Ultrasonic Diagnostic Device Superimposition Processing for Anatomical Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic devices using global illumination rendering struggle to clearly depict anatomical structures due to shading issues, making it difficult for operators to distinguish and observe targets accurately.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a superimposition processing unit within the ultrasonic diagnostic device that combines global illumination and volume rendering images, allowing for adjustable superimposition ratios to enhance visibility of anatomical structures by overlaying volume rendering images onto global illumination images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If global illumination rendering is used to create realistic images, then image realism is improved, but anatomical structure visibility deteriorates due to shading issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines global illumination rendering and volume rendering into a unified rendering system. The superimposition processing unit merges the realistically shaded global illumination image with the structurally clear volume rendering image, allowing both rendering methods to complement each other and resolve the contradiction between realism and structural visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The superimposition processing unit acts as an intermediary that combines the outputs of two different rendering methods. It superimposes the volume rendering image onto the global illumination image, using the volume rendering as a mediator to restore anatomical structure visibility while preserving the realistic shading effects of global illumination.
2Loss of information
If volume rendering is used to enhance anatomical structure visibility, then structural detail is improved, but image realism deteriorates compared to global illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges volume rendering and global illumination rendering in a composite display. The volume rendering provides clear anatomical structures while the global illumination layer maintains realistic shading and lighting effects, achieving both structural visibility and image realism simultaneously through their combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The superimposition processing applies different rendering qualities to different aspects of the image. Volume rendering is used to enhance local anatomical structure visibility where precision is needed, while global illumination maintains overall image realism and shading. The local application of volume rendering on top of global illumination allows each method to excel at its strength.
3Device complexity
If only global illumination rendering is used, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to shading artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates two rendering methods within a unified processing architecture. The rendering result synthesis unit combines global illumination and volume rendering results, allowing the system to maintain relatively simple individual rendering pipelines while achieving superior image quality through their merger, thus balancing device complexity and image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic device includes a first rendering unit, a second rendering unit, a superimposition processing unit, a display control unit. The first rendering unit generates a first rendering image according to a first rendering method based on volume data collected by three-dimensionally scanning a subject with ultrasonic waves. The second rendering unit generates a second rendering image according to a second rendering method that is different from the first rendering method, based on the volume data. The superimposition processing unit generates a superimposed image in which at least a part of the first rendering image and a part of the second rendering image are superimposed on each other. The display control unit causes a display device to display the superimposed image. The superimposition processing unit adjusts a superimposition ratio of the first and second rendering images in the superimposed image.