Ultrasonic Elasticity Image Rendering with Selective Range Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses struggle to produce accurate three-dimensional elasticity images that clearly depict organs with desired elasticity values, making it difficult for operators to recognize the range of elasticity values in displayed images.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a section image constituting unit, a two-dimensional elasticity image processing unit, a rendering unit, and a display unit that selects and renders elasticity value data within a desired range, allowing for the display of three-dimensional elasticity images alongside corresponding two-dimensional images, with options to mask or color-code areas outside the desired range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional volume rendering accumulates voxel values along the line of sight, then a three-dimensional image can be produced, but the elasticity values become distorted and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the surface voxels that are visible from the observation direction, excluding internal voxels from the rendering process. This is achieved by determining visibility of each voxel from the observation direction and using only visible surface voxels to generate the three-dimensional elasticity image, thereby preventing distortion from internal voxel accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the elasticity image by mapping elasticity values to color information for visible surface voxels. This color-coded representation preserves the original elasticity characteristics while providing visual display, avoiding the distortion that would occur with direct accumulation
2Loss of information
If the three-dimensional elasticity image displays all elasticity values, then complete information is provided, but operators cannot easily recognize the desired elasticity value range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different regions based on their elasticity values. Voxels within the desired elasticity range are displayed with enhanced visibility (such as brighter colors or different color coding), while voxels outside the range are displayed with reduced visibility or masked, allowing operators to easily identify the target region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maps elasticity values to color information, where the desired elasticity value range is represented by distinct colors or color intensities. This color-coding system enables operators to visually distinguish and recognize the target elasticity range within the three-dimensional image
3Adaptability or versatility
If opacity is assigned based on elasticity values, then hard organs appear more opaque and soft organs more transparent, but the desired elasticity range cannot be selectively isolated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control over the rendering process by allowing operators to specify a desired elasticity value range. The system then dynamically adjusts which voxels are rendered based on this range specification, enabling selective isolation of target organs or lesions with specific elasticity characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the three-dimensional space into visible surface voxels and internal voxels, and further segments the elasticity values into desired range and undesired range. This multi-level segmentation allows selective rendering of only those voxels that meet both visibility and elasticity criteria
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 enables operators to easily recognize areas with specific elasticity values by visually highlighting the desired range in the three-dimensional image, improving the accuracy and clarity of elasticity value representation.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitting unit which transmits ultrasonic into an object
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic receiving unit which receives an ultrasonic reflection echo signal of a diagnostic part within the object from a reflected wave
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of producing a three-dimensional image of an object for an organ region within a range of elasticity values desired by an operator and allowing the operator to recognize the region easily, elasticity value data included in a desired elasticity value range among elasticity value data constituting a volume data are selected and rendered. Whereby, a three-dimensional elasticity image in the set elasticity value range is produced. An area corresponding to the elasticity value range is displayed on at least one of a two-dimensional elasticity image and a section image.