Description
Ultrasound imaging apparatus
This invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus.
Ultrasound imaging apparatuses are widely used in various
industrial fields. In particular, development of ultrasound
imaging apparatuses as ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses has
been significant in the medical field. In conventional
ultrasound imaging, the operator (e. g. a sonographer or a
radiologist) is required to manually position an ultrasound
transducer which transmits ultrasound waves to the
examination part of a subject to be diagnosed. The ultrasound
transducer as a medical modality is constrained with the
quality of the image acquired which is highly dependent on
the skill of the operator. This might result in poor quality
of the image and makes an average scan a lengthy process (as
much as 30 minutes).
Most of the times, it purely depends upon the hand-eye
coordination of the operator. The operator uses his
experience and training to adjust the gain, the position,
angle and the pressure exerted by the probe on the tissue
surface to acquire the image. It is a trial and error process
which takes time and the resultant images vary vastly from
acquisition to acquisition.
Conventional ultrasound systems do not offer much flexibility
in controlling imaging parameters. Typically, a user quickly
scans a patient to find a particular area of interest and
then slowly scans that area to acquire a detailed image.
Although the optimal imaging parameters vary depending upon
the subject under examination and the pace with which the
scan is done, many users choose not to fully optimize these
parameters because adjusting imaging controls is often
cumbersome.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a
guidance system to capture an image.
The above object is achieved by an ultrasound imaging
apparatus, comprising:
an ultrasound transducer, movable to perform a scan and
adapted to capture a first image of a subject under
examination;
means for receiving a plurality of subject parameters
associated with the subject under examination;
means for determining a second image from a first
database that matches the first image, said second image
having a first set of values associated with a plurality
of variable parameters;
means for comparing the first set of values associated
with the variable parameters of the second image and a
second set of values associated with the variable
parameters of a third image selected from a second
database of a plurality of standard images selected
based on the subject parameters; and
means to provide indication to capture a fourth image
based on the comparison.
The underlying idea is to use already existing scanning
information to guide an operator during capturing an image.
This is done by first determining the current variable
parameters associated with the scanned first image by finding
said information from a matching second image from a first
database. Once the variable parameters are determined they
are compared to the variable parameters of a third image from
a second database. The third image is the best possible image
that could be obtained for the subject/organ under
examination for the given set of subject parameters. The

comparison subsequently results in providing indication to an
operator in capturing an optimal image which is the fourth
image. The operator then decodes the indicated deviations and
makes proper adjustments which help in quick and easy
acquisition of a better image for diagnosis. This helps the
operator to acquire a high quality image due to better
learned choices of the parameters as the learning can be more
precise.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the means for
comparing further comprise a calculating means to determine a
third set of values associated with the at least one variable
parameter adapted to be adjusted for the second image to get
a matching third image. This enables the operator to position
the transducer accurately by knowing the allowable variations
that need to be done in the variable parameters to get an
optimal image.
In an alternative embodiment the means to provide indication
to capture a fourth image is a display system, wherein said
display system is adapted to display the third set of
variable parameters. The display system facilitates the
operator to analyze the images processed and enables to
interpret and decode the variable parameters to get an
optimal image.
In another alternative embodiment the display system is a
visual indication means associated with the ultrasound
transducer. The visual indication means facilitates the
presentation of the variable parameters (for example as a
display in the ultrasound probe head) resulting in a faster
scan by the operator.
In another alternative embodiment the at least one variable
parameter is an angle of tilt of the ultrasound transducer.
This provides the operator the information of the angle of
rotation of the transducer that need to done to get the

optimal image (for example +5, +10, -5 degrees). This would
result in a quick scan.
In another alternative embodiment the at least one variable
parameter is a level of pressure inserted on the ultrasound
transducer. This provides the operator the information on the
pressure to be inserted on the transducer to get the optimal
image (for example less pressure, more pressure, no
pressure).
In another alternative embodiment the at least one variable
parameter is the position of the ultrasound transducer. This
provides the operator the information about the current
position of the transducer and the direction/position that
the ultrasound transducer needs to be moved to get the
optimal image (for example left, right, top, bottom).
The present invention is further described hereinafter with
reference to illustrated embodiments shown in the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG 1 is a block diagram illustrating the ultrasound imaging
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention,
FIG 2 is a flowchart illustrating the quick detection of an
optimal image using the ultrasound imaging apparatus
according to an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG 3, 4, 5, 6 show a probe head with visual indication means
adapted to provide the indication of the required direction
of motion of the ultrasound transducer,
FIG 7, 8, 9 show a probe head indicating a level of pressure
inserted on the ultrasound transducer using different colour
light indications,

