Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Overlapping Volume Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in making accurate and high-quality diagnoses due to the separation of scanning and interpretation roles, leading to unclarity in images and increased labor in reconstructing sectional images from large volume data sets, which limits the detection of overlooked issues by engineers and hinders precise ultrasonic diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that includes an ultrasonic probe for generating ultrasonic beams, a volume data set collecting unit for overlapping three-dimensional scan ranges, a region of interest setting unit for user-defined tomogram generation, and a display unit for showing first and second tomograms, allowing for improved image clarity and reduced reexaminations by enabling the doctor to adjust the probe position based on the region of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-dimensional scan is performed to collect volume data sets for objective diagnosis, then diagnostic objectivity is improved, but the labor and time required to reconstruct sectional images increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating multiple candidate sectional images from the volume data set before the doctor's interpretation. The image generating unit creates multiple tomograms in advance, allowing the doctor to simply select from pre-generated options rather than performing time-consuming reconstruction during diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automatic image generation and selection. The image generating unit automatically creates sectional images from the collected volume data, and the selection unit automatically identifies the most appropriate image based on diagnostic criteria, reducing manual labor and time investment.
2Productivity
If engineer only scans predetermined region with ultrasonic probe, then scanning efficiency is improved, but the ability to acquire clear images of disease characteristics is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by allowing flexible adjustment of the region of interest after scanning. The doctor can dynamically change the ROI settings and have new sectional images generated from the already-collected volume data, enabling adaptive exploration of disease characteristics without requiring rescanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the diagnostic process into distinct phases: the engineer performs comprehensive scanning to collect volume data, and the doctor subsequently selects and analyzes specific regions of interest. This segmentation allows each party to focus on their optimal tasks while the system bridges the gap through automated image generation from the volume data set.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple ultrasonic vibration units are used to synthesize two-dimensional images for enlarged field of view, then field of view is improved, but the doctor can only interpret within the scanned range and missed areas remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional image synthesis to three-dimensional volume data collection. By acquiring volume data sets that encompass the entire scanned region, the system provides comprehensive coverage in three dimensions, allowing the doctor to reconstruct and examine any sectional view within the volume, thereby eliminating blind spots present in 2D synthesis approaches.
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 solution minimizes reexaminations by providing clear and accurate ultrasonic diagnostic images, allowing for objective diagnosis and efficient interpretation by enabling the doctor to adjust the probe position based on the region of interest, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for rescanning.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe 12 which generates an ultrasonic beam
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus disclosed herein comprises an ultrasonic probe which generates an ultrasonic beam, a volume data set collecting unit which collects a plurality of volume data sets corresponding to a plurality of three-dimensional scan ranges via the ultrasonic probe, the plurality of three-dimensional scan ranges partly overlapping one another, a region of interest setting unit which sets, in accordance with a user instruction, a region of interest on a first tomogram generated from particular one of the plurality of volume data sets, a tomogram generating unit which generates the first tomogram from the particular volume data set and also generates a second tomogram associated with a section including the region of interest from another volume data set corresponding to the three-dimensional scan range including the region of interest, and a display unit which displays the first tomogram and the second tomogram.