Ultrasonic Vessel Tracking for Continuous Cross-Section Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracking blood vessel cross-sections are inadequate for real-time, accurate, and continuous monitoring of small changes in vessel geometry, which is crucial for uninterrupted physiological measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing ultrasonic transducers and a controller to non-invasively sense and track blood vessel cross-section geometry by periodically sensing features, applying tracking windows, and performing two-dimensional cross-correlation with convex constraints to determine cross-section geometry as a function of time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic sensing methods are used to determine blood vessel cross-section, then the method can provide generic vessel cross-sectional information, but it fails to accurately track very small changes in vessel geometry and is not suitable for real-time operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blood vessel cross-section into multiple discrete features (such as anterior wall, posterior wall, lateral walls) and tracks each feature independently using separate tracking windows. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of small changes in each feature while processing can be optimized for real-time operation through parallel processing of multiple features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from generic two-dimensional cross-sectional imaging to tracking specific one-dimensional features (diameters, radii) at different locations around the vessel cross-section. By focusing on specific dimensional parameters at discrete locations, the system achieves high precision for small changes while maintaining real-time processing capability.
2Reliability
If conventional methods are used for blood vessel tracking, then the system structure can be simple, but it cannot provide uninterrupted continuous physiological measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous tracking by periodically acquiring ultrasonic images and continuously updating the position and geometry of tracked features across multiple frames. The system maintains uninterrupted measurement by consistently tracking the same vascular features through sequential images, enabling continuous physiological monitoring without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from previously tracked feature positions to guide the tracking of features in subsequent frames. By using the known positions from previous frames as initial guesses or constraints for current frame tracking, the system ensures continuous and reliable measurement while efficiently processing each frame through constrained optimization.
3Measurement precision
If high accuracy tracking of small vessel geometry changes is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but the processing time increases and real-time operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple tracking windows at predetermined locations around the vessel cross-section before processing each new ultrasonic image. These pre-positioned windows serve as templates for feature identification, allowing rapid tracking of small changes without time-consuming search processes in each new frame.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of processing the entire ultrasonic image for feature extraction, the patent applies partial action by focusing computational resources only on specific regions of interest where vascular features are expected to be located. By concentrating processing on predefined tracking windows rather than the complete image, the system achieves high precision for small changes while significantly reducing processing time.
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 real-time, continuous, and uninterrupted tracking of blood vessel geometry changes, allowing for accurate physiological measurements and predictions of health states such as hypertension or hemorrhage.
Implementation Method 1
The ability to determine the cross-section geometry of a blood vessel is useful for a variety of different purposes. It is known to use ultrasonic sensing to determine the location of a blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
The ultrasonic transducers are configured to non-invasively sense a blood vessel and provide signals representative of the blood vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for tracking a cross-section geometry of a blood vessel is provided. The system includes at least one sensor a plurality of ultrasonic transducers and a controller. The ultrasonic transducers are configured to non-invasively sense a blood vessel and provide signals representative of the blood vessel. The controller is in communication with the at least one sensor and a non-transitory memory storing instructions. The instructions when executed cause the controller to: a) control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to periodically sense the blood vessel and produce signals representative of a plurality of features of the blood vessel; and b) track the plurality of features of the blood vessel, using the signals representative of the plurality of features to determine a cross-section geometry of the blood vessel as a function of time.