Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Automatic Color Doppler Image Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in acquiring optimal color Doppler images due to factors like respiration and operator hand movement, leading to inefficient examination processes and unsuitable image storage.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a specifying information generation unit that analyzes ultrasonic images to select a color Doppler image suitable for recording based on parameters such as maximum flow velocity, motion vectors, and biological signal waveforms, allowing for automatic selection and storage of high-quality images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual selection of color Doppler image is performed, then optimal image quality can be achieved, but examination efficiency deteriorates due to operator burden
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects the optimal color Doppler image by itself without operator intervention. The image selection unit autonomously evaluates multiple color Doppler images based on flow velocity information and other parameters, then selects the most appropriate image for freezing and storage, eliminating the need for manual operator selection while maintaining high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flow velocity information and other image parameters as feedback to automatically determine which color Doppler image is optimal. By continuously monitoring these parameters across multiple images, the system can identify and select the best image based on objective criteria rather than subjective operator judgment
2Productivity
If color Doppler image is frozen immediately, then examination flow is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to respiration and pulsation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of multiple color Doppler images before freezing, using flow velocity information and other parameters to predict which image will be optimal. By pre-assessing image quality metrics and selecting the best candidate in advance, the system ensures high image quality while maintaining efficient examination flow without requiring post-freezing adjustments
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple color Doppler images are stored, then optimal image can be selected later, but storage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential evaluation parameters (flow velocity information, image quality metrics) alongside the selected image rather than storing all possible color Doppler images. By extracting only the necessary data for image selection and storage, the system maintains high image quality while optimizing storage efficiency
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 enables the selection and storage of high-quality color Doppler images optimal for recording, improving examination efficiency by reducing the impact of operator-induced movements and ensuring suitable image capture.
Implementation Method 1
transmission/reception circuitry that transmits/receives an ultrasonic wave to/from an object via a piezoelectric transducer
Implementation Method 2
Doppler processing unit that generates a Doppler waveform based on a reflected wave
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes transmission/reception circuitry transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from an object via a piezoelectric transducer, ultrasonic image generation circuitry generating a series of ultrasonic images along a time series based on an output from the transmission/reception circuitry, specifying information generation circuitry generating predetermined specifying information concerning each of the series of ultrasonic images, selection circuitry selecting a color Doppler image from the series of ultrasonic images based on the specifying information in response to a predetermined operation during display of the series of ultrasonic images, and storage circuitry storing the selected color Doppler image.