Ultrasound Tool Localization via Adaptive Sub-Volume Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately tracking the position of interventional tools within ultrasound images due to specular reflectivity and require manual adjustments to maintain visibility, especially in three-dimensional imaging, which compromises frame rate and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A system that localizes a three-dimensional field of view of a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe using a position indicator within the field, dividing it into sub-volumes and automatically adjusting the field of view based on the position indicator's location, utilizing ultrasound, electromagnetic, or optical tracking systems to constrain ultrasound signal transmission and reception to the relevant sub-volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If three-dimensional imaging is used to track interventional tools, then the field of view is expanded and manual positioning is reduced, but frame rate and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional field of view into multiple sub-volumes, each capable of being independently imaged. This segmentation allows the system to image only the relevant sub-volume containing the interventional tool, thereby maintaining high frame rates and image quality while still providing three-dimensional tracking capability.
2Ease of operation
If three-dimensional imaging is used to track interventional tools, then the field of view is expanded and manual positioning is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional field of view into multiple sub-volumes, each capable of being independently imaged. This segmentation allows the system to image only the relevant sub-volume containing the interventional tool, thereby maintaining high frame rates and image quality while still providing three-dimensional tracking capability.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are made to maintain visibility of interventional tools, then tracking accuracy is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks the position of interventional tools using ultrasound signals without requiring manual adjustments by the user. The automated tracking system maintains visibility and accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of interventional tools using ultrasound signals and automatically adjusts the imaging parameters to maintain optimal tracking. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking without requiring manual intervention.
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 provides accurate, automatic tracking of interventional tools without manual adjustments, maintaining image quality and frame rate by dividing the field of view into sub-volumes and constraining ultrasound signals to the indicator's location, enhancing visibility and reducing the need for manual probe positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe transmits and receives ultrasound signals within a three-dimensional field of view
Implementation Method 2
The tracking system determines a position of the position indicator within the three-dimensional field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A system for localizing a three-dimensional field of view of a beamforming ultrasound imaging probe based on a position indicator disposed within said field of view. The beamforming ultrasound imaging probe transmits and receives ultrasound signals within a three-dimensional field of view comprising a plurality of predetermined sub-volumes, each sub-volume being defined by a two dimensional array of beams. A controller causes the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe to scan the sub-volumes sequentially by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals corresponding to each beam. A tracking system determines a position of the position indicator within the three-dimensional field of view; and determines a sub-volume in which the position indicator is located. The controller causes the beamforming ultrasound imaging probe to provide a localized field of view including the position of the position indicator by constraining the transmitting and receiving of ultrasound signals to a portion of the sub-volume in which the position indicator is located.