Ultrasound Image Appearance Control for IVUS Clarity Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
IVUS images are grainy and noisy, with subjective image quality and limited dynamic range, making it difficult to optimize image settings for different procedures and users, and existing controls increase complexity and learning curve.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates multiple color and grayscale image adjustments into a single intuitive control, such as a virtual knob or slider, allowing seamless transition between visualization settings for enhanced image appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate controls are provided for brightness, contrast, and color settings, then image appearance can be adjusted in detail, but device complexity and learning curve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate image adjustment controls (brightness, contrast, color saturation, color hue) into a single unified control mechanism. This single control allows users to adjust all image appearance parameters simultaneously through one interface element, reducing the number of separate controls while maintaining comprehensive adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control mechanism serves multiple functions by simultaneously adjusting brightness, contrast, and color parameters. This multi-functional control replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the interface while providing versatile image appearance adjustment capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple image settings are adjusted independently, then precise control over each parameter is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent parameter controls into a single unified control interface. This allows users to adjust brightness, contrast, and color settings through one control mechanism, maintaining the ability to precisely control each parameter while significantly improving ease of operation by reducing the number of separate adjustments needed.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If grayscale images are used, then image interpretation is straightforward, but dynamic range and visibility of certain features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color mapping to ultrasound image data, transforming grayscale intensity values into color representations. This colorization technique enhances the visibility of anatomical structures by providing additional visual dimensions for distinguishing different tissue types and features, while the underlying processing remains integrated into the unified control system.
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
Enables real-time interpretation of IVUS images during catheterization procedures with quick and reliable identification of anatomical structures, reducing complexity and improving image clarity and workflow.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit ultrasonic energy and receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the vessel
Implementation Method 2
The transducers emit ultrasonic energy and receive ultrasound echoes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system is configured to receive images from an ultrasound imaging device, and output, to a display in communication with the processor circuit, a screen display including an image and a user control comprising a plurality of control positions. The system is further configured to receive a control input associated with a single selected position of the user control, and based on the single selected position, determine at least two altered image setting values associated with at least two image settings of the plurality of image settings. The system then generates an updated image using the at least two altered image setting values. Accordingly, a single, intuitive control can change multiple visual aspects of an ultrasound image, such changing the image from grayscale to color, and many contrast and/or brightness levels in between, in a single user action.