Color Doppler Scan Line Angle Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of color Doppler images in ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses varies with the angle between the scan line and the direction of blood flow, necessitating minimization of this angle for accurate velocity measurement.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect the bloodstream region in color Doppler images, determine the central axis, measure the angle between the central axis and the scan line, and display this angle on a screen, with options to adjust the scan line based on the displayed angle to ensure optimal image reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the scan line angle is not optimized, then the color Doppler image can be obtained quickly, but the reliability of the image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and displays the angle between the scan line and blood flow direction, allowing the imaging system to self-adjust and optimize without requiring operator expertise in angle optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by displaying the measured angle to the operator, enabling continuous optimization of the scan line angle based on the displayed information until optimal imaging conditions are achieved
2Measurement precision
If manual angle adjustment is used, then operator control is maintained, but measurement precision decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual estimation and physical adjustment mechanisms with automated image processing algorithms that calculate the blood flow direction and angle using computer vision and signal processing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an automated angle calculation module as an intermediary between the scan line configuration and the color Doppler image acquisition, which objectively determines the optimal angle without human intervention
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 enhances the reliability of color Doppler images by allowing users to adjust the scan line to minimize the angle with the bloodstream direction, reducing dependence on operator skill and improving image accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates an ultrasonic signal (with a frequency equal to or greater than about 20 kHz in general) by using a probe for a predetermined portion inside an object, and obtains an image of the predetermined portion inside the object by using information about a reflected echo signal
Implementation Method 2
The reliability of a color Doppler image varies according to an angle between a scan line along which an image is scanned and a direction of a bloodstream
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for guiding a scan line. The method includes: detecting a bloodstream region indicating a flow of blood from a color Doppler image; determining a central axis of the bloodstream region; measuring an angle between the central axis and a scan line used to obtain the color Doppler image; and displaying the angle on a screen.