Pelvic Ultrasound Image Evaluation for Objective Function Indices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic image evaluation methods for pelvic regions rely heavily on subjective interpretation, lacking objective indices for lower urinary tract and pelvic floor functions.
Innovation Solution
An image evaluation method and device that automates the extraction of feature points from ultrasonic images to calculate objective indices such as the angle of the bladder neck, bulbar urethra, and distance between the inferior margin of the pubis and anorectal angle, using algorithms like YOLO and Hough transform, enabling automated calculation of these indices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual evaluation of ultrasonic images is performed by observers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but objectivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical evaluation process with an automated image processing system using algorithms (YOLO for detection, Hough transform for line detection) to calculate anatomical indices objectively from ultrasonic images, eliminating observer subjectivity while maintaining evaluation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-evaluation by automatically processing ultrasonic images to extract feature points and calculate indices without requiring human observers, making the evaluation process independent of human subjectivity while preserving the essential measurement function
2Measurement precision
If automated image processing is implemented to extract feature points and calculate indices, then measurement precision and objectivity improve, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary image processing steps (binarization, edge detection) before feature extraction to simplify the image data structure, making subsequent automated feature point detection and index calculation more efficient and accurate
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation process is segmented into distinct automated stages: image acquisition, preprocessing, feature point extraction using YOLO, line detection using Hough transform, and index calculation, allowing each stage to be optimized independently for efficiency and accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feature points are extracted to calculate multiple indices, then evaluation comprehensiveness improves, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated evaluation system that can calculate multiple different indices (bladder neck angle, pubis-anorectal distance, etc.) using the same core image processing framework and feature extraction algorithms, enabling comprehensive evaluation without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
It is acquired image data corresponding to an ultrasonic image in which a pelvic region of a subject is captured. Image processing is applied with respect to the image data to extract multiple feature points associated with a prescribed portion. It is calculated an index value associated with at least one of a lower urinary tract function and a pelvic floor function of the subject based on the feature points.