Ultrasound Probe Positioning via Surface Map Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging methods lack clear indication of probe positioning during acquisition, leading to uncertainty in image interpretation, especially in soft tissue areas like the breast, where deformation and displacement occur, and require hazardous ionizing radiation for surgical reference.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates and displays a stylized map representing the outer surface of the anatomic region of interest, with the probe position marked on this map, allowing for clear probe positioning indication during image acquisition and display, using a tracking system to ensure accurate probe positioning information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasound imaging is performed without probe position marking, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the probe position cannot be clearly recognized leading to diagnostic uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-dimensional map copy of the three-dimensional body surface, marking probe positions on this simplified representation. This allows clear visualization of probe locations without requiring complex 3D tracking displays, resolving the contradiction between diagnostic reliability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a body map as an intermediary element between the physical probe and the ultrasound images. This map serves as a visual mediator that clearly indicates probe positions, making the relationship between images and anatomical locations unambiguous without adding significant system complexity.
2Reliability
If stereotactic needle biopsy with carbon deposition is used for surgical reference, then probe position can be recognized by X-ray, but the patient is exposed to hazardous ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological method (carbon deposition and X-ray imaging) with a computational method using electromagnetic tracking and visual display. The probe position is detected by an electromagnetic tracking system and displayed on a body map, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while maintaining surgical reference accuracy.
3Loss of information
If breast tissues are scanned without position marking, then the imaging process is simple, but tissue deformation and displacement make image interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-dimensional map copy of the body surface that preserves probe position information even when tissues deform. By marking positions on this external surface map rather than relying on internal tissue landmarks, the system maintains position accuracy without requiring complex deformation modeling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of ultrasound image acquisition, generation and display, comprising the steps of: a) acquiring ultrasound image data corresponding to an anatomic region being examined using an ultrasound probe; b) generating at least one ultrasound image based on said image data; c) displaying said image on a display; d) generating a map of the outer surface of the anatomic region; e) detecting the position of said probe during image data acquisition; f) identifying on the map the point corresponding to the detected position of said probe; g) displaying the map in which said point is marked, at the same time as the ultrasound image is displayed.