Bladder Ultrasound Probe Guidance for Accurate Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face accuracy issues in measuring bladder volume due to the need for manual adjustment of probe position and inclination, which can lead to probe slippage and reduced measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes an ultrasound probe with an inclination angle sensor, image acquisition, bladder extraction, feature quantity calculation, and manipulation assistance units to automatically determine and assist in positioning for accurate measurement of bladder diameters, enabling precise volume calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasound probe is inclined to measure the maximum diameter of the bladder in the depth direction, then the measurement capability is improved, but the probe may separate from or slip on the body surface, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to identify the bladder position and calculates the optimal probe inclination angle before actual measurement. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the correct scanning parameters in advance, ensuring that when the probe is inclined, it maintains proper contact with the body surface while achieving the necessary measurement angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors probe position and inclination angle during measurement, providing feedback to adjust and maintain optimal measurement conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the probe remains in the correct position and angle throughout the measurement process, preventing slippage and maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If manual measurement of bladder diameters is performed, then flexibility in measurement approach is improved, but user burden and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the bladder region in ultrasound images, calculates the optimal inclination angle, and performs measurements without requiring manual intervention for these tasks. The automated bladder identification and angle calculation features allow the system to serve itself, reducing user burden and measurement time while maintaining measurement flexibility through programmable options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasound probe is placed at a position shifted from directly above the bladder center, then adaptability to different body positions is improved, but the required inclination angle increases, causing probe slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning to locate the bladder and calculate the optimal probe inclination angle based on the actual probe position, regardless of whether it is directly above the bladder center or shifted. This preliminary calculation of the correct angle compensates for position shifts, allowing the system to maintain measurement accuracy even when placed at different body positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the probe inclination angle parameter based on the detected bladder position and probe placement location. By changing the angle parameter according to actual conditions rather than using a fixed angle, the system maintains measurement precision across various probe positions and body configurations.
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
This approach allows for high-accuracy measurement of bladder volume by automatically determining and assisting in the optimal positioning of the ultrasound probe, reducing slippage and enhancing measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound beam is transmitted toward the inside of the subject from the transducer array and an ultrasound echo from the subject is received by the transducer array
Implementation Method 2
an inclination angle sensor that detects an inclination angle of the ultrasound probe
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (1) includes an ultrasound probe (21); an inclination angle sensor (13) that detects an inclination angle thereof; an image acquisition unit (5) that acquires an ultrasound image; a bladder extraction unit (8) that extracts a bladder region from the ultrasound image; a feature quantity calculation unit (9) that calculates a feature quantity of the bladder region; a first measurement unit (10) that measures a first maximum diameter and a second maximum diameter of the bladder region from the feature quantity; a manipulation assist unit (11) that assists a user in a slide manipulation of the ultrasound probe (21) such that a scanning section indicates the first maximum diameter and the second maximum diameter; a second measurement unit (14) that measures a third maximum diameter of the bladder region orthogonal to the scanning section on the basis of the ultrasound image and the inclination angle at the assisted position; and a bladder volume calculation unit (15) that calculates a volume of the bladder.