Ultrasound Preview Images for Frame Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices are inconvenient for users to navigate and select specific ultrasound image frames, especially in real-time and cine replay modes, as they require manual indexing and selection, which can be time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The device generates and stores preview images linked to corresponding ultrasound image frames, allowing users to easily select desired frames through these previews, and sets bookmarks for efficient replay of cine images, reducing operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual indexing and selection of image frames is used in conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices, then the device can store and display ultrasound image frames, but the user operation time becomes excessively long and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating and displaying thumbnail images of all stored image frames before the user needs to select them. The image processing unit automatically creates thumbnail representations of each image frame in the storage unit, allowing users to visually identify and select desired frames without manually checking each one sequentially. This preliminary generation of visual indices significantly reduces the time required for frame selection while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies copying by creating simplified thumbnail copies of the full-resolution image frames. Instead of requiring users to view or manually navigate through the complete high-resolution image frames, the system generates smaller thumbnail copies that preserve key visual characteristics. Users can quickly scan these thumbnail copies to identify the desired frame, then select it for full-resolution display. This copying approach dramatically reduces the time and effort required for frame selection while maintaining the ability to accurately identify the target frame.
2Productivity
If conventional ultrasound diagnostic devices store multiple image frames with indices, then the frames can be retrieved, but the device complexity increases without providing efficient navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by generating thumbnail images as simplified representations of the full-resolution image frames. The image processing unit creates these thumbnail copies and stores them in association with the original frames. This copying mechanism enables efficient frame retrieval because users can quickly identify desired frames by scanning thumbnails rather than examining full-resolution images or manually navigating through indices. The system complexity increases only minimally through the addition of thumbnail generation capability, while frame retrieval efficiency improves dramatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each image frame into a smaller thumbnail version. This segmentation creates a hierarchical structure where the full-resolution image frames are divided into condensed thumbnail representations. The segmentation allows the system to maintain both the detailed original frames and the simplified thumbnails, enabling efficient navigation through the segmented views while preserving the ability to access full-resolution images when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces user operation time by enabling quick frame selection and efficient replay of multiple cine images through preview images and bookmarks, enhancing user convenience and diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a probe (110) configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object and to receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the target object
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of consecutive image frames based on ultrasound echoes reflected from a target object; an image processing unit configured to form preview images of the image frames, wherein the preview images are stored in the storage unit in association with the corresponding image frames; and a user input unit allowing a user to input a selection instruction for selecting one of the preview images, wherein the image processing unit is further configured to read out an image frame corresponding to the selected preview image from the storage unit in response to the selection instruction.