3D Elastic Image Construction via Volume Data Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in clearly distinguishing and displaying hard and soft regions in 3-dimensional elastic images due to the mixing of these regions during volume rendering, which hinders operator recognition.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus separates elasticity volume data into distinct sets based on predetermined reference values and performs volume rendering on each set to construct a 3-dimensional elastic image, allowing for clear differentiation between hard and soft regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If volume rendering is performed on mixed elastic volume data containing both hard and soft regions, then a complete 3-dimensional elastic image is constructed, but the hard region becomes hidden by the soft region, hindering operator recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elastic volume data into multiple data sets based on elasticity values, where each data set corresponds to a specific elasticity range (e.g., hard regions, intermediate regions, soft regions). This segmentation allows each region type to be rendered separately, preventing harder regions from being hidden by softer regions in the final composite image, thereby resolving the information loss problem while maintaining manageable processing complexity through systematic categorization
2Measurement precision
If elasticity volume data is separated into multiple data sets based on elasticity values, then clear recognition of hard and soft regions is achieved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dividing the continuous elasticity value range into discrete intervals or categories (e.g., hard, intermediate, soft regions based on specific elasticity thresholds). This transformation from continuous to discrete parameter representation enables precise differentiation of tissue types while simplifying the rendering process, as each category can be handled with specific rendering parameters rather than processing the entire continuous range
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 operators to effectively recognize and distinguish hard and soft regions in the 3-dimensional elastic image, improving diagnostic accuracy by providing a clear representation of tissue hardness and softness.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe having transducers that transmit/receive ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit configured to receive the reflected echo signals from the object
Implementation Method 3
a 3-dimensional elastic image constructing unit configured to construct a 3-dimensional elastic image by performing volume rendering on the elastic volume data
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which constructs a three-dimensional elastic image by separating elastic volume data and then performing volume rendering, and also provided is an ultrasonic image display method. The three-dimensional elastic image constructing unit separates the elastic volume data into a plurality of data sets on the basis of the elastic values and performs volume rendering on the separated elastic volume data sets, thereby constructing a three-dimensional elastic image.