Method and apparatus for forming a guide image for an ultrasound image scanner
First Claim
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1. A method for producing a three-dimensional guide image of an object comprising:
- insonifying the object with a free hand scan of the object using an external ultrasound probe;
receiving, at the probe, first return echoes from the object, the first return echoes representing cross-sectional planes through the object;
processing the first return echoes to generate a 3D data set comprising a 3D representation of representing the object;
comparing the 3D data set with a plurality of differently shaped 3D candidate models of the object;
selecting a best fit 3D model from among the candidate 3D models responsive to the step of comparing, the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image; and
superimposing a current 2D ultrasound scan plane over the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image, the guide image for use by an operator as the current 2D scan plane is generated to control the ultrasound probe to ensure desired regions of the object are insonified during the 2D ultrasound scan.
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Abstract
A method for producing a three-dimensional guide image of an object to be scanned during an ultrasound scan. The method comprises insonifying the object, receiving return echoes from the object, processing the return echoes to generate a data set representing the object, comparing the data set with a plurality of shape models, selecting a best fit shape model responsive to the step of comparing and displaying the best fit shape model as the guide image.
98 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method for producing a three-dimensional guide image of an object comprising:
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insonifying the object with a free hand scan of the object using an external ultrasound probe; receiving, at the probe, first return echoes from the object, the first return echoes representing cross-sectional planes through the object;
processing the first return echoes to generate a 3D data set comprising a 3D representation of representing the object;comparing the 3D data set with a plurality of differently shaped 3D candidate models of the object;
selecting a best fit 3D model from among the candidate 3D models responsive to the step of comparing, the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image; andsuperimposing a current 2D ultrasound scan plane over the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image, the guide image for use by an operator as the current 2D scan plane is generated to control the ultrasound probe to ensure desired regions of the object are insonified during the 2D ultrasound scan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for producing a three-dimensional guide image of an object, the apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for generating ultrasonic energy during a free hand first scan, for receiving first echoes from the object, the first echoes representing cross-sectional planes through the object;
a processor for generating a 3D data set according to the first echoes, the 3D data set representing the object, the processor for selecting a best fit shape model from among a plurality of differently shaped 3D candidate models of the object, the step of selecting responsive to the 3D data set; and
a display for superimposing a current 2D ultrasound scan plane over the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image, the guide image for use by an operator as the current 2D scan plane is generated to control the ultrasound probe to ensure desired regions of the object are insonified during the 2D ultrasound scan. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
- a plurality of ultrasonic transducers for generating ultrasonic energy during a free hand first scan, for receiving first echoes from the object, the first echoes representing cross-sectional planes through the object;
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21. A computer software code for producing a three-dimensional guide image of an object responsive to insonifying the object during a first scan, comprising:
- tangible non-transitory computer readable media, the media further comprising;
a software module for receiving first return echoes from the object responsive to insonifying the object during a free hand first scan of the object using an external ultrasound probe, wherein the first return echoes represent cross-sectional planes through the object; a software module for processing the first return echoes to generate a 3D data set comprising a 3D representation of representing the object; a software module for comparing the data set with a plurality of differently shaped 3D candidate models of the object; a software module for selecting a best fit 3D model from among the candidate 3D models responsive to the software module for comparing, the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image; and a software module for superimposing a current 2D ultrasound scan plane over the best fit model serving as the 3D guide image, the guide image for use by an operator as the current 2D scan plane is generated to control the ultrasound probe to ensure desired regions of the object are insonified during the 2D ultrasound scan. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
- tangible non-transitory computer readable media, the media further comprising;
Specification