Ultrasound Image Frame Selection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems require operators to manually review and select image frames from a cine buffer for inclusion in patient reports, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially during procedures where the operator's hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system that utilizes a processor to analyze image frames stored in a cine buffer and automatically select frames based on predefined criteria such as time intervals, quality metrics, or anatomical structures, allowing operators to approve or reject the selections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual image selection is used, then operator control over image selection is maintained, but operator workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically selecting images based on predefined criteria without requiring continuous operator intervention. The processor autonomously analyzes captured images, applies selection criteria, and presents selected images for approval, allowing the system to serve itself in the image selection task while maintaining operator oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining selection criteria before the examination process begins. Criteria such as required anatomical views, image quality standards, and procedural milestones are established in advance, enabling the system to automatically filter and select appropriate images during the examination without real-time manual intervention.
2Productivity
If automatic image selection is implemented, then operator workload is reduced, but selection accuracy may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by presenting automatically selected images to the operator for review and approval. The operator can accept, reject, or modify selections, and this feedback is used to refine future automatic selections. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that automated selection maintains high accuracy while improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of selection criteria parameters. Operators can modify criteria such as image quality thresholds, anatomical structure requirements, and time interval preferences based on specific examination needs and preferences, enabling the system to adapt its automatic selection process to maintain precision across different clinical scenarios.
3Reliability
If multiple images are captured during examination, then diagnostic quality is improved, but review time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential images from the large set of captured images by applying predefined selection criteria. Instead of requiring review of all captured images, the system extracts and presents only those images that meet diagnostic requirements, such as showing key anatomical structures or procedural milestones, thereby significantly reducing review time while maintaining diagnostic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by selecting a subset of images that are sufficient for diagnostic purposes rather than reviewing all captured images. The predefined criteria ensure that the selected subset contains all necessary diagnostic information, allowing the examination to be documented and billed accurately without the time-consuming review of every captured frame.
4Measurement precision
If manual image selection is required during procedures, then image selection accuracy is maintained, but procedure efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
During procedures where the operator's hands are occupied, the system performs self-service by automatically selecting and capturing required images without manual intervention. The processor monitors the procedure, applies selection criteria, and automatically marks appropriate images for inclusion in the report, maintaining accuracy while allowing the operator to focus on the procedural task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares in advance by having predefined criteria ready for different procedure types. When a procedure begins, the appropriate criteria are automatically activated, enabling immediate automatic image selection without requiring the operator to manually configure settings or review images during the time-critical procedure.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination.