Ultrasound View Processor 3D Perspective from Intersecting Scanplanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging technologies face challenges in generating accurate three-dimensional views from two-dimensional images, requiring clinicians to mentally combine images from different orientations, which is prone to human error and time-consuming, and existing systems struggle with high frame rates needed for applications like color flow and elastography.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system using at least two one-dimensional transducer arrays arranged to capture intersecting scanplanes, with a view processor that combines these images to generate a single three-dimensional perspective image, allowing for real-time processing and display of higher frame rate data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a biplane transducer is used to concurrently acquire images from different planes, then the frame rate is improved, but the images are presented side-by-side requiring mental combination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the display from two separate 2D planes presented side-by-side into a single integrated 3D volume rendering. By adding the dimension of depth visualization through volume rendering techniques, the system presents intersecting scanplanes as a unified three-dimensional structure, eliminating the need for mental combination while preserving high frame rates.
2Measurement precision
If a two dimensional transducer array is used to acquire three dimensional volume data, then the three dimensional view is improved, but the frame rate decreases to 2-5 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volume acquisition into multiple 2D intersecting scanplanes acquired by one-dimensional transducer arrays. Instead of acquiring the entire volume simultaneously with a 2D array, the system acquires data from multiple 1D arrays at different orientations and combines them through volume rendering, achieving 3D visualization with higher frame rates suitable for color flow and elastography applications.
3Measurement precision
If a two dimensional transducer array is used, then the three dimensional data acquisition is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple one-dimensional transducer arrays to achieve three-dimensional imaging capability. By combining the output from several 1D arrays acquired at different orientations and using volume rendering algorithms, the system achieves 3D visualization without requiring a single expensive 2D transducer array, significantly reducing hardware costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer head is rotated to view planes in different orientations, then the image orientation is improved, but the time to acquire both orientations increases and frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using multiple 1D transducer arrays that are pre-positioned at different orientations (e.g., axial and sagittal planes) within the same transducer head. This allows simultaneous acquisition of intersecting scanplanes without requiring mechanical rotation during the imaging process, maintaining high frame rates while providing multi-planar visualization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes generating a single three dimensional perspective or axonometric image based on at least two two-dimensional intersecting scanplanes. A rendering engine includes a view processor that generates a single three dimensional perspective image based on at least two two-dimensional intersecting scanplanes. An ultrasound imaging system includes a transducer array, including at least two one dimensional transducer arrays, each receiving echoes corresponding to different intersecting scanplanes, a scan converter that scan converts the echoes into a format for display on a monitor, and a view processor that combines the intersecting scanplanes to form a single three dimensional perspective image.