Ultrasonic Image Reference-Point Detection for Anatomical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic imaging technologies struggle to precisely identify anatomical structures, particularly for diagnosing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, and lack effective methods for displaying distance and angle information between identified structures.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and method that determines a reference point in an ultrasonic image, identifies anatomical structures of interest based on their positional relationship with the reference point, and displays this information using a display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasonic imaging methods are used to observe anatomical structures, then real-time imaging capability is achieved, but identification precision of anatomical structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting anatomical structures and calculating their spatial relationships before the user needs this information. The processor proactively identifies structures of interest, determines their positions relative to reference points, and prepares measurement data in advance, eliminating the need for manual measurement and improving identification precision without adding operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic imaging apparatus performs self-service by automatically analyzing the image data to identify anatomical structures and calculate their spatial relationships. The system serves itself by autonomously determining positions of structures relative to reference points and generating measurement information without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving precision while maintaining simple operation.
2Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used for anatomical structures, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated electronic processing. The processor electronically identifies anatomical structures, calculates their positions relative to reference points, and generates measurement data automatically. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with electronic automation dramatically improves measurement efficiency while the system handles complexity internally, keeping the user interface simple.
3Reliability
If detailed anatomical structure identification is implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but information processing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the complex task of anatomical analysis into distinct modules: reference point detection, structure identification, positional relationship calculation, and measurement generation. Each module handles a specific aspect of the analysis independently, improving diagnostic accuracy through comprehensive structure identification while managing complexity through modular organization of processing functions.
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 precise identification and display of anatomical structures, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and usability in medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasonic imaging apparatuses irradiate an ultrasonic signal generated by a transducer of a probe onto an object and receive information about a signal reflected from the object
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus and an ultrasonic image display method are disclosed. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to one disclosed embodiment can comprise: a display unit; a user interface; a memory for storing one or more instructions; and a processor for executing the one or more instructions so as to determine a reference point in an ultrasonic image, identify at least one anatomical structure of interest on the basis of a location relationship with the reference point with respect to the determined reference point, and control the display unit so that the identified anatomical structure of interest and information about the anatomical structure of interest are displayed.