3D Fetal Spine Ultrasound Plane Fitting for Curved View Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fetal ultrasound imaging methods require manual and time-consuming positioning of the ultrasound probe to obtain standard views of the fetal spine, especially when the fetus is moving, and often fail to capture the entire spine due to its curvature, necessitating extensive sweeps through multiple view planes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically detects the spine centerline in a 3D ultrasound image, determines orthogonal sagittal and coronal planes of best fit, and projects the spine image onto these planes, allowing for quick generation of standard views and automated detection of spine curvature issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual probe positioning is used to obtain optimal views of the fetal spine, then the quality of spine imaging is improved, but the examination time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual probe positioning system with an automated image processing system. The computer-implemented method automatically detects the spine centerline, determines optimal sagittal and coronal planes, and generates standard views through algorithmic processing of 3D ultrasound data, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment of the probe while maintaining or improving imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the imaging system to automatically identify and position the spine without operator intervention. The automated detection of spine centerline and automatic generation of standard views (sagittal, coronal, axial) allows the system to serve itself in terms of image optimization, freeing the operator from time-consuming manual positioning tasks
2Reliability
If manual probe positioning is repeated due to fetal movement, then complete spine coverage is achieved, but the total examination time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D plane-by-plane manual scanning to 3D volumetric processing. By acquiring a complete 3D ultrasound volume and then automatically generating multiple standard views (sagittal, coronal, axial) from this volumetric data, the system ensures complete spine coverage in a single acquisition, eliminating the need to repeat scanning due to fetal movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by acquiring the complete 3D ultrasound volume upfront before any viewing or analysis. This single comprehensive acquisition captures the entire spine regardless of fetal position, and subsequent standard views are generated computationally from this pre-acquired volume, eliminating the need for repeated scanning
3Loss of information
If sweep through neighboring view planes is performed to cover the whole curved spine, then complete spine visualization is achieved, but the time required increases to several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal 3D volumetric representation of the spine that serves multiple viewing functions simultaneously. From this single volumetric dataset, the system can generate and display any required standard view (sagittal, coronal, axial) or custom plane without additional scanning, making the imaging system multi-functional in terms of view generation from a single acquisition
Data Source
AI summary
A fetal imaging method involves detecting (102) a spine centerline in a 3D ultrasound image, and determining (104) a first plane which is a sagittal plane of best fit through the spine centerline. A second, coronal plane, is also determined (108), and the image of the spine is projected onto the second plane, and the second plane and the projection of the spine image onto the second plane are displayed (110). In accordance with the invention, a measure of fit error of the spine centerline to the first plane is derived. If the measure of fit error is below a threshold, the first plane and the image of the spine is displayed (106). If the measure of fit error is not below the threshold, the image of the spine image is projected onto the first plane, and the first plane and the projected image of the spine is displayed (106).