FIG 10, 11, 12 show a probe head indicating required angles
of tilt of the ultrasound transducer that needs to be
adjusted to capture optimal images, and
FIG 13 shows a display system showing the variable parameters
that need to be adjusted to get an optimal diagnostic image.
FIG 1 illustrates the block diagram of an ultrasound imaging
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention. The ultrasound apparatus uses an ultrasound
transducer 2, movable to perform a scan and adapted to
capture a first image 4 of a subject under examination. The
apparatus comprises a means 6 for receiving a plurality of
subject parameters 8 associated with the subject under
examination. Subject parameters could be age, sex, BMI of the
patient along with planned procedure of scanning, tissue
types, organs (e.g. for liver, spleen, abdomen, appendicitis,
etc.). The operator then commences scanning as usual till the
system identifiable tissue type is located. As the
appropriate location of the expected organ/tissue type is
known, the operator is generally expected to place the
ultrasound sensor near the location for scanning. The
apparatus comprises a means 10 for determining a second image
12 from a first database 14 that matches the first image 4.
The second image 12 has a first set 16 of values associated
with a plurality of variable parameters. The variable
parameters could be the angle of tilt of the probe
(transducer), pressure inserted on the transducer, the
position of the transducer, gain, contrast control, and such
other relevant parameters of the ultrasound scanning system.
The first database comprises a huge number or collection of
images for all the possible combinations of the subject
parameters. Further, each image would be having a set of
associated variable parameters. Finding the matching image
will give the operator the current values of the variable
parameters he is operating with, which includes the current
position of the transducer. The apparatus further comprises
means 18 for comparing the first set 16 of values associated

with the variable parameters of the second image 12 and a
second set 20 of values associated with the variable
parameters of a third image 22 selected based on the subject
parameters 8 from a second database 24 of a plurality of
standard images. The second database used is a Gold Standard
Image (GSI) database, where a standard image (gold standard
image) is chosen depending upon the subject parameters (age,
sex, BMI, etc.) given to the means 6 of the ultrasound
apparatus. The database has got a set of golden standard
images for each of the organ or tissue types. An optimal
image with matches the corresponding subject parameters is
chosen as the third image. The means 18 for comparing
comprise a calculating means 30 to determine a third set 32
of values associated with the variable parameters. This third
set of values is those values that need to be adjusted for
the second image 12 to get or get close to a matching third
image 22. The apparatus has a means 2 6 to provide indication
to capture a fourth image 28 based on the comparison. For
achieving this, third set 32 of values associated with the
variable parameters get displayed in this means 26. Any image
matching technique such as template matching, histogram
comparison; etc can be used to match or compare given two
images and get a score as an output. The maximum score
implies that the given image matches the most with the other
image. The variable parameters that need to be changed are
brought to the view of the operator through a display system
(for example a monitor) or through a visual indication means
34 associated with the ultrasound transducer (for example
light indicator in the probe head). As the ultrasound
transducer 2 is moved for the scan the captured first image 4
changes at each point in time. For each position or for each
instance of the captured image 4 the variable parameter is
shown to the operator. The operator can decode the variable
parameters shown and make changes accordingly to get the
optimal fourth image 28.
FIG 2 is a flowchart illustrating the quick detection of an
optimal image using the ultrasound imaging apparatus

according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
workflow 200 depicts optimal image detection. At step 205 the
ultrasound transducer 2 captures a first image 4 while
performing a scan. At step 210 a plurality of subject
parameters 8 is given as input to the ultrasound apparatus.
At step 215 second image 12 is obtained by performing a match
between the first image and a plurality of images stored in a
first database 14. The second image will be having a
plurality of variable parameters associated with the image
which can give the corresponding values of the parameters
with which the operator is currently working with. At step
220 a third image 22 (a golden standard image) is selected
based on the subject parameters 8 from a second database 24
of a plurality of standard images. The second image 12 and
third image 22 are compared at step 225 to get values
associated with the variable parameters that need to be
adjusted for the second image 12 to get the matching third
image 22. At step 230 these values that need to be adjusted
gets indicated to the user and finally at step 235 the user
decodes the indicated values and performs adjustments
accordingly to get a perfect/optimal diagnostic image.
FIG 3, 4, 5 and 6 show a probe head with visual indication
means adapted to provide the indication of the recjuired
direction of motion of the ultrasound transducer. The
probe/ultrasound transducer is associated with a display
panel 300 on the probe head, where the operator is given a
visual indication of the adjustments he has to do to get an
optimal image. The indication can show whether to move left,
right, up or down from the current location to capture the
optimal image (fourth image 28) using corresponding left
indicator 310, right indicator 410, up indicator 510 and down
indicator 610. The probe is adapted to show more directions
as per the operational scenarios.
FIG 7, 8 and 9 show a probe head indicating a level of
pressure inserted on the ultrasound transducer using
different colour light indications. For example less

