METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING INORGANIC STRUCTURE IN ULTRASOUND NON MOTION IMAGING

The present invention provides a method and a system for identifying and coloring inorganic matter during an ultrasound scan. The identified inorganic matter is colored in a manner which enables a medical practitioner to differentiate it from the color of organic matter. The method and system include determining a tissue density threshold, obtaining an ultrasound image of the region of the body of the organism and identifying a first set of sub regions of the ultrasound image and a second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image based on the tissue density threshold. Furthermore, the method and system include coloring the second set of sub regions in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound scan. The tissue density threshold is a tissue density of a region of a body. The first set of regions pertains to organic matter and the second set of regions pertains to the inorganic matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present technology.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.

FIG. 1illustrates a system100for identifying and coloring inorganic matter during an ultrasound scan, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The system100includes a patient110and a medical practitioner120. The patient110visits the medical practitioner120for certain health related issues. Examples of the health related issues may include but not limited to prostate problem, bone fractures, heart problems and cardio vascular problems. The medical practitioner120uses an ultrasound machine130, which produces ultrasound images. These images enable the medical practitioner120to understand the patient110anatomy in a better way and provide better treatment to the patient130.

The ultrasound machine130includes a monitor140. The medical practitioner120uses the monitor140to see the images produced by the ultrasound machine130. In an embodiment of the present invention, the monitor140can display images in grey scale. In another embodiment of the present invention, the monitor140can display the images in colored format. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the monitor140can display a combination of color and grey scale in the same image. In an embodiment of the present invention, a decision to add color to a part of the image or to keep the image in grey scale depends on different factors (explained later in the patent application). In an embodiment, the ultrasound machine130includes one or more processors150. The one or more processors150distinguish inorganic matter from organic matter.

FIG. 2depicts various states for performing ultrasound imaging on the patient110by the medical practitioner120using the ultrasound machine130, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The various states include a pre-operative state210and an active state220. In the pre-operative state210, the medical practitioner120switches on the ultrasound machine130and performs ultrasound scan on the patient110without inserting the inorganic matter in the body of the patient110. The ultrasound machine130sets some pre-defined parameters for displaying the ultrasound image in the active state220for the particular patient110when the inorganic material is inserted into the body of the patient110. Examples of the pre-defined parameters include but may not be limited to density of tissues of the patient110. In an embodiment of the present invention, a range of the pre-defined parameters which will differentiate the tissues when the inorganic material is inserted in the body of the patient110, is set for the patient110in the ultrasound machine130. The range of the pre-defined parameters depends on different factors which may include but may not be limited to age of the patient110, sex of the patient110, weight of the patient110, and other physio-chemical attributes of the patient110. Once the range of the pre-defined parameters (say range for the density of the tissues) are set and stored for the patient110, the inorganic material are inserted in the body of the patient110for performing the ultrasound scan. Now, in this the active state220, the tissues inside the body of the patient110are displayed in grayscale and the inorganic matter is assigned a color to distinguish the inorganic matter from the tissues present inside the body. In an embodiment of the present invention, the tissues inside the body and the inorganic matter are assigned a different color based on the density. In an embodiment of the present invention, the image shown on the monitor140of the ultrasound machine130differentiates the inorganic matter (by showing it in a color mode) with the tissues of the parts of the body of the patient110(by showing them in grayscale mode). In an embodiment, an administrator of the ultrasound machine130can change the color, which is used to highlight the organic matter. In addition, the inorganic material may already be present in the body of the patient110. The various states for this embodiment have been explained in conjunction with the description ofFIG. 3.

It may be noted that whileFIG. 2shows the two states210and220, those skilled in the art would appreciate that there can be a multiplicity of intermediate states between the above-mentioned states. In addition, the names the two states210and220as pre active state and active state can be named differently without having an impact on the function performed by the two states210and220.

