ECG-Guided Medical Image Synthesis for Panoramic Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound diagnostic systems face challenges in generating high-quality panoramic medical images that accurately reflect the physical activity of an object, particularly due to reduced connectivity between regions of interest and the inability to effectively synthesize images based on bio-signal information such as ECG signals.
Innovation Solution
The method involves acquiring image data from objects using ultrasound, MR, or CT systems, selecting medical image frames corresponding to specific ECG signal information, and synthesizing these frames to generate panoramic images that accurately reflect the object's physical activity, thereby improving image connectivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all continuously obtained medical image frames are synthesized to generate panoramic images, then the quantity of image data increases, but the connectivity between regions of interest deteriorates due to physical activity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous stream of medical image frames by dividing them into groups based on bio-signal characteristics. Instead of treating all frames uniformly, the system segments frames into those with similar physiological states (e.g., same ECG phase) and those with different states, selectively synthesizing only the similar ones to maintain regional connectivity while reducing the impact of physical activity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the selection parameter from temporal continuity to physiological state similarity. By using bio-signal information (such as ECG phase, respiration phase) as the selection criterion, the system identifies and synthesizes image frames that correspond to the same physiological state, thereby maintaining consistent anatomical positions and improving connectivity between regions of interest despite the object's physical activity.
2Manufacturing precision
If image frames are selected based on bio-signal information to improve accuracy, then the manufacturing precision of panoramic images improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional signal processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional system where the medical imaging apparatus simultaneously performs image acquisition, bio-signal detection (ECG, respiration), and frame selection based on physiological state. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces the need for separate external devices and complex inter-device synchronization, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision through bio-signal-guided frame selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bio-signal information as an intermediary that mediates between the raw image frames and the final panoramic image synthesis. The bio-signal data serves as a reference standard to objectively determine which frames should be synthesized, replacing subjective or purely temporal selection methods. This intermediary approach simplifies the selection logic while significantly improving image accuracy by ensuring frames are selected based on consistent physiological states.
3Reliability
If medical image frames corresponding to the same ECG signal information are selected, then the reliability of panoramic images improves, but the productivity of image generation decreases due to selective synthesis requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-processing and tagging each acquired image frame with corresponding bio-signal phase information (e.g., ECG phase, respiration phase) during the image acquisition phase. This preliminary annotation allows the system to quickly identify and select frames with matching physiological states during panoramic image generation, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis and thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring reliable frame selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a reference copy of the bio-signal waveform and uses it to identify and select image frames that correspond to specific phases of the physiological cycle. By copying the ECG signal characteristics and matching them against acquired frames, the system efficiently identifies frames with the same physiological state without requiring complex computational analysis, thus maintaining both high reliability and productivity in panoramic image generation.
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 enables the generation of panoramic images with improved connectivity between regions of interest and enhanced accuracy, allowing for better detection of movements and physical activities, such as heart contractions or blood vessel changes, by focusing on ECG signal-correlated frames.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an ultrasound signal to the object and receiving a response signal based on the transmitted ultrasound signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of synthesizing medical images includes acquiring image data of an object; generating first medical image frames of the object based on the image data; selecting, from among the first medical image frames, second medical image frames corresponding to points of time that have the same electrocardiogram (ECG) signal information of the object; generating a panoramic image by synthesizing the second medical image frames; and displaying the panoramic image on a display.