Automated Ventricular Volume Estimation from Ultrasound Mask Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating ventricular volume in heart ultrasound images require manual marking of reference points by medical professionals, lacking an automated technique.

Innovation Solution

A method using an electronic apparatus to automatically estimate ventricular volume by obtaining a left ventricular mask image, identifying reference point pixels with specific surrounding pixel configurations, and applying the Simpson's rule to calculate the volume based on these pixels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual marking of reference points is used, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point identification accuracyVSAvoidventricular volume estimation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies reference points using image processing algorithms that analyze the mask image characteristics. The processor independently detects the apex and mitral valve flaps by examining pixel patterns and geometric features, eliminating the need for manual medical professional intervention while maintaining identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of marking reference points by medical professionals is replaced with an automated image processing system. The processor uses algorithmic analysis of the binary mask image to automatically locate and identify reference points, substituting human manual operation with computational automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated reference point marking is implemented, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventricular volume estimation efficiencyVSAvoidreference point identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the image processing algorithm continuously refines reference point identification based on the detected mask image characteristics. The processor analyzes the binary image data, adjusts detection parameters, and validates reference point locations through iterative processing to ensure accurate automated identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter state by converting the original ultrasound image into a binary mask image through thresholding operations. This parameter transformation simplifies the image data while preserving critical anatomical features, enabling the automated algorithm to accurately identify reference points based on binary pixel patterns rather than complex grayscale variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual marking process is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point identification accuracyVSAvoidtime for ventricular volume estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the ultrasound image to generate a binary mask image that highlights the left ventricle boundaries. This preliminary segmentation prepares the data structure in advance, enabling rapid automated reference point identification without requiring time-consuming manual marking procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The time-consuming manual marking process is replaced with automated image processing operations. The processor rapidly analyzes the binary mask image and identifies reference points through computational algorithms, dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual medical professional marking while maintaining identification precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11844655B2Method for estimating ventricular volume

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 ACER INC

AI summary

A method for estimating a ventricular volume is provided and includes: obtaining a left ventricular mask image corresponding to a heart ultrasound image, where the left ventricular mask image is a binary image; finding 3 reference point pixels in the left ventricular mask image, where each of the reference point pixels has a first value, each of the reference point pixels is surrounded by N surrounding pixels, and the surrounding pixels of each of the reference point pixels include N1 first surrounding pixels with the first value and N2 second surrounding pixels with a second value; estimating a left ventricular volume corresponding to the heart ultrasound image based on the reference point pixels.