Handheld Ultrasound Acquisition Workflow for Relevant Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical scanning devices face challenges in efficiently storing and processing ultrasound data, particularly for non-medically trained users, due to the need to display and manage irrelevant imaging data, which consumes resources and complicates data assessment.
Innovation Solution
A handheld medical scanning device that selectively stores relevant imaging data and provides guidance to users by analyzing positioning and data relevance, minimizing unnecessary data display and enhancing data processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all ultrasound imaging data is stored and displayed, then complete imaging information is available for review, but memory resources are consumed and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments imaging data into relevant and irrelevant portions based on the selected imaging procedure. The processor automatically separates data that is necessary for the current diagnostic task from data that is not, storing only the relevant segments in memory. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining complete relevant information while eliminating unnecessary data storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and removes irrelevant imaging data from the complete dataset based on procedure-specific criteria. By taking out only the necessary information for the current imaging procedure and discarding the rest, the system preserves diagnostic completeness while significantly reducing memory resource consumption.
2Loss of information
If all ultrasound imaging data is displayed to the user, then comprehensive imaging information is provided, but user frustration increases for non-medically trained users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different information presentations tailored to the specific imaging procedure and user needs. Instead of displaying all raw imaging data uniformly, the system selectively presents only the relevant imaging information and assessment results appropriate for each procedure, making the interface comprehensible for non-medically trained users while preserving complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated assessment results and guidance feedback that translate complex imaging data into actionable insights. This feedback mechanism allows non-medically trained users to understand and interpret imaging findings without needing to comprehend the underlying complex image data, resolving the contradiction between information availability and user comprehension.
3Measurement precision
If the device processes and displays all imaging data, then thorough data assessment is achieved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing by automatically segregating relevant from irrelevant imaging data before conducting detailed assessment. This preliminary action of data filtering and classification reduces the total data volume requiring intensive processing, thereby maintaining assessment accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption and processing time.
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 conserves memory resources, reduces frustration for users, and improves the likelihood of obtaining useful imaging data by focusing on relevant data and providing real-time positioning assistance.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic waves are emitted from ultrasonic transducers into the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic waves are partially reflected by discontinuities arising from tissue structures
Implementation Method 3
Echoes from the reflected waves are received by the ultrasonic transducers and processed to produce an ultrasonic image
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an embodiment, a handheld ultrasound scanning device is disclosed. One embodiment of the handheld ultrasound scanning device comprises a housing configured for handheld use, an ultrasound assembly at least partially disposed within the housing and configured obtain ultrasound data, a display unit at least partially disposed within the housing and comprising a display, and a processor disposed within the housing, wherein the processor is in communication with the ultrasound assembly and the display unit. The processor operable to receive a selection of an anatomical structure to be scanned with the ultrasound assembly, receive ultrasound data from the ultrasound assembly, determine whether the received ultrasound data includes data representative of the anatomical structure, and output an indication to the display unit in response to the determining.