Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Prescan Simulation for Scan Condition Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face a high workload for users when performing three-dimensional scan mode, particularly when imaging the heart, as they need to align and adjust multiple sections and scan ranges, increasing both user and patient burden.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an input unit for setting scan conditions, a determination unit to calculate other necessary conditions, and a display unit to show the set and calculated conditions, along with a prescan image acquisition and section setting feature to alleviate the workload by simulating scan conditions and visualizing the scan range before the actual scan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If three-dimensional trigger scan mode is used to collect images, then the scan region can be widened and real-time imaging is achieved, but the work load of the user increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan regionVSAvoidwork load
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by allowing users to set scan conditions and visualize prescan images before executing the actual three-dimensional trigger scan. The determination unit pre-calculates other scan conditions based on user-input parameters, and the display unit shows prescan images with section positions marked, enabling users to verify settings beforehand and avoid unnecessary adjustments during the actual scan procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If alignment and adjustment of scan conditions are performed during the scan, then imaging quality can be optimized, but the photographing time increases and patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidphotographing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables preliminary verification of scan conditions and section positions through prescan image display before the actual three-dimensional scan. Users can check alignment and adjust parameters in advance, ensuring imaging quality is optimized without requiring time-consuming adjustments during the scan procedure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit provides feedback by showing prescan images with marked section positions and allowing users to verify scan conditions before execution. This feedback mechanism enables users to confirm settings are correct, preventing the need for repeated scans due to misalignment or incorrect parameter settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scan conditions are manually adjusted, then scan optimization is possible, but the complexity of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan optimizationVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit serves multiple functions by automatically calculating other scan conditions based on user-input parameters. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust each parameter independently, the system uses a universal approach where inputting one or a few key parameters triggers automatic computation of related parameters, reducing operational complexity while maintaining scan optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows users to simulate and adjust scan conditions and sections before the three-dimensional trigger scan, reducing the workload during image collection and preventing unnecessary repetitions, thus alleviating user and patient burdens.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that generates volume data by performing three-dimensional scan of a three-dimensional region with an ultrasonic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS9226728B2Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US9226728B2 patent drawing
  • US9226728B2 patent drawing
  • US9226728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates volume data by performing three-dimensional scan of a three-dimensional region with an ultrasonic wave. An input unit sets or changes at least one of a plurality of correlated scan conditions for the three-dimensional scan. A determination unit determines the other scan conditions of the plurality of scan conditions on the basis of at least one scan condition that is set or changed. A display unit displays at least one of the set or changed scan condition and the determined scan conditions.