Ultrasonic Probe Position Tracking for Medical Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning 3D ultrasonic image data with 3D medical image data, such as CT or MR images, face challenges including low precision due to manual operation, variability in user skill, differences in tissue and blood vessel representation, and limited volume in ultrasonic images, leading to difficulties in securing accurate overlap and high failure rates in image alignment.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus equipped with a position sensor system that acquires three-dimensional position information of the ultrasonic probe, allowing for alignment between ultrasonic image data and medical image data by associating the probe's coordinate system with the medical image data's coordinate system, using magnetic, infrared, or gyro sensors to ensure precise positioning and direction alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation is used for aligning 3D ultrasonic image data with 3D medical image data, then the alignment process can be performed, but the alignment precision is low and there is variability in user skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated computer-based alignment system. The processing circuitry automatically aligns ultrasonic image data with medical image data by comparing image features and calculating transformation parameters, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and thereby improving alignment precision while removing variability associated with different users' skills.
2Reliability
If conventional alignment methods are used, then the process can be completed, but the success rate is low due to difficulties in securing accurate overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processing circuitry continuously evaluates the alignment quality by comparing image features from ultrasonic and medical images. Based on this evaluation, the system automatically adjusts transformation parameters to improve overlap accuracy, providing real-time feedback that guides the alignment process toward successful completion and thereby increases the alignment success rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary processing of image data before alignment, including feature extraction and preprocessing steps that prepare the data for more effective alignment. By pre-identifying key features and preparing transformation parameters in advance, the system lays the groundwork for successful alignment, reducing the likelihood of failure and improving overall reliability.
3Measurement precision
If position sensor system is added to improve alignment precision, then coordinate system association becomes possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the position sensor system into the existing ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, allowing the same hardware platform to perform both ultrasonic imaging and position tracking functions. This multi-functional approach enables coordinate system association without requiring entirely separate systems, thereby improving position measurement precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared hardware resources.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires position information relating to an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic image. The processing circuitry acquires ultrasonic image data which is obtained by transmission and reception of ultrasonic from the ultrasonic probe at a position where the position information is acquired, the ultrasonic image data being associated with the position information. The processing circuitry executes associating between a first coordinate system relating to the position information and a second coordinate system relating to medical image data. The processing circuitry executes image alignment between an ultrasonic image based on the associated ultrasonic image data and a medical image based on the medical image data.