Ultrasound Spatial Compound Image Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems face difficulties in precisely correlating two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound images, making it challenging to comprehend the spatial relationships between them.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound system comprising an ultrasound data acquisition unit, user input unit, and processing unit that acquires and processes data to form 2D and 3D images, compares geometric information, and performs spatial compounding to create an ultrasound spatial compound image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If separate 2D and 3D ultrasound images are provided, then spatial information and anatomical figures are available, but it is difficult to precisely comprehend the correlation between the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 2D and 3D ultrasound images into a single composite display. The processing unit generates a 3D volume image from multiple 2D scan lines and combines it with the original 2D image, allowing clinicians to view both spatial dimensions simultaneously. This integration preserves spatial correlation information while improving ease of comprehension by eliminating the need to mentally correlate separate images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a third dimensional representation to the traditional 2D ultrasound display. By rendering 3D volume images that show spatial relationships in depth, the system transforms the viewing experience from planar to volumetric. This dimensional enhancement allows clinicians to comprehend spatial correlations more intuitively without losing the detailed 2D anatomical information.
2Measurement precision
If volume data is formed from multiple sets of ultrasound data, then 3D spatial information is enhanced, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume data into multiple 2D scan lines that correspond to the original 2D ultrasound image. By dividing the complex 3D dataset into manageable 2D components, the processing unit can efficiently handle the data while preserving spatial information. This segmentation approach reduces processing complexity by working with smaller, more manageable data units that can be independently processed and then recombined.
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 the formation of a comprehensive ultrasound spatial compound image that enhances the understanding of spatial relationships between 2D and 3D images, improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound system may transmit ultrasound signals into the target object and receive ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for providing an ultrasound spatial compound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to output first ultrasound data and a plurality of sets of second ultrasound data corresponding to a region of interest (ROI); a user input unit configured to receive input information for defining the ROI; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit and the user input unit, the processing unit being configured to form volume data based on the plurality of sets of second ultrasound data, compare the first ultrasound data with the volume data to detect geometric information therein, form a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound image based on the first ultrasound data, and a first three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image and a second 3D ultrasound data based on the volume data in consideration of the geometric information, and perform a spatial compound upon the 2D ultrasound image, the first 3D ultrasound image and the second 3D ultrasound image based on the geometric information to form an ultrasound spatial compound image.