Ultrasound A-Mode Registration for Accurate 3D Image Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for registering 3D image datasets with ultrasound data face challenges due to low image quality in reconstructed 3D ultrasound images and high computational requirements, especially when matching live ultrasound data with previously obtained 3D image data.
Innovation Solution
A method that directly matches ultrasound A-mode signals from a transducer with simulated A-mode signals generated from a 3D image dataset, optimizing the registration process by comparing pre-simulated signals in real-time without reconstructing the ultrasound image, using a computer-implemented approach to maximize similarity between measured and simulated signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D ultrasound images are reconstructed from ultrasound data for registration, then the registration can be performed between two 3D images, but the image quality becomes low and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simulated A-mode signals from the 3D image dataset that replicate the characteristics of actual ultrasound A-mode signals. Instead of reconstructing low-quality 3D ultrasound images, the method generates synthetic signal copies that can be directly compared with measured signals, avoiding the image reconstruction step entirely while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/image-based registration approach with a signal-based approach. Instead of working with reconstructed 3D ultrasound images, the method substitutes the process with direct comparison of A-mode signals (both measured and simulated), eliminating the need for image reconstruction and reducing computational complexity
2Productivity
If real-time registration is performed by comparing measured ultrasound signals with simulated signals, then registration speed improves, but computational requirements for signal simulation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs signal simulation in advance based on the 3D image dataset before the actual registration process. By pre-computing the simulated A-mode signals and storing them, the method eliminates the need for real-time signal simulation during registration, reducing computational energy requirements while maintaining fast registration speed through direct signal comparison
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
This method improves registration accuracy and reduces computational burden by avoiding low-quality reconstructed images and minimizing real-time computational demands, enabling efficient alignment of 3D image datasets with ultrasound data.
Implementation Method 1
how the emitted ultrasound wave is refracted or reflected by the anatomical structure of the patient
Implementation Method 2
how the emitted ultrasound wave is refracted or reflected by the anatomical structure of the patient
Implementation Method 3
Each transducer element emits an ultrasound wave, also referred to as ultrasound signal, and transforms the returning ultrasound wave into an electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
In many medical applications, it is crucial to match or register two different image data with each other, for example live image data with previously obtained 3D image data. The present invention relates to registration of a 3D image dataset with (live) ultrasound data. But rather than reconstructing an image from the ultrasound data and registering the reconstructed image with the 3D image dataset, the approach of the present invention matches the ultrasound A mode signals output by an ultrasound transducer with simulated ultrasound A mode signals generated from the 3D image dataset.