Ultrasonic Contrast Progress Imaging via Pixel Staining Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques cannot effectively observe the progression of the staining process using contrast agents in ultrasonic images, limiting the ability to visualize the dynamics of contrast agent inflow and tissue perfusion.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is equipped with an operation unit to specify the time division of contrast agent entry for each pixel and an image analyzing unit that determines color assignments based on this timing, generating contrast progress images by applying colors to the ultrasonic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional time division display is used, then operator can identify which time division a luminance belongs to, but the progression of staining process cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different colors to pixels based on their staining commencement time, creating a visual gradient that represents the progression of contrast agent inflow. This color-coding approach transforms temporal information into spatial visual information, allowing operators to observe the staining process progression directly in the displayed image without complex additional processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the spatial ultrasonic image by mapping staining time information onto the image pixels. This transforms a 2D spatial image into a 2D+1D (spatial+temporal) visualization, where each pixel contains both spatial location information and temporal staining information, enabling progression observation without increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If arbitrary time divisions are specified by operator, then time divisions can be customized, but the visualization becomes operator-dependent and arbitrary
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines staining commencement time for each pixel by detecting when the contrast agent first enters that pixel's region. This self-service approach eliminates the need for operator-specified time divisions, providing objective, precise measurements while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and stores the staining commencement time for each pixel during the image acquisition phase. This preliminary action allows the system to immediately generate accurate contrast progress images without requiring operator intervention for time division specification, thereby achieving both precision and ease of operation.
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 approach allows for the generation of images that objectively show the progression of the staining process, enabling clearer visualization of contrast agent dynamics and tissue perfusion without operator-dependent arbitrary choices.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting ultrasonic waves to the inside of a biological object and imaging the inside of the object using the received signals
Implementation Method 2
determine a color assignment according to the time division of the staining commencement time and generate contrast progress images by applying colors to the pixels
Data Source
AI summary
This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an operation unit with which a time division of a staining commencement time when a contrast agent enters is specified for each pixel of an ultrasonic image which is constructed chronologically with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; and an image analyzing unit which determines a color assignment according to the time division of the staining commencement time, and applies a color to the pixel of the ultrasonic image with the determined color assignment, generating a contrast progress image.