Ultrasonic Probe Scan Plane Alignment via Columnar Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of aligning the scan plane of an ultrasonic probe with the puncture cross-section in ultrasonic diagnostic systems is complicated due to the need for frequent adjustments in the position and direction of the probe, and existing methods require constant confirmation of distance mark changes, making it difficult to intuitively understand the sense of distance between the puncture guide line and puncture line.
Innovation Solution
A medical image display apparatus that includes ultrasonic image obtaining means, cross-sectional image obtaining means, and display control means, which superimpose a columnar index with reduced opacity on a three-dimensional image, allowing intuitive recognition of the distance between the scan plane and puncture line by varying the index's thickness and opacity, and enabling easy alignment of the scan plane with the puncture cross-section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the scan plane of the ultrasonic probe is aligned with the puncture cross-section by moving the probe, then the puncture guide line and puncture line can be aligned, but the operation becomes very complicated due to frequent changes in position and direction of the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a columnar index as an intermediary visual element that represents the puncture cross-section on the ultrasonic image. This index provides a direct visual reference for alignment, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustments of the probe position and direction. The operator can simply align the probe with the visual indicator rather than performing multiple positional adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by displaying a columnar index that visually indicates the relationship between the current scan plane and the puncture cross-section. The index provides real-time feedback on alignment status, allowing the operator to make precise adjustments based on visual information rather than trial and error.
2Ease of operation
If two rectangular distance marks are displayed to indicate the distance between puncture line and puncture guide line, then the alignment operation is facilitated, but the sense of distance is difficult to understand intuitively due to constant confirmation of size changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes and transparency variations to the columnar index to intuitively represent distance information. The index is displayed with different transparency levels or colors based on the distance from the puncture line, providing immediate visual feedback about alignment status without requiring the operator to constantly measure or confirm size changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the distance information from a one-dimensional measurement (size of rectangular marks) into a three-dimensional visual representation (columnar index with spatial extent). This dimensional transformation makes the distance relationship more intuitive and easier to comprehend at a glance.
Data Source
AI summary
Scanning a subject with an ultrasonic probe and obtaining an ultrasonic image of the subject. Obtaining a cross-sectional image of a cross-section of a three-dimensional image corresponding to the ultrasonic image from the three-dimensional image, the three-dimensional image including a puncture line set for a puncture needle and a superimposed columnar index having a central axis line on the puncture line and opacity which is reduced with the distance from the central axis line. Displaying the ultrasonic image and the cross-sectional image. In this case, the thickness, opacity, and cross-sectional shape of the index displayed on the cross-sectional image vary according to the positional relationship between the scan plane of the ultrasonic probe and the cross-section in which the puncture line is set.