Ultrasonic Diagnosis Guide Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnosis apparatuses face challenges in accurately aligning and displaying anatomical positions within the body during medical diagnosis, relying on operator knowledge and manual adjustments, which can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an image processing unit that creates a guide image corresponding to the anatomical position and orientation of a two-dimensional ultrasound image, using anatomical image data to align and display both the ultrasound image and guide image simultaneously, enhancing positional accuracy and operator guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and operator knowledge are used to align anatomical positions, then the system remains simple, but alignment accuracy and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide image as an intermediary visual element that mediates between the ultrasound image and the anatomical reference framework. This guide image, which displays anatomical landmarks and positional information, serves as a bridge to help operators accurately align the ultrasound scanning plane with the desired anatomical reference plane, thereby improving alignment accuracy without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical adjustment system with a visual information-based system. Instead of relying solely on operator tactile feedback and mental visualization of anatomical structures, the system substitutes this with a visual guide image that provides real-time anatomical positioning information, enhancing alignment precision while maintaining operational simplicity
2Measurement precision
If guide image is introduced to improve anatomical positioning, then alignment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display information into distinct functional components: the ultrasound image showing actual tissue structures, and the guide image showing anatomical landmarks and reference planes. This segmentation allows each image type to serve its specific purpose without interference, providing clear positional guidance while maintaining the integrity of the original ultrasound data
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary processing of anatomical data to create the guide image before it is displayed alongside the ultrasound image. By pre-computing and displaying anatomical landmarks, reference planes, and positional information in the guide image, the system prepares the operator with necessary anatomical context in advance, enabling more accurate and efficient alignment during the actual scanning process
3Productivity
If simultaneous display of multiple images is implemented, then diagnostic efficiency improves, but information processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ultrasound image and the guide image into a single integrated display output. By combining these two images in a coordinated manner on the same display device, the system allows operators to simultaneously view both the actual ultrasound data and the anatomical reference information, enabling more efficient diagnostic work without requiring multiple separate display devices or complex multi-screen configurations
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 improves the accuracy and efficiency of anatomical alignment during medical diagnosis by providing a simultaneous and aligned display of ultrasound and guide images, reducing operator reliance on manual adjustments and enhancing diagnostic precision.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer, which rotates and performs a radial scan by repetitively irradiating an interior of a subject with ultrasound
Implementation Method 2
receives and scans an echo of the ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an image processing controlling unit that creates a guide image which corresponds to an anatomical position and orientation of a two-dimensional ultrasound image of an interior of a subject based on anatomical image data which is previously stored as anatomical image data of a human body; and a display unit that outputs and displays various types of images including the guide image and the two-dimensional ultrasound image so that plural images are simultaneously output and displayed.