Intracavitary Ultrasonic Probe Multi-Plane 3D Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses using multi-plane probes struggle to generate accurate three-dimensional images, as they often produce images that do not accurately represent the actual anatomy due to inconsistencies in scan planes and positional relationships between sensors and transducers.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with an intracavitary multi-plane probe that includes first and second piezoelectric transducers for different scan planes, along with a memory circuit and generation circuit to store and process positional information, enabling the generation of consistent three-dimensional image data by aligning and interpolating data from convex and linear scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-plane probe with first and second piezoelectric transducers is used to perform ultrasonic transmission/reception along different scan planes, then the capability to generate three-dimensional images is improved, but the positional relationship consistency between sensor and scan planes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple independent piezoelectric transducer sets (first and second transducers) that operate on different scan planes. Each transducer set has its own positional information stored separately in the memory circuit, allowing independent tracking of scan plane positions while maintaining overall three-dimensional coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary element to detect and record positional information of the probe. This sensor data serves as a mediator to establish and maintain the positional relationship between the probe and both scan planes, ensuring consistency across multiple planes during three-dimensional image generation.
2Measurement precision
If positional information of sensor and scan planes is stored and processed to align data from multiple scan planes, then the accuracy of three-dimensional image representation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory circuit is designed to store multiple types of positional information (sensor position and both first and second scan plane positions) within a single integrated component. The generation circuit performs multiple functions by processing this stored positional data to align and integrate ultrasonic signals from different scan planes, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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
The apparatus effectively generates three-dimensional images that accurately represent the internal anatomy by aligning and processing data from multiple scan planes, improving the accuracy and consistency of ultrasonic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe which images an inside of an object by using ultrasonic waves generated by using piezoelectric transducers of an ultrasonic probe
Implementation Method 2
allows the ultrasonic probe to receive a reflected wave caused by inconsistency of acoustic impedance inside the object
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an intracavitary ultrasonic probe, a memory circuit and a generation circuit. The probe includes first piezoelectric transducers performing ultrasonic transmission/reception along a first scan plane, and second piezoelectric transducers performing ultrasonic transmission/reception along a second scan plane. The memory circuit stores first information relating to a positional relationship between a sensor position and a position of the first scan plane, and second information relating to a positional relationship between a sensor position and a position of the second scan plane. The generation circuit generates first three-dimensional image data based on an output of the ultrasonic probe using the first piezoelectric transducers, an output of the sensor and the first information, and second three-dimensional image data based on an output of the ultrasonic probe using the second piezoelectric transducers, an output of the sensor, and the second information.