Ultrasound Training Simulator Using Visual Pattern Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound training simulators are costly and inaccessible to many due to expensive equipment and infrastructure requirements, limiting the availability of effective training for non-traditional users such as midwives and paramedics in developing countries, where ultrasound diagnostic services are scarce.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system that uses a probe simulator with a visually coded pattern optically tracked by a camera to provide ultrasound images, allowing for a cost-effective and accessible training method by simulating ultrasound scanning sessions on a computer system, which includes a probe simulator, anatomy simulator, and camera configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasound training simulators are used, then training quality is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual patterns on the probe surface that can be captured by a camera to determine probe position and orientation. Instead of using complex sensors and electronic circuitry in both the probe and scanned object, the system creates a simplified copy of the essential tracking function using visual codes and image processing, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining training quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic sensor systems with an optical system. Instead of using electromagnetic sensors, RFID readers, NFC readers, or gyroscopes in the probe and scanned object, the system uses a camera to capture visual patterns and computationally determines position and orientation, substituting mechanical/electronic complexity with optical simplicity and software processing
2Reliability
If instructor-led classroom training is used, then training effectiveness is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service training by providing all necessary training materials, guidance, and evaluation components within the simulator itself. Users can perform scans, receive real-time feedback, and complete training modules independently without requiring constant instructor presence, making training more accessible while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The simulator is designed to be universally applicable across different user levels and training scenarios. The same hardware platform can support various training modules, scan types, and user skill levels, making the system versatile and cost-effective compared to specialized instructor-led programs
3Measurement precision
If sensors and electronic circuitry are included in probe and scanned object, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sensors with visual pattern copies that can be captured by a camera. The visual patterns encode position and orientation information that, when processed by image recognition algorithms, provide accurate tracking without requiring complex sensor hardware in the probe or scanned object
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary between the probe and the tracking system. Instead of the probe and scanned object directly communicating through complex sensors, the camera captures visual information and a processing system computes position and orientation, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining accuracy
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
Enables cost-effective simulation of ultrasound scanning sessions, providing high-quality training without the need for expensive equipment, making ultrasound training more accessible to non-traditional users and reducing the costs associated with instructor-led classroom training.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to acquire an image of at least a portion of a simulated scan surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for simulating an ultrasound scanning session is provided. The method includes acquiring an image of at least a portion of a simulated scan surface by a camera. A probe simulator having a visually coded pattern is maneuvered on the simulated scan surface. The method includes analyzing the acquired image to identify the visually coded pattern of the probe simulator maneuvered on the simulated scan surface. The method includes determining a position and orientation of the probe simulator based on the visually coded pattern identified in the acquired image. The method includes estimating a scan plane based at least in part on the determined position and orientation of the probe simulator. The method includes retrieving an ultrasound image from storage. The ultrasound image corresponds with the estimated scan plane. The method includes presenting the retrieved ultrasound image at a display system.