Ultrasonic Probe Position Data Smoothing for 3D Image Distortion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in generating accurate 3D images due to distortions caused by camera shake and blood vessel pulsation during probe movement, leading to fluctuations in imaging regions and resulting in distorted 3D data.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus smooths position data acquired by the ultrasonic probe in the time direction using filters like Gaussian filters, correcting the position data to reduce these distortions and improve image accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ultrasonic probe is moved to acquire multiple two-dimensional image data, then the imaging coverage and diagnostic capability are improved, but camera shake and blood vessel pulsation cause position data fluctuations leading to distorted 3D images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidposition data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by smoothing the position data in advance before using it for 3D image generation. The position data is smoothed in the time direction to remove fluctuations caused by camera shake and blood vessel pulsation, creating a stabilized position dataset that ensures accurate 3D reconstruction while maintaining the benefits of comprehensive imaging coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between probe movement detection and 3D image generation. This intermediary is the position data smoothing process, which acts as a mediator to filter out harmful fluctuations while preserving the spatial information needed for accurate 3D imaging, thus resolving the contradiction between imaging coverage and position accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If position data is smoothed in the time direction, then image distortions are suppressed and 3D image quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D image accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the smoothing strength and time direction parameters to optimize the balance between image quality and processing time. By controlling the degree of smoothing and the temporal extent of the processing, the system achieves high 3D image accuracy while minimizing the time penalty, making the solution adaptable to different clinical requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11557035B2Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, medical image processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer medium storing computer program

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to: acquire multiple position data associated with respective multiple two-dimensional image data of ultrasonic related to multiple cross sections; smooth the acquired multiple position data; and arrange the multiple two-dimensional image data in accordance with the smoothed multiple position data to generate volume data.