Ultrasonic Imaging Apparatus Workflow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic imaging apparatuses only optimize recognition of examination cross-sections or region extraction, failing to enhance the overall workflow of ultrasonic examinations, which increases the burden on examiners and does not fully support the examination process.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus equipped with an accuracy calculation unit that employs multiple specifying processing types to determine the imaging scene accuracy and a determination unit to optimize the examination workflow by selecting the next examination action based on these calculations, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the entire ultrasonic examination process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple specifying processing types are used to determine imaging scene accuracy, then the accuracy of determining the next examination action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accuracy calculation unit is divided into multiple independent specifying processing modules (first specifying processing, second specifying processing, third specifying processing). Each module performs a specific type of scene specification independently, and their results are integrated to determine the next examination action. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high accuracy through multiple specialized modules rather than one complex monolithic module.
Solution Approach 2:
The accuracy calculation unit is designed to perform multiple specifying processing types universally. The same basic unit structure handles different types of scene specification tasks (cross-section identification, abnormality detection, site specification) by applying different processing algorithms to the same ultrasound image input, making the system versatile without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
2Device complexity
If only recognition of examination cross-section or extraction of region is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the workflow optimization of ultrasonic examination is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple specifying processing functions (cross-section recognition, abnormality detection, site specification) into a single integrated accuracy calculation unit. By combining these functions that were previously performed separately or manually, the system achieves comprehensive workflow optimization without proportionally increasing complexity, as the merged unit processes all aspects of scene specification in a coordinated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary accuracy calculation for multiple specifying processing types before determining the next examination action. By pre-calculating accuracy metrics for cross-section identification, abnormality detection, and site specification, the system prepares comprehensive data in advance that enables optimal workflow decisions without requiring complex real-time analysis during the examination procedure.
3Productivity
If multiple specifying processing types are implemented, then the overall workflow optimization is improved, but the calculation time and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The accuracy calculation unit implements multiple specifying processing types, but the determination unit selectively uses the results based on what is necessary for the current examination context. Not all specifying processing results are always required or weighted equally - the system performs partial action by focusing computational resources on the most relevant accuracy metrics for each specific examination situation, reducing unnecessary calculation time.
Data Source
AI summary
An accuracy calculation unit receives an ultrasound image generated by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave, and specifies an imaging scene by a plurality of types of specifying processing for specifying the imaging scene of the ultrasound image. Further, the accuracy calculation unit calculates accuracy of specifying the imaging scene for each specifying processing. The determination unit determines an examination action to be performed next on the basis of a result of calculation by the accuracy calculation unit.