pressure, more pressure, optimum pressure could be
represented using blue, red, green lights respectively. The
light signals could be provided using a blue light indicator
710, a red light indicator 810 or a green light indicator
910. The probe is adapted to show various other colour
lighting indicators depending on the variable parameters and
based on operational scenarios.
FIG 10, 11 and 12 show a probe head indicating recquired
angles of tilt of the ultrasound transducer that needs to be
adjusted to capture optimal images. This provides the
operator an information on the angle of rotation or tilt of
the transducer that need to be done" to get the optimal image
(for example +5 or +10 or -5 degrees shown using a first
angle indicator 1001, a second angle indicator 1101 and a
third angle indicator 1201 respectively).
FIG 13 shows a display system showing the variable parameters
that need to be adjusted to get an optimal diagnostic image.
The display system is adapted to show the position or
directional indication 1310 indicating the current position
and the required direction of motion of the ultrasound
transducer for capturing the optimal image, angle indication
1320 indicating required angle of tilt of the ultrasound
transducer, pressure indication 1330 indicating required
pressure to be inserted on the ultrasound transducer. The
display system is adapted to show other relevant variable
parameters too and not limited to only the said parameters.
Summarizing, the present invention relates to an ultrasound
imaging apparatus capable of providing a more accurate and
fast automatic guidance system to capture an image: having
optimal image quality. The apparatus comprises an ultrasound
transducer 2, movable to perform a scan and adapted to
capture a first image 4 of a subject under examination. It
also has a means 6 for receiving a plurality of subject
parameters 8 associated with the subject under examination.
The apparatus further has a means 10 for determining a second

image 12 from a first database 14 that matches the first
image 4, said second image 12 having a first set 16 of values
associated with a plurality of variable parameters. A means
18 then compares the first set 16 of values associated with
the variable parameters of the second image 12 and a second
set 20 of values associated with the variable parameters of a
third image 22. The third image is selected from a second
database 24 of a plurality of standard images selected based
on the subject parameters 8. The apparatus has a means 2 6 to
provide indication to capture a fourth image 28 based on the
comparison.
Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the
disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of
the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the
art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is
therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
invention as defined.

We claim,
1. An ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:
an ultrasound transducer (2), movable to perform a scan
and adapted to capture a first image (4) of a subject
under examination;
means (6) for receiving a plurality of subject
parameters (8) associated with the subject under
examination;
means (10) for determining a second image (12) from a
first database (14) that matches the first image (4),
said second image (12) having a first set (16) of values
associated with a plurality of variable parameters;
means (18) for comparing the first set (16) of values
associated with the variable parameters of the second
image (12) and a second set (20) of values associated
with the variable parameters of a third image (22)
selected from a second database (24) of a plurality of
standard images selected based on the subject parameters
(8); and
means (26) to provide indication to capture a. fourth
image (28) based on the comparison.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means (18)
for comparing further comprise a calculating means (30) to
determine a third set (32) of values associated with the at
least one variable parameter adapted to be adjusted for the
second image (12) to get a matching third image (22).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the means
(26) to provide indication to capture a fourth image (28) is
a display system, wherein said display system is adapted to
display the third set (32) of variable parameters.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display-
system is a visual indication means (34) associated with the
ultrasound transducer (2).
5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one variable parameter is an angle of
tilt of the ultrasound transducer (2).
6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one variable parameter is a level of
pressure inserted on the ultrasound transducer (2).
7. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the at least one variable parameter is the position
of the ultrasound transducer (2).
8. An ultrasound imaging apparatus substantially as herein
described and illustrated in the figures of the accompanying
drawings.

The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging apparatus capable of providing a more accurate and fast automatic guidance system to capture an image having optimal image quality. The apparatus comprises an ultrasound
transducer (2), movable to perform a scan and adapted to capture a first image (4) of a subject under examination. It also has a means (6) for receiving a plurality of subject
parameters (8) associated with the subject under examination. Apparatus further has a means (10) for determining a second image (12) from a first database (14) that matches the first image (4), said second image (12) having a first set (16) of
values associated with a plurality of variable parameters. A means (18) then compares the first set (16) of values associated with the variable parameters of the second image (12) and a second set (20) of values associated with the variable parameters of a third image (22). The third image is selected from a second database (24) of a plurality of standard images selected based on the subject parameters (8). The apparatus has a means (26) to provide indication to capture a fourth image (28) based on the comparison.