Systems and methods for ultrasound imaging
Inventors
Mauldin, Jr., Frank William • Owen, Kevin
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10134125-B2
Publication Date
2018-11-20
Expiration Date
2034-02-26
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Abstract
Techniques for processing ultrasound data. The techniques include using at least one computer hardware processor to perform obtaining ultrasound data generated based, at least in part, on one or more ultrasound signals from an imaged region of a subject; calculating shadow intensity data corresponding to the ultrasound data; generating, based at least in part on the shadow intensity data and at least one bone separation parameter, an indication of bone presence in the imaged region, generating, based at least in part on the shadow intensity data and at least one tissue separation parameter different from the at least one bone separation parameter, an indication of tissue presence in the imaged region; and generating an ultrasound image of the subject at least in part by combining the indication of bone presence and the indication of tissue presence.
Core Innovation
The invention provides systems and methods for processing ultrasound data to improve bone and tissue imaging within an imaged region of a subject. Through the use of at least one computer hardware processor, the system obtains ultrasound data based on ultrasound signals from the region, calculates shadow intensity data corresponding to the ultrasound data, and generates indications of bone presence and tissue presence by applying respective separation parameters. These indications are combined to create a composite ultrasound image of the subject, allowing for the differentiation of bone and tissue structures.
This invention addresses problems with conventional ultrasound systems, which often suffer from artifacts, low sensitivity and specificity to bone detection, and difficulties in interpreting generated images, especially in three-dimensional (3D) scenarios or freehand imaging. Specifically, existing ultrasound imaging for bone can be limited by off-axis reflections, weak signal dependence on bone surface angles, and motion estimation bias, making it challenging to reliably and clearly depict bone and tissue regions.
The innovation introduces the use of shadow intensity calculations based on weighted sums of ultrasound intensities at particular depths, supporting the differentiation of bone and tissue regions by applying distinct bone and tissue separation parameters. Furthermore, an extended aspect enables image visualization by registering two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images to three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models, automatically identifying and displaying anatomical landmarks such as spinous processes or interlaminar spaces.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover several inventive features, primarily encompassed by independent claims relating to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for processing ultrasound data to distinguish and represent bone and tissue in ultrasound images.
Processing ultrasound data using monotonic functions with bone and tissue separation parameters
A method involves obtaining ultrasound data, calculating shadow intensity data for each scan line, and generating indications of bone presence and tissue presence by applying monotonic functions with at least one numerical-valued bone separation parameter (for bone signal) and at least one numerical-valued tissue separation parameter (different from the bone parameter) that adjusts sensitivity. A composite image is created by combining these indications.
Calculation of shadow intensity as a weighted sum at greater depths
For each scan line, shadow intensity data is calculated proportional to a weighted sum of image intensity values at depths greater than the pixel depth associated with that scan line or voxel.
Composite image generation by combining bone and tissue indication outputs
The composite ultrasound image is generated at least partially by combining the indications of bone presence and tissue presence determined by distinct monotonic function outputs using the corresponding separation parameters.
System implementation with processor and ultrasound imaging unit
A system comprising at least one computer hardware processor and at least one ultrasound imaging unit, configured to receive ultrasound data, calculate shadow intensity data, generate bone and tissue presence indications using monotonic functions with unique separation parameters, and output a composite image by combining these indications.
Computer-readable medium with processor-executable instructions for signal processing
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions which, when executed, cause a processor to obtain ultrasound data, calculate shadow intensity data, apply monotonic functions with bone and tissue separation parameters to generate presence indications, and produce a composite ultrasound image from these indications.
The claims collectively cover methods, systems, and software for processing ultrasound data to distinguish and enhance the visualization of bone and tissue using calculated shadow intensities and parameterized monotonic functions, resulting in improved composite ultrasound imaging.
Stated Advantages
Improves interpretation of ultrasound images by providing enhanced bone-to-tissue contrast and/or a desired contrast-to-noise ratio.
Allows detection of bone deformations and features smaller than the original ultrasound system resolution.
Facilitates automatic identification and location of anatomical landmarks, reducing the user's reliance on manual interpretation.
Provides a more intuitive display by combining 2D ultrasound images with 3D anatomical models and automatically identified landmarks.
Enhances specificity and sensitivity to bone presence compared to conventional ultrasound imaging methods.
Enables improved diagnostic and interventional procedures by making relevant anatomical features more visible and interpretable.
Documented Applications
Spinal anesthesia guidance using 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging and anatomical landmark identification.
Guidance of orthopedic joint injections.
Assisting in performing lumbar punctures.
Diagnosis of bone fractures.
Guidance of orthopedic surgery procedures.
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