Ultrasound Probe Pose Guidance via Virtual Image Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical practitioners in remote locations face challenges in obtaining high-quality ultrasound images due to inadequate positioning of ultrasound probes, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses and missed regions of interest.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging guidance system that receives target probe pose information from a remote expert, generates a virtual image of the probe's correct position, and displays it to the local practitioner, aiding in accurate probe placement and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote expert guidance is provided through image streaming, then diagnostic support is improved, but probe positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the ultrasound probe in the remote expert's view by tracking the actual probe's pose and rendering a virtual representation. This allows the expert to see exactly where the probe is positioned without physically being present, resolving the contradiction between remote support and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by transmitting probe pose information from the local system to the remote expert, who can then provide guidance. The virtual image of the probe provides visual feedback about current positioning, enabling iterative improvement of probe placement accuracy while maintaining remote support.
2Ease of operation
If local practitioners operate ultrasound systems independently, then operational autonomy is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a virtual probe image as an intermediary between the local practitioner and the actual probe. This virtual representation serves as a guide that helps the practitioner position the actual probe correctly, maintaining operational autonomy while improving image quality through visual guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying the virtual probe position that would yield optimal images. This allows the practitioner to see the desired probe positioning before making adjustments, combining independence with quality assurance.
3Measurement precision
If real-time probe tracking is implemented, then guidance accuracy is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with computational methods. By using software-based pose estimation and virtual rendering instead of sophisticated hardware tracking mechanisms, the system achieves high guidance accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing complex physical tracking infrastructure, the system creates a computational copy of the probe's position and orientation. This virtual representation provides accurate tracking information without requiring elaborate hardware systems, balancing accuracy with simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasound imaging guidance system (20) for guiding an operator of an ultrasound imaging system (10) comprising an ultrasound probe (11), the ultrasound imaging guidance system comprising a transceiver (23) adapted to receive target ultrasound probe pose information generated by a remote ultrasound imaging support system (30), said target ultrasound probe pose information being derived from a data stream transmitted to the remote ultrasound imaging support system, said data stream including a sequence of ultrasound images (15) generated with the ultrasound probe and an indication for each ultrasound image of the actual pose (16) of the ultrasound probe when capturing said ultrasound image; a processor (21) communicatively coupled to the transceiver and programmed to generate a virtual image (17) of the ultrasound probe in a pose corresponding to the target ultrasound probe pose information; and a display device (25) communicatively coupled to the processor and adapted to display the virtual image. Also disclosed are an ultrasound imaging support system (30) and associated methods and computer program products.