Ultrasound Speed-of-Sound Factor Correction via Reference Model Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound image capture technologies face inaccuracies due to speed-of-sound variations in different media, leading to geometric distortions and unreliable speed-of-sound factor estimation, which hinders precise medical diagnostics and navigation.
Innovation Solution
A method that captures multiple ultrasound images from different directions, registers them with a body reference model, and compares point distances to determine and correct speed-of-sound factors individually for each line of sight, using a reliable spatial coordinate system and iterative three-dimensional registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound images are captured from different directions and registered with a reference model to determine speed-of-sound factors, then measurement precision of speed-of-sound factors is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The method divides the ultrasound imaging process into multiple directional captures, each registered independently with the reference model to determine local speed-of-sound factors. This segmentation allows precise local measurement while managing complexity through modular processing of individual image sets.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference model serves as an intermediary between the captured ultrasound images and the speed-of-sound factor determination. The reference model provides a stable spatial framework that mediates the registration process, enabling accurate speed-of-sound factor estimation without requiring direct complex comparisons between multiple distorted ultrasound images.
2Reliability
If multiple ultrasound images are captured and registered to correct speed-of-sound factors, then reliability of ultrasound quantification is improved, but loss of time in image processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference model is prepared and registered in the spatial coordinate system beforehand, before the actual ultrasound image capture and processing. This preliminary action establishes the spatial framework in advance, reducing the processing time required during the actual speed-of-sound factor determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces complex mechanical or manual registration processes with automated computational registration algorithms that compare image data sets against the pre-prepared reference model. This substitution significantly reduces processing time while maintaining high reliability in speed-of-sound factor determination.
3Measurement precision
If speed-of-sound factors are determined for each individual ultrasound direction, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to numerical instability
Solution Approach 1:
The reference model acts as a stable intermediary that provides a reliable spatial framework for registration. This mediator stabilizes the measurement process by providing fixed reference points and geometric constraints, eliminating the numerical instability that would otherwise occur when attempting to reconstruct speed-of-sound factors directly from multiple distorted ultrasound images.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the approach from directly reconstructing speed-of-sound factors (which is numerically unstable) to determining them through registration parameters and point distance comparisons with the reference model. This parameter transformation converts an ill-posed reconstruction problem into a well-posed registration problem with stable solutions.
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
This approach allows for robust and reliable estimation and correction of speed-of-sound factors, reducing distortions and artefacts, enabling more accurate ultrasound image quantification and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The fact that the speed of sound is dependent on the medium through which the sound is passing can lead to quantitative inaccuracies in ultrasound image capture
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining speed-of-sound factors in ultrasound images of a body, includes: capturing at least two ultrasound images of an internal body region from different directions; registering the at least two ultrasound images with respect to a corresponding region in a body reference model; comparing two-dimensional registrations of each of the at least two ultrasound images with a registration of at least one other ultrasound image captured from a different direction, or with another reference registration; and determining the speed-of-sound factor for each individual ultrasound direction from the comparison of reference model point distances for a particular registered structure.