Fused Ultrasonic Image Generation via Anatomical Location Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent anatomical locations in ultrasonic images obtained from different examinations pose a challenge for inexperienced doctors to ensure comparability, relying heavily on manual observation which lacks accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for generating a fused ultrasonic image by extracting anatomical locations from stored images and superimposing them onto real-time images using threshold values and weighting factors, ensuring accurate alignment and consistency between images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If doctors manually observe anatomical locations on two images to determine consistency, then they can compare examination results, but the accuracy cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of anatomical location comparisonVSAvoidmanual operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical observation process with an automated image processing system that uses algorithms to extract anatomical landmarks and calculate consistency metrics, thereby substituting human visual inspection with computational analysis to improve accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing the anatomical location comparison without requiring doctor intervention for the actual measurement process, allowing the examination results to speak for themselves through automated analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If inexperienced doctors rely on manual observation to ensure image comparability, then they can attempt comparison, but the accuracy deteriorates due to lack of experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform comparisonVSAvoidaccuracy of anatomical location matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the experience-dependent manual observation system with an automated computational system that applies consistent algorithms regardless of operator expertise level, thereby eliminating the correlation between doctor experience and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal functionality that works equally well for both experienced and inexperienced doctors by implementing standardized automated analysis procedures that do not require specialized skill to operate effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If anatomical locations are not accurately aligned between images, then comparison can be performed, but the reliability of examination results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of reexamination processVSAvoidreliability of anatomical location consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system calculates anatomical consistency metrics and provides quantitative feedback to confirm proper alignment, allowing doctors to verify that images are correctly matched before final comparison is made

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces subjective visual assessment of alignment with objective computational analysis that automatically detects and verifies anatomical location consistency, thereby improving reliability through automated measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9451934B2Method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image

Publication Date: 2016.09.27 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and ultrasonic machine for generating a fused ultrasonic image. The method comprises extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image. The apparatus comprises an extraction module for extracting an anatomical location from a stored ultrasonic image, and a generation module for generating the fused ultrasonic image according to the anatomical location and a currently obtained ultrasonic image.