Patent ID: 6764449
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: A61B,G01S

Abstract:
An apparatus for enabling a biopsy needle to be observed in a three-dimensional ultrasound image comprising:means for transmitting ultrasound signals towards a target object and receiving echo signals reflected from the target object; means for forming a three-dimensional volume image by receiving and combining two-dimensional data from said transmitting means; means for extracting the target object from the three-dimensional volume image; means for estimating a location of the extracted target object and a location of the biopsy needle that is inserted into the extracted target object; means for displaying the extracted target object; means for calculating an error in location between the biopsy needle and the extracted target object based on said estimation and providing the calculation error to said estimating means, wherein said means for extracting extracts the target object based on one of a continuous segmentation and extraction process, and a motion estimation process; and wherein said means for estimating finds a center of gravity of the extracted target object to estimate the location of the extracted target object.