FIG. 3illustrates a flowchart300for identifying and coloring inorganic matter during an ultrasound scan using the one or more processors150, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

The flowchart300initiates at step310. At step320, the one or more processors150determine a tissue density threshold. The tissue density threshold is a range of densities of tissues of an organism. The range of densities is determined by measuring the density of various types of tissues of the organism. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150determine the tissue density threshold by receiving a sample ultrasound image of the body of the organism. On basis of the sample ultrasound image, the one or more processors150calculate the tissue density threshold. In another embodiment, the one or more processors150receive value of the tissue density threshold from the medical practitioner120. In yet another embodiment, an operator feeds the value of the tissue density threshold in the one or more processors150during the installation of the ultrasound machine130. In yet another embodiment, the one or more processors150obtain the value of the tissue density threshold from a server. The server is pre loaded with medical history of the patient110. The medical history of the patient110includes the value of the tissue density threshold calculated during the registration of the patient110.

Although the present invention provides three embodiments in relation to determining the tissue density threshold; one skilled in the art that the present invention can use other existing techniques to determine the tissue density threshold. It may be noted that the term patient130and the organism is used interchangeably in the present application.

At step330, the one or more processors150obtain an ultrasound image of the region of the body of the patient130. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150receive ultrasound image from the ultrasound machine130. The ultrasound machine130scans the region of the body of the organism using a probe. On completion of the scan, the ultrasound machine130provides the ultrasound image to the one or more processors150. In another embodiment, the one or more processors150scan the region of the body of the patient130using a scanner. Examples of scanner include but may not be limited to an X-ray machine and a CT scan machine.

At step340, the one or more processors150identify a first set of sub regions of the ultrasound image and a second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image. The one or more processors150use the density of regions for the identification. The one or more processors150classify a region of the ultrasound image as the first set when the density of the region is below the tissue density threshold. The one or more processors150classify a region of the ultrasound image as the second set when the density of the region is above the tissue density threshold.

At step350, the one or more processors150highlight the second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150highlight the second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image by drawing a boundary around each sub region from the second set of sub regions. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150draw a boundary around each of the sub region from the identified sub regions by selecting a set of external points of each of the sub region.

In another embodiment, the one or more processors150highlight the second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image by coloring the second set of sub regions on the basis of a color scheme. In an embodiment, the color scheme is pre set during manufacture. In another embodiment, the medical practitioner120sets the color scheme according to circumstances. In yet another embodiment, the color scheme is determined based on the region of the body of the organism being scanned.

In an embodiment, the one or more processors150adjust the spectrum and intensity of the highlighted second set of sub regions. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150receive input from the medical practitioner120. The input includes the amount by which the spectrum and intensity need to be adjusted. The one or more processors150adjust the spectrum and intensity of the highlighted second set of sub regions accordingly. In another embodiment, the one or more processors150receive input from a photo sensor installed on the ultrasound machine130. In an embodiment, the photo sensor is proximal to the display. Based on the input from the photo sensor, the one or more processors150adjust the spectrum and intensity of the second set of sub regions.

In an embodiment, the medical practitioner120is able to select a sub region using a pointing device. In another embodiment, the medical practitioner120is able to select the sub region using a touch pad. The one or more processors150identify the density of the selected sub region. Further, the one or more processors150determine sub regions of the ultrasound image with same density as that of the selected sub region. Accordingly, the one or more processors150highlight the determined sub regions.

Although the present invention provides two embodiments for selecting the sub region; one skilled in the art would appreciate that selecting the sub region can be performed by technologies presently known in the art. one or more processors

In an embodiment, the one or more processors150alert the medical practitioner120based on a pre-defined condition. In an embodiment, the one or more processors150alert the medical practitioner120by generating and transmitting an audio signal. An example of audio signal is a high pitch siren. In another embodiment, the one or more processors150alert the medical practitioner120using a visual alert. An example of visual alert is flashing a warning light. In an embodiment, the pre-defined condition is the detection of a substance corresponding to a list of substances available with the one or more processors150. In an example, the list of substances includes hazardous and toxic substances. The one or more processors150alert the medical practitioner120to indicate danger to the patient110. In another example, the list of substances includes implantable medical devices. The one or more processors150alert the medical practitioner120to indicate the presence of one or more implantable medical devices. In another embodiment, the pre-defined condition is the intensity of the highlighted sub region being below a level suitable for optimal visualization. Therefore, the one or more processors150raise an alert. The flowchart300terminates at step360.

Although the present invention provides the six steps310-360to display and highlight the inorganic matter in the body of a patient110; one skilled in the art can appreciate that there can be a multiplicity of intermediate steps in between the above mentioned six steps310-360.

FIG. 4illustrates a flowchart400for identifying and coloring inorganic matter during an ultrasound scan using the one or more processors150, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. It may be noted that to explain the flow chart400, reference to the various steps of the flow chart will be made. In addition, references to the system elements ofFIG. 1andFIG. 2will be made. In addition, it may be noted that the flow chart400is explained from a different aspect of the invention to the flow chart300explained in theFIG. 3.

At step410, the flow chart400initiates. At step420, the one or more processors150determine a tissue density threshold by using a sample ultrasound image of a region of a body. At step430, the one or more processors150capture the ultrasound image of the region of the body of the patient110. At step440, the one or more processors150identifies the first set of sub regions of the ultrasound image and the second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image based on tissue density threshold. At step450, the one or more processors150highlights the second set of sub regions based on a color mode in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound scan. The tissue density threshold is a tissue density of the region of the body of the organism. The first set of sub regions pertains to organic matter and the second set of sub regions pertains to the inorganic matter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, determining the tissue density threshold comprises receiving a threshold value and setting the tissue density threshold in accordance with the threshold value. In an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes generating an alert based on a pre-defined condition. In an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes receiving a sub region information of a selected sub region in the ultrasound image, calculating density of the selected sub region of the ultrasound image, identifying at least one sub region based on the calculated density of the selected region, and highlighting the at least one sub region. In an embodiment of the present invention, highlighting the identified second set of sub regions includes drawing a boundary around each sub region of identified second set of sub regions. At step460, the flowchart400terminates.

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram of the ultra sound machine130, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. It may be noted that the block diagram500more or less number of system components which performs the above stated method steps. The ultra sound machine130includes the monitor140and a computer system500. The computer system500includes the one or more processors150, a control circuitry module550, a storage module560, a non transitory memory590, an input output circuitry570and a communication circuitry580.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more processors150include a determination module510, a receiving module520, an identification module530, and a highlighting module540. It may be noted that the one or more processors150include more or less number of system components which performs the above stated method steps.

The one or more processors150and the non-transitory memory590contains instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors150, causes the one or more processors150to perform a set of steps. In an embodiment, the determination module510determines a tissue density threshold. The receiving module520obtains the ultrasound image of the region of the body of the patient110. The identification module530identifies a first set of sub regions of the ultrasound image and a second set of sub regions of the ultrasound image based on the tissue density threshold. The highlighting module540highlights the second set of sub regions based on a color mode in the ultrasound image of the ultrasound scan. Tissue density threshold is a tissue density of a region of a body of the organism. The first set of sub regions pertains to organic matter and the second set of sub regions pertains to the inorganic matter.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the determination module510of the one or more processors150is further adapted to receive a sample ultrasound image of the region of the organism and calculate the tissue density threshold using the sample ultrasound image. In an embodiment of the present invention, the determination module510of the one or more processors150is further adapted to receive a threshold value and setting the tissue density threshold in accordance with the threshold value. In an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more processors150are further configured to execute the steps of receiving a sub region information of a selected sub region in the ultrasound image, calculating density of the selected sub region of the ultrasound image, identifying at least one sub region based on the calculated density of the selected region and highlighting the at least one sub region. In an embodiment of the present invention, the highlighting module540of the one or more processors is adapted to draw a boundary around each sub region of identified second set of sub regions.

From the perspective of this invention, the control circuitry550includes any processing circuitry or processor operative to control the operations and performance of the computer system500. For example, the control circuitry550may be used to run operating system applications, firmware applications, media playback applications, media editing applications, or any other application. In an embodiment, the control circuitry550drives a display and process inputs received from a user interface.

From the perspective of this invention, the storage560includes one or more storage mediums including a hard-drive, solid state drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as ROM, any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. The Storage560may store, for example, media data (e.g., music and video files), application data (e.g., for implementing functions on the computer system500).

From the perspective of this invention, the I/O circuitry570may be operative to convert (and encode/decode, if necessary) analog signals and other signals into digital data. In an embodiment, the I/O circuitry570may also convert digital data into any other type of signal, and vice-versa. For example, the I/O circuitry570may receive and convert physical contact inputs (e.g., from a multi-touch screen), physical movements (e.g., from a mouse or sensor), analog audio signals (e.g., from a microphone), or any other input. The digital data may be provided to and received from the control circuitry550, the storage560, or any other component of the computer system500.

It may be noted that the I/O circuitry570is illustrated inFIG. 5as a single component of the computer system500; however those skilled in the art would appreciate that several instances of the I/O circuitry570may be included in the computer system500.

The computer system500may include any suitable interface or component for allowing a user to provide inputs to the I/O circuitry570. The computer system500may include any suitable input mechanism. Examples of the input mechanism include but may not be limited to a button, keypad, dial, a click wheel, and a touch screen. In an embodiment, the computer system500may include a capacitive sensing mechanism, or a multi-touch capacitive sensing mechanism.

In an embodiment, the computer system500may include specialized output circuitry associated with output devices such as, for example, one or more audio outputs. The audio output may include one or more speakers built into the computer system500, or an audio component that may be remotely coupled to the computer system500.

The one or more speakers can be mono speakers, stereo speakers, or a combination of both. The audio component can be a headset, headphones or ear buds that may be coupled to communications device with a wire or wirelessly.

In an embodiment, the I/O circuitry570may include display circuitry for providing a display visible to the user. For example, the display circuitry may include a screen (e.g., an LCD screen) that is incorporated in the computer system500.

The display circuitry may include a movable display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from the computer system500(e.g., a video projector). In an embodiment, the display circuitry may include a coder/decoder to convert digital media data into analog signals. For example, the display circuitry may include video Codecs, audio Codecs, or any other suitable type of Codec.

The display circuitry may include display driver circuitry, circuitry for driving display drivers, or both. The display circuitry may be operative to display content. The display content can include media playback information, application screens for applications implemented on the electronic device, information regarding ongoing communications operations, information regarding incoming communications requests, or device operation screens under the direction of the control circuitry550. Alternatively, the display circuitry may be operative to provide instructions to a remote display.

From the prospective of this invention, the communications circuitry580may include any suitable communications circuitry operative to connect to a communications network and to transmit communications (e.g., voice or data) from the computer system500to other devices within the communications network. The communications circuitry580may be operative to interface with the communications network using any suitable communications protocol. Examples of the communications protocol include but may not be limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.RTM, radio frequency systems, infrared, LTE, GSM, GSM plus EDGE, CDMA, and quadband.

In an embodiment, the same instance of the communications circuitry580may be operative to provide for communications over several communications networks. In an embodiment, the computer system500may be coupled a host device for data transfers, synching the communications device, software or firmware updates, providing performance information to a remote source (e.g., providing riding characteristics to a remote server) or performing any other suitable operation that may require the computer system500to be coupled to a host device. Several computing devices may be coupled to a single host device using the host device as a server. Alternatively or additionally, the computer system500may be coupled to several host devices (e.g., for each of the plurality of the host devices to serve as a backup for data stored in the computer system500).