Patent Publication Number: US-2015086959-A1

Title: Ultrasound Loop Control

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to ultrasonography training and, more particularly, to systems and methods for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ultrasonography training is typically performed by trainees practicing on live patients and then learning disease processes from mentors. The current approach to training in ultrasonography generally utilizes classroom training and education in the theory and physics of ultrasound measurements. Once this is completed the trainee goes through extended on the job training by practicing and learning on real patients under the guidance of an experienced radiologist. 
     Presently available ultrasonography training is provided with models that may not be realistic and certainly are limited by the number and expense of multiple models with which to train. Thus, it is desirable to provide an ultrasonography training system and related method that permits the trainee to view more images of particular areas of interest for specialization and for improving training. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. 
     In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control. The method may generally include providing for display a moving ultrasound image of an internal body part, wherein the moving ultrasound image is associated with an image frame loop including a plurality of individual image frames. The method may also include receiving an initial input from a user associated with stopping the moving ultrasound image at a current image frame of the image frame loop, receiving a second input associated with cycling forward or backwards through the image frame loop in order to provide additional image frames of the image frame loop for display to the user and receiving a third input associated with a submission of one of the image frames as a selected image frame. 
     In another aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control. The system may generally include a display and a computing device coupled to the display. The computing device may include a processor and associated memory. The memory may store instructions that, when implemented by the processor, configure the computing device to provide for display a moving ultrasound image of an internal body part, wherein the moving ultrasound image is associated with an image frame loop including a plurality of individual image frames. In addition, the computing device may be configured to receive an initial input from a user associated with stopping the moving ultrasound image at a current image frame of the image frame loop, receive a second input associated with cycling forward or backwards through the image frame loop in order to provide additional image frames of the image frame loop for display to the user and receive a third input associated with a submission of one of the image frames as a selected image frame. 
     Other exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are directed to devices, systems, and methods for conducting ultrasonography training 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a simplified view of an example training environment within which the present subject matter may be advantageously utilized in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example view of an image frame loop for a moving ultrasound image in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example view of one embodiment of a suitable user interface that may be displayed to a trainee viewing a moving ultrasound image as part of a computer-based, training methodology in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of various components that may be included within or coupled to an ultrasound training device of the disclosed system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     In general, the present subject matter is directed to systems and methods for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control. Specifically, as part of a computer-based program to teach clinical ultrasound skills, the present disclosure describes a system and method that allows a moving ultrasound image loop to be paused or stopped to allow the viewer (e.g., a healthcare learner or trainee) to adjust the image loop frames backward or forward to select a specific frame in the appropriate phase of the movement cycle for clinical assessment, e.g. identification of a specific organ part and/or to take a measurement of a specific organ component seen in the ultrasound image loop. The viewer may then submit the selected frame to be evaluated by an associated assessment module, which determines whether the selected frame corresponds to the correct frame (or falls within a range of appropriate frames). Additionally, the viewer may receive immediate feedback from the assessment module as to correctness of the submitted image frame for purposes of interactive learning or self-assessment. In a similar manner, the answer submitted by the viewer may also be graded for purposes of course testing or certification. 
     It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that clinical ultrasound skills—especially measurement of a specific organ component or identification of cycle phases—are typically acquired one-on-one between a healthcare professional and a healthcare learner or trainee. However, the present subject matter allows healthcare trainees to practice needed clinical skills in ultrasound on their own—taking as much time as each student needs—through computer-based, active learning. This self-paced, interactive methodology is new and more advantageous than traditional one-on-one teaching of medical skills. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that, when using ultrasound for clinical assessment, it is often necessary to accurately measure a structure at the appropriate point in a cycle, such as the cardiac cycle or during pulsations of a vessel. An example is the accurate measurement of the heart wall thickness as a means to assess ventricular hypertrophy in patients with a history of hypertension. Unfortunately, the teaching of this skill to a healthcare trainee is often difficult. The presently disclosed technology enables trainees of clinical ultrasound to acquire structure identification, movement cycle phases, and measurement skills through interactive learning on a computer-based platform (including tablets, smart phones, and apps). Moreover, the technology may also be utilized for computer-based course testing or certification. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a simplified view of an example training environment  100  within which the present subject matter may be advantageously utilized is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Specifically, in several embodiments, a healthcare learner or trainee  102  may utilize an ultrasound training device  104  to view and interact with a pre-recorded, moving ultrasound image of an internal body part(s), such as an internal organ. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the moving ultrasound image may be displayed to the trainee  102  via a display  106  coupled to or otherwise associated with the training device  102 . 
     In several embodiments, the moving ultrasound image displayed to the trainee  102  may correspond to an image frame loop having a plurality of consecutively ordered ultrasound image frames looped together to form a continuous moving image (i.e., similar to a video). As will be described below, as the trainee  102  is viewing the moving ultrasound image, the training device  104  may be configured to display various interface elements that allow the trainee  102  to pause the image frame loop at a given image frame as well as cycle backwards and forwards along the image frame loop to view image frames recorded prior to and after the paused image frame. The trainee  102  may then select the specific image frame that he/she believes is the best image for identifying, measuring or otherwise examining the organ component or other body part associated with the training exercise. For example, if the training exercise is associated with providing a measurement of a specific organ component, the trainee  102  may be asked to identify the particular image frame contained within the image frame loop that provides the best image for measuring such organ component. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the ultrasound training device  104  is shown as a desktop computer. However, in other embodiments, the training device  104  may correspond to any other suitable processor-based device having a display  106  integrated therein or coupled thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the training device  104  may correspond to a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone and/or any other suitable computing device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an example view of an image frame loop  110  associated a given moving ultrasound image is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the image frame loop  110  may include a plurality of image frames  112 A-G, with each image frame  112  depicting a single ultrasound image recