3D Ultrasound Imaging via Sensor-Based Stitching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in maintaining a field of view during medical device placement, requiring tedious reorientation of the probe and lacking the ability to generate three-dimensional ultrasound images for assistance.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system configured to generate 3D ultrasound images by using a console with processors and logic modules to detect reference points, such as anatomical targets or a reference magnet, and stitch together ultrasound images acquired by a probe equipped with optical fibers and sensors, maintaining alignment through feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ultrasound probe is moved to image different areas, then the field of view is expanded, but the probe reorientation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetic field detectors) to detect probe position and orientation in real-time, providing feedback to the imaging system. This automatic feedback eliminates the need for manual reorientation adjustments, allowing the probe to move freely while maintaining accurate spatial tracking of the ultrasound images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reorientation of the probe with an automated sensor-based tracking system. Sensors detect probe position and orientation, substituting the mechanical adjustment process with electronic detection and computational stitching of images, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ultrasound imaging is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot generate three-dimensional images for medical device placement assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetic field detectors, optical fibers) into a single probe assembly that serves multiple functions: tracking probe position, orientation, and movement. This multi-functional integration enables 3D imaging capability while managing complexity through consolidation rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple sensing components within the ultrasound probe structure itself. Sensors are integrated inside or on the probe, with optical fibers running through the probe connector. This nested arrangement allows complex functionality to be housed within an existing compact form factor, adding 3D imaging capability without proportionally increasing overall system size or complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the probe, then probe position and movement can be tracked accurately, but the probe structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (acceleration detection, gyroscope orientation sensing, magnetic field position detection, optical fiber strain sensing) into a single integrated probe assembly. By merging these functions into one unified structure rather than separate devices, the system achieves accurate multi-dimensional tracking while minimizing the increase in overall complexity through functional integration.
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
The system effectively maintains the field of view and assists in precise medical device placement by providing real-time 3D imaging and alignment feedback, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound probe may be coupled to the console by an ultrasound probe connector having optical fiber including one or more core fibers
Implementation Method 2
each sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to reflect a light signal of a different spectral width based on received incident light
Implementation Method 3
one or more electromagnetic sensors configured to detect a magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
one or more accelerometers configured to detect acceleration of the probe
Implementation Method 5
ultrasound probe configured to acquire a plurality of ultrasound images of the target area
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system configured to generate a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of a target area. The ultrasound imaging system includes a console including one or more processors and non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon one or more logic modules, and an ultrasound probe configured to acquire a plurality of ultrasound images of a target area. The ultrasound probe can be coupled to the console by an ultrasound probe connector having optical fiber including one or more core fibers. The console is configured to generate the 3D ultrasound image by stitching together the plurality of ultrasound images, starting from a point of reference. The point of reference can be the ultrasound probe, one or more anatomical targets, an elongate medical device, a reference magnet, or one or more accelerometers.