Automatic Ultrasound Image Correlation via Feature-Based Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The ability to fuse or correlate ultrasound data with data from other image modalities, such as CT or MRI, is challenging due to the need for manual alignment, which is time-intensive and prone to human error, especially when aligning images acquired at different times.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically generating a transformation matrix to correlate ultrasound images with images from other modalities, allowing for real-time alignment and fusion of images from different modalities without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment is used to correlate ultrasound images with images from other modalities, then the alignment can be performed with existing technology, but the process becomes time-intensive and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically identifying corresponding features between ultrasound images and other modality images, and autonomously computing the transformation matrix without requiring manual intervention from technicians
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment process with an automated computational system that uses feature detection algorithms and mathematical transformations to achieve precise image correlation
2Reliability
If manual alignment is used to generate transformation matrix, then the process can be performed with existing technology, but it introduces human error and requires expertise in interpreting both image modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously identifies corresponding anatomical features between different image modalities and automatically computes the transformation matrix, eliminating human error while maintaining interpretability through standardized algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated feature correlation component as an intermediary that bridges ultrasound images and other modality images, using detectable features as mediators to establish accurate spatial relationships without direct human intervention
3Productivity
If automatic transformation matrix generation is implemented, then alignment speed and accuracy improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image correlation process into distinct modular components: feature detection module, feature matching module, and transformation matrix computation module, allowing each to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feature correlation component serves as an intelligent intermediary that simplifies the overall process by handling the complex computational tasks of feature identification and transformation, making the system more efficient despite increased internal complexity
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are described for automatically generating a transformation matrix for correlating images from an ultrasound modality with images from another modality (or with ultrasound images acquired at a different point in time). Ultrasound volumetric data and volumetric data yielded from another image modality are examined to identify and/or extract features. The transformation matrix is automatically generated, or populated, based at least in part upon common features that are identified in both the ultrasound volumetric data and the volumetric data yielded from the other image modality. The transformation matrix can then be used to correlate images from the different modalities (e.g., to display a CT image of an object next to an ultrasound image of the object, where the images are substantially similar to one another even though they were acquired using different modalities).