Ultrasound Apparatus Tracking Moving Object Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses lack the capability to accurately measure and display the moving path of a moving object of interest, which hinders precise diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and operating method that include a reference region setting unit to define areas of interest within the ultrasound image, a data processing unit to track the moving path of objects through these regions, and a display unit to visualize the moving paths, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ultrasound imaging modes (B-mode, Doppler, elastic mode) are used, then basic imaging functions are provided, but the capability to accurately measure and display moving paths of moving objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting reference regions and establishing tracking algorithms before the actual measurement process. The controller pre-configures the imaging parameters and defines the regions of interest where moving objects will be tracked, enabling accurate path measurement without requiring complex real-time processing of the entire image field.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasound image is segmented into multiple reference regions, and the system selectively tracks moving objects within specific regions rather than processing the entire image. This segmentation approach reduces computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision for objects in the regions of interest.
2Reliability
If the moving path of objects is tracked through multiple reference regions, then diagnostic accuracy for moving objects is improved, but the time required for processing and displaying path information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by focusing computational resources only on reference regions where moving objects are present or expected. Rather than analyzing all regions uniformly, the controller selectively processes only those regions containing moving objects, reducing overall processing time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for the objects of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the detection of moving objects in one reference region triggers adjusted tracking in subsequent regions. The controller continuously monitors object movement and dynamically adjusts the tracking parameters and reference region selection based on detected object positions, optimizing processing efficiency while maintaining accurate path measurement.
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 solution increases the accuracy of diagnosing moving objects by providing clear visualization of their paths, allowing for better assessment and understanding of their movement within the object of interest.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses irradiate an ultrasound signal, generated from a transducer of a probe, onto an object and receive information of an echo signal reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
a Doppler mode image in which an image of a moving object (particularly, blood flow) is shown by using the Doppler effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an method of operating the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus. The method includes displaying an ultrasound image of a target object; receiving an ultrasound signal obtained from a moving object of interest (OOI) included in the target object; setting a first reference region in the ultrasound image; acquiring first moving path information of the OOI passing through the first reference region based on the received ultrasound signal; and displaying a first moving path of the OOI passing through the first reference region as a first indicator, based on the first moving path information, in the ultrasound image.