Ultrasound Image Processing for Automatic Scan-Site Tool Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in selecting appropriate ultrasound image processing tools during real-time scanning due to the need to operate a probe and a user interface simultaneously, disrupting the continuity of the scanning process and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound image processing method that automatically determines the scanned site and selects a corresponding image processing tool from a plurality of tools, using a sensing device to determine the probe's position relative to the subject, and employing artificial intelligence algorithms for image identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection of image processing tool is implemented, then appropriate processing can be applied to scanned sites, but scanning efficiency decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic scanned site determination and image processing tool selection without requiring user intervention. The determination unit automatically identifies the scanned site based on probe position and imaging parameters, and the selection unit automatically chooses the appropriate processing tool, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual operational interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple image processing tools are pre-configured and stored in the storage unit, each associated with specific scanned sites. The system prepares processing options in advance based on predicted or current scanned sites, so that when scanning occurs, the appropriate tool is already ready for immediate application without delay
2Productivity
If continuous real-time scanning is maintained, then scanning efficiency is improved, but manual tool selection cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of selecting processing tools via keyboard or touch panel is replaced by an automated determination and selection system. The determination unit uses sensing device data and imaging parameters to automatically identify scanned sites, and the selection unit automatically selects processing tools, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic control
3Reliability
If multiple image processing tools are provided for different scanned sites, then processing appropriateness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasound imaging apparatus is designed with multi-functional capabilities, integrating the determination unit that can identify multiple different scanned sites (thyroid, parathyroid, lymph nodes, etc.) and the selection unit that can manage multiple image processing tools within a single system. This universal design allows one apparatus to handle various scanning scenarios without requiring separate dedicated devices for each scanned site
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound image processing method, comprising: acquiring an ultrasound image in a real-time ultrasound scanning process, the ultrasound image being generated by processing an ultrasonic echo signal of a currently scanned site acquired by a probe; automatically determining the currently scanned site in the real-time ultrasound scanning process; automatically selecting, from a plurality of image processing tools, an image processing tool corresponding to the currently scanned site, wherein the plurality of image processing tools correspond to a plurality of scanned sites of a scanned subject, respectively; and processing the ultrasound image using the automatically selected image processing tool.