Ultrasound Probe Location Tracking via Camera Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In remote healthcare settings, there is a challenge in accurately communicating and associating ultrasound imagery with the location of the ultrasound probe on a patient's body, which hinders effective diagnosis and guidance due to unclear probe positioning and lack of proper communication of ancillary probe data.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system that includes a camera to capture scene information and ancillary probe data, which are then multiplexed with ultrasound images and communicated to a remote device, allowing for synchronized transmission and association of probe location and imagery for accurate remote diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If ultrasound probe location and control information is not properly communicated to remote locations, then remote healthcare practitioners can perform examinations, but the specialist cannot accurately associate ultrasound imagery with the corresponding patient location and probe control
Solution Approach 1:
A camera is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the ultrasound probe and patient area. These camera images serve as a visual mediator that links the ultrasound imagery with the corresponding probe location and patient anatomy, enabling remote specialists to accurately associate all three elements without direct physical presence at the examination site
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies of the probe location and patient area through camera imaging. These copies are transmitted alongside the ultrasound data to remote locations, allowing specialists to view and associate the probe position, patient anatomy, and ultrasound imagery without requiring the physical probe or patient to be present at the remote location
2Device complexity
If only ultrasound imagery is transmitted without ancillary probe data and scene information, then communication is simplified, but the specialist cannot properly interpret the relationship between probe control movements and the acquired images
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple types of data streams into a single integrated communication package: ultrasound imagery, camera-captured scene information showing probe location, and ancillary probe control data. This combination preserves the relationships between all elements while transmitting them together as a unified dataset to the remote specialist
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system segments the ultrasound examination data into distinct components (ultrasound images, camera images, probe control data) that can be independently captured and then reassembled at the remote location. This segmentation allows for organized transmission and processing of complex multi-type data while maintaining their relationships
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for communicating ultrasound probe location and image information are provided. One system includes an ultrasound device coupled with an ultrasound probe and configured to acquire ultrasound images of a subject. The ultrasound imaging system also includes at least one camera configured to acquire (i) scene information including ultrasound imagery of the ultrasound probe with the subject during an image scan and (ii) ancillary probe data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a processor configured to receive the ultrasound images and the ancillary probe data and a multiplexing unit configured to receive (i) the ultrasound images and ancillary probe data from the processor and (ii) the scene information from the camera, wherein the multiplexing unit is further configured to associate in time the ultrasound images, ancillary probe data and scene information. The ultrasound imaging system additionally includes a communication device.