Rotatable Sensor Assembly for 3D Ultrasound Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems lack a practical and accurate method for real-time 3D positional tracking of anatomical reference points, especially in deformable tissues, leading to challenges in accurately locating small targets and accounting for patient body movement between image frames.
Innovation Solution
A 3D positional registration system incorporating sensor assemblies with a mounting base, flexible tabs, and a rotatable sensor housing, utilizing magnetic or optical tracking technology to monitor anatomical reference points and the ultrasound probe, enabling accurate tracking and correction for body movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If free hand ultrasound imaging is used, then the operator can manually mark lesion locations, but accurate real-time positional tracking and correction for body movement is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor assemblies as intermediary devices that attach to anatomical reference points on the patient's body. These sensors serve as mediators between the imaging system and the moving anatomy, providing continuous positional data that enables real-time correction for body movement and deformation, thereby achieving accurate target localization without requiring complex manual tracking procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking methods with automated optical or magnetic sensor-based positional tracking. Instead of relying on the operator's manual coordination and memory to mark lesion locations, the system uses non-contact optical sensors or magnetic fields to automatically track the positions of anatomical landmarks and the ultrasound probe, substituting mechanical human operation with automated sensing and computational correction
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are rigidly mounted, then positional stability is achieved, but adaptability to deformable tissue movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mounting solutions where sensor assemblies can move with the tissue rather than being rigidly fixed. The sensors are attached in a manner that allows them to follow tissue deformation and movement, converting the static rigid mounting problem into a dynamic system that adapts to changing anatomical conditions while maintaining reliable positional tracking through continuous movement compensation
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added for better tracking, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal sensor assemblies that can be attached to various anatomical reference points using the same mounting mechanism and sensor configuration. Each sensor assembly is multi-functional, serving as both a positional tracker and a reference frame for multiple imaging modalities. This universality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through multiple sensors without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same modular assembly can be deployed repeatedly across different locations
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 system enhances the accuracy of target localization and reproducibility of ultrasound images by dynamically tracking anatomical reference points and the ultrasound probe, improving the ability to identify and re-locate small targets across repeated examinations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor housing is positioned on the ledge and rotatably engaged with the mounting base
Data Source
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AI summary
A 3D positional registration system incorporates one or more sensor assemblies positionable at anatomical reference points on or within a patient during repeat examinations. One such sensor assembly includes a mounting base comprising at least one flexible tab, a mounting flange forming a bottom surface of the mounting base, and a ledge positioned between a top surface of the at least one flexible tab and the mounting flange. A sensor housing is positioned on the ledge and rotatably engaged with the mounting base. The sensor housing has a cavity sized to receive a positional sensor and the at least one flexible tab engages an upward-facing surface of the sensor housing.