Ultrasonic Beam Steering for Multi-Modal Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic imaging apparatuses face challenges in identifying organ outlines, internal structures, and lesions due to high noise levels, and existing methods struggle to accurately match ultrasound images with medical images from different modalities.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus that controls the ultrasound beam in real-time based on user inputs to match and align ultrasound images with medical images from modalities like MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT, using a controller to adjust the beam's direction, focusing, and steering, while maintaining the ultrasonic probe fixed on the object, and generates a guide image to indicate the position and limits of the ultrasound image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ultrasound imaging is performed to obtain real-time images, then real-time imaging capability is improved, but image quality and clarity deteriorate due to large number of noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces medical images from other modalities (CT, MRI, PET, SPECT) as intermediary references to guide and validate ultrasound imaging. These external images serve as mediators that provide anatomical context and structural information, allowing the ultrasound system to compensate for its own noise limitations by comparing and aligning with the higher-quality reference images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts ultrasound imaging parameters (beam direction, focusing, steering) based on registration results with external medical images. By changing these parameters in real-time according to the registered anatomical landmarks and structures, the system optimizes image quality while maintaining real-time capability.
2Measurement precision
If medical images from other modalities are matched with ultrasound images, then image clarity and anatomical identification are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, capable of both standalone ultrasound imaging and integrated multi-modal image matching. The system can operate independently or in combination with external medical imaging systems, making it universally applicable without requiring dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multi-modal image matching. It receives ultrasound data, acquires or receives external medical images, performs registration algorithms, and presents the integrated results to the user. This centralized control mechanism abstracts the complexity from the user while enabling advanced functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the ultrasonic probe is fixed to the object for real-time imaging, then imaging stability is improved, but flexibility in adjusting imaging area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the ultrasound beam parameters (direction, focusing, steering) in real-time based on user input and registration results with external images. This dynamic beam control provides flexibility to adjust the imaging area and focus on different anatomical structures without physically moving the probe, maintaining stability while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical probe movement with electronic beam steering and focusing control. Instead of physically moving the fixed probe to adjust the imaging area, the system uses electronic methods to redirect the ultrasound beam, achieving the same effect without mechanical complexity or disruption to the fixed probe configuration.
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 effective real-time alignment and positioning of ultrasound images with medical images, improving the identification of lesions and organ structures, facilitating efficient and accurate diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus irradiates ultrasonic waves to an object and detects echo signals reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
controlling an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasonic probe in real-time based on a user input
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an echo signal reflected from the object; a display configured to output an ultrasound image output by the ultrasonic probe and a medical image having a modality different from that of the ultrasound image in a matched state; an inputter configured to receive a user input for adjusting a range of an output area of the medical image; and a controller configured to control an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasonic probe to adjust an output area of the ultrasound image in response to detecting that the output area of the medical image is adjusted by the user input.