Real-Time Ultrasound Needle Localization via Bitwise Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 2D ultrasound systems face challenges in accurately localizing needles during minimally invasive procedures due to difficulties in aligning the needle with the ultrasound imaging plane, especially when the needle is not fully visible, and existing solutions are computationally expensive, sensitive to noise, and unable to localize bending needles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed computer vision systems and methods perform real-time needle localization in ultrasound images using a bitwise complement operation and pointwise logical AND operation to identify the needle location, employing a dynamic background model and Split Bregman method for spatial total variation regularization, allowing for accurate localization of invisible or bending needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 2D ultrasound imaging is used for needle guidance, then real-time non-radiation-based imaging is achieved, but needle localization accuracy deteriorates when the needle is not fully visible or aligned with the scan plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D ultrasound imaging to 3D ultrasound imaging, adding a spatial dimension to the imaging process. This enables visualization of needles at various angles and depths, including those not aligned with the traditional 2D scan plane, thereby improving localization accuracy without sacrificing real-time imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters by using 3D volumetric data acquisition and processing instead of conventional 2D scanning. This allows for multi-planar reconstruction and visualization of needle trajectories in three-dimensional space, improving detection of partially visible or misaligned needles
2Measurement precision
If computationally expensive processing routines are used for needle localization, then localization accuracy may improve, but processing speed and real-time performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the 3D ultrasound volume data to create a structured representation of the imaging space before needle detection. This includes organizing the volumetric data into a format that facilitates efficient searching and tracking, reducing the computational burden during real-time needle localization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 3D ultrasound data into distinct regions and features, separating the needle detection task from the overall image processing. By identifying and isolating relevant features (such as the needle's acoustic signature) from the background tissue, the system reduces computational complexity while maintaining localization accuracy
3Device complexity
If prior art methods require high intensity of needle shaft and tip for detection, then localization is simplified, but applicability to real-world scenarios deteriorates where needles do not exhibit high intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by utilizing 3D spatial information and multi-planar analysis instead of relying solely on intensity-based detection. This allows the system to identify needles based on their geometric characteristics and trajectory through the 3D volume, making detection effective regardless of the needle's intensity or visibility in any single 2D plane
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from 2D intensity-based detection to 3D geometric-based detection, the system adds a spatial dimension to the detection process. This enables identification of needles through their three-dimensional trajectory and shape, rather than relying on intensity characteristics that may not be present in all real-world scenarios
4Measurement precision
If existing solutions are used for needle localization, then some level of detection is achieved, but the ability to localize bending needles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to 3D imaging provides an additional spatial dimension for tracking needle trajectories. This allows the system to detect and accommodate bends in the needle by visualizing the complete three-dimensional path of the needle through the tissue, rather than being limited to linear detection in a single 2D plane
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic tracking of the needle through the 3D volume, allowing the system to adapt to changes in needle orientation and shape during insertion. The 3D reconstruction and tracking algorithms can follow the needle's trajectory as it bends or changes direction, maintaining localization accuracy throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Computer vision systems and methods for real-time localization of a needle in an ultrasound video are provided. The method includes a step of receiving at a processor a plurality of frames from the ultrasound video. The method also includes the step of identifying by the processor one of the plurality of frames as a background image and a frame adjacent to the background image as a current image. The method further includes the step of performing by the processor a bitwise complement operation on the background image to generate a complement image. Moreover, the method includes the step of performing by the processor a pointwise logical AND operation on the complement image and the current image to identify the location of the needle.