measurement precision
If automated image selection is implemented, then clinician subjectivity is eliminated, but automation extent increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs autonomous self-assessment of ultrasound images without requiring clinician intervention or subjective judgment. The console automatically compares captured images against stored optimal images and vessel characteristic thresholds, making independent determination of image acceptance. This self-service capability eliminates clinician subjectivity while managing automation complexity through rule-based decision logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system configured to capture a plurality of ultrasound images and determine one or more optimal ultrasound images from the plurality of ultrasound images. The ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound array configured to capture a plurality of ultrasound images of a target vessel and other anatomical targets within a target area. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a console in communication with the ultrasound array, the console configured to detect one or more vessel characteristics of the target vessel, determine one or more vessel characteristic values from the one or more vessel characteristics, and compare each vessel characteristic value with one or more vessel characteristic thresholds to determine one or more optimal ultrasound images from the plurality of ultrasound images.