Virtual Endoscope Image Formation for Uterine Wall Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound methods for examining the uterus, such as cervical examinations and 3D HSG with saline solution, face challenges in non-invasively distinguishing the inner and outer uterine walls and detecting lesions due to image quality degradation and potential risks like perforation and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method using an ultrasound system to extract pixel information of the uterine boundary from 2D images, forming a 3D virtual image of the uterus shell, and creating a virtual endoscope image to inspect the inner wall, allowing for automatic detection of abnormalities and improved visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If 3D HSG with saline solution is used to perform non-invasive examination, then patient safety is improved (no perforation, infection, or bleeding), but image quality deteriorates (degraded compared to cervical examination or HSG, making it difficult to discriminate inner wall and inner portion)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual endoscope image that copies the visual appearance and perspective of a real endoscopic view of the uterine cavity. This virtual copy allows clinicians to observe the inner wall and inner portion as if viewing through an actual endoscope, achieving high measurement precision without physical insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses saline solution as an intermediary medium to fill the uterine cavity, which serves dual purposes: it provides acoustic coupling for ultrasound imaging (enabling image formation) while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the procedure. The saline acts as a bridge between the external ultrasound probe and the internal uterine structures
2Measurement precision
If cervical examination is performed to obtain high-quality images, then image quality is improved (can discriminate inner wall and inner portion), but patient safety deteriorates (risk of perforation, infection, or bleeding)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cervical examination procedure with an ultrasound-based virtual endoscope system. Instead of physically inserting instruments into the cervix, the system uses acoustic waves to generate images, eliminating mechanical trauma while maintaining diagnostic capability through sophisticated image processing algorithms
3Measurement precision
If HSG with contrast medium is used to obtain high-quality images, then image quality is improved (can discriminate inner wall and inner portion), but harmful factors increase (pain, contrast medium usage, and radiation exposure)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based HSG with ultrasound-based imaging. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure entirely while using acoustic energy instead of electromagnetic radiation, providing a safer alternative for visualizing uterine structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging modality parameter from X-ray based (HSG) to ultrasound based (virtual endoscope). This parameter change fundamentally alters the physical principles involved, replacing radiation with sound waves and eliminating the associated harmful effects while maintaining image diagnostic quality
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a virtual endoscope image of a uterus is disclosed. The virtual image showing an inner wall of a uterus is formed from a three-dimensional ultrasound uterus image obtained by hysterosalpingography with a solution. An inner wall of the uterus in the 3D virtual image is inspected and a virtual endoscope image of the uterus is formed by reflecting the inspection result on the 3D virtual uterus image. Also, the virtual endoscope images in every aspect are provided according to the positions of a view point or virtual light source. Thus, the inner wall of the uterus can be inspected more easily.