Ultrasound Endoscope Positioning via Virtual Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope systems face challenges in accurately positioning the medical module relative to specific parts within the body, particularly in luminal organs, due to difficulties in aligning the ultrasound image with the virtual image, which hinders precise medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires both actual and virtual ultrasound images, calculates the positional deviation between the medical module and the specific part, and provides guidance information to align them accurately, using a processor to compare and match the images and display the positional relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If actual ultrasound image and virtual ultrasound image are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but image alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual ultrasound image is generated as an intermediary representation of the observation target region based on volume data. This virtual image serves as a mediator that can be precisely aligned with the actual ultrasound image, enabling accurate positioning between the medical module and specific parts while overcoming the difficulty of direct image alignment
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual ultrasound image is created as a copy or representation of the observation target region from volume data. This copied image can be manipulated and aligned independently, facilitating precise positioning without the complexity of directly aligning multiple actual images
2Measurement precision
If positional deviation calculation is performed to improve positioning precision, then procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Volume data is acquired and processed in advance to generate the virtual ultrasound image before the actual medical procedure. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid positioning during the procedure without time-consuming real-time calculations, as the virtual image is already ready for comparison and alignment
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 solution enables efficient and accurate positioning of the medical module relative to the specific part, reducing procedural time and improving the precision of medical interventions by visually guiding the alignment through comparative image analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an actual ultrasound image generated as an image showing an aspect of an observation target region including a specific part on the basis of reflected waves obtained by emitting ultrasonic waves from a medical module to the observation target region
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor acquires an actual ultrasound image generated as an image showing an aspect of an observation target region including a specific part on the basis of reflected waves obtained by emitting ultrasonic waves from a medical module to the observation target region. In addition, the processor acquires a virtual ultrasound image generated as an ultrasound image virtually showing an aspect of the observation target region on the basis of volume data indicating the observation target region. Further, the processor specifies a positional relationship between a first position where the medical module is present and a second position where the specific part is present on the basis of the actual ultrasound image and the virtual ultrasound image.