Ultrasonic Imaging Probe Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic imaging apparatuses face challenges in obtaining consistent three-dimensional ultrasonic volumes or images before and after a procedure, due to differences in probe position and direction, which complicates comparison and assessment of changes over time.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method that utilize an image processor to receive and process ultrasonic waves from different positions and directions, applying relationship information to align and match cross-sectional images, allowing for display and comparison of images before and after a procedure, using sensors and communication modules to detect and adjust the probe's position and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ultrasonic imaging is performed at different positions and directions before and after a procedure, then the ability to capture structural changes is improved, but the consistency and comparability of the images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relationship information as an intermediary element that connects the first and second ultrasonic images. This relationship information acts as a mediator that translates and aligns the images from different positions and directions, enabling consistent comparison while maintaining the adaptability to capture structural changes during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the ultrasonic images through coordinate transformations and scaling operations. By adjusting parameters such as position, orientation, and scale, the system maintains comparability between images captured at different positions and directions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If the ultrasonic probe position and direction are allowed to vary, then the coverage of imaging areas is improved, but the difficulty of aligning and comparing images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relationship information serves as a mediator that simplifies the alignment process. Instead of manually aligning images from different positions and directions, the system uses pre-computed relationship information to automatically transform and align the images, reducing the complexity of image comparison while maintaining extensive imaging area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing relationship information between different probe positions and directions. This preliminary preparation enables rapid and accurate alignment of images during actual comparison, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining broad imaging coverage.
3Measurement precision
If relationship information is applied to align cross-sectional images, then the comparability of before-and-after images is improved, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of relationship information during the imaging acquisition phase. By pre-computing the transformation parameters and storing them for later use, the system avoids time-consuming computational operations during the actual image comparison phase, thus improving comparability without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating transformed copies of the ultrasonic images based on the relationship information. Instead of performing complex real-time alignment operations, the system creates pre-transformed copies of the images that can be directly compared, reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables the acquisition of consistent and comparable three-dimensional ultrasonic images before and after a procedure, facilitating precise comparison and determination of procedural outcomes by aligning and matching cross-sectional images, thus improving diagnostic and monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject or generated from the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including an ultrasonic probe configured to receive a first ultrasonic signal and a second ultrasonic signal corresponding an object; and an image processor configured to obtain second ultrasonic volume data based on the second ultrasonic signal and relationship information between first information and second information, configured to apply the relationship information to the second ultrasonic volume data and configured to obtain a second ultrasonic cross-sectional image from the second ultrasonic volume data based on the relationship information, where the first information comprises a first position and a first direction corresponding to a position and a direction of the ultrasonic probe receiving the first ultrasonic signal and the second information comprises a second position and a second direction corresponding to a position and a direction of the ultrasonic probe receiving the second ultrasonic signal.