Live Ultrasound Quantification Without Manual Scan Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound quantification workflows in critical care settings are inefficient due to the need for manual initiation after image acquisition, which is not feasible in fast-paced environments where patients are difficult to image and time is limited.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound quantification system that automatically performs quantification analysis on received images without user activation, notifying the user when the analysis is ready for review, allowing for seamless integration into live-imaging workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual initiation of quantification after image acquisition is used, then quantification accuracy is maintained, but workflow efficiency deteriorates in critical care settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs quantification analysis automatically as images are acquired during live scanning, without waiting for manual initiation. The quantification algorithm processes images in real-time as they become available, eliminating the need for users to pause and manually start the quantification process after acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The quantification system operates autonomously without requiring user activation or input. The system automatically detects when sufficient images are available, initiates quantification processing, and notifies the user when results are ready, allowing the quantification function to serve itself without human intervention.
2Productivity
If automatic quantification during live scan is implemented, then workflow efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors image acquisition status and automatically triggers quantification when sufficient images are available. A notification mechanism provides feedback to the user when quantification is complete and results are ready for review, creating a closed-loop automated workflow that manages complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The quantification system dynamically adapts to the live scanning workflow by processing images as they become available and adjusting its operation based on image quality and quantity. The system transitions between waiting for images, processing images, and notifying users, creating a flexible automated process that handles varying clinical scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If manual freeze and quantification initiation is required, then image quality control is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quantification process runs continuously in the background during live scanning without interruption. Images are processed as they are acquired, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the scanning procedure rather than pausing for manual initiation, thereby eliminating time loss while preserving image quality through ongoing processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (100) for automated ultrasound quantification, comprising: (i) receiving (120) a plurality of ultrasound images of a subject as a user is performing an ultrasound of the subject; (ii) automatically providing (130) the received plurality of ultrasound images of the subject to a quantification algorithm; (iii) automatically performing (140) a quantification analysis of the provided plurality of ultrasound images, wherein the quantification analysis is performed without requiring a user activation or input to the quantification algorithm; (iv) automatically notifying (150) the user of the ultrasound quantification system, while the user is still performing the ultrasound of the subject, that a quantification of the provided plurality of ultrasound images is available for review; (v) receiving (160) input directing the system to provide the quantification analysis to the user; and (vi) displaying (170), to the user via the user interface, the quantification analysis.