Ultrasound Probe Deviation Correction for Temporal Luminance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound observation apparatuses face challenges in accurately calculating temporal variation of contrast luminance due to probe deviation from the region of interest, leading to inaccurate results and increased data capacity requirements for TIC analysis.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus sets a second region of interest for luminance analysis and includes a system to automatically correct the scanning plane and position of the region of interest in synchronization with movement, using a combination of image processing and pattern matching to maintain accurate alignment and minimize data storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe position or direction is deviated by hand shake or other factors, then the region of interest in the scanning plane is deviated to the outside of the set ROI, but it becomes difficult to accurately comprehend the temporal variation of the contrast luminance in the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reference image that serves as a template representing the correct position and orientation of the region of interest. This reference image is then used to compare against subsequent scanning images to detect deviations caused by probe movement, allowing the system to identify and correct positional shifts without requiring the operator to manually maintain perfect probe stability throughout the examination
2Reliability
If three-dimensional ultrasound imaging is used to overcome deviation of the two-dimensional imaging image, then an image of a volume of a tissue is picked up instead of a single surface, but data capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential two-dimensional scanning plane information needed for TIC analysis from the three-dimensional volume data, rather than storing and processing the entire volume. By identifying the optimal scanning plane within the volume that contains the region of interest and extracting only that plane for analysis, the system achieves robustness to probe deviation while minimizing data storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the three-dimensional volume data into multiple two-dimensional scanning planes, then selects and analyzes only the specific plane(s) containing the region of interest. This segmentation approach allows the system to benefit from the robustness of 3D imaging while reducing data capacity by processing only the relevant portions rather than the complete volume
3Measurement precision
If the scanning plane is constantly corrected to display an image similar to the reference image, then accurate comprehension of temporal variation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the current scanning plane is continuously compared against the reference image, and correction actions are automatically applied based on the detected deviation. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate alignment with the region of interest throughout the examination, compensating for probe movement without requiring complex manual intervention
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasound observation apparatus 1 includes: an ultrasound probe 2 configured to change a transmitting-receiving direction of ultrasound in a first direction and a second direction to perform two-dimensional scanning with an ultrasound beam; a transmitting-receiving section 3 configured to control the transmitting-receiving direction of the ultrasound beam; an image processing section 5 configured to generate volume data of a B-mode image from a result of scanning with the ultrasound beam in the first direction and the second direction; an input section 6 configured to set, as a reference image, an image in which the first region of interest is clearly visualized; a storage section 8 configured to hold the reference image; and a calculation section 4 that corrects a scanning plane to allow an image similar to the reference image that is set by the input section, to be constantly displayed, in which the calculation section 4 automatically corrects a position of the second region of interest for analysis of temporal variation of the luminance, in synchronization with movement of the first region of interest in the scanning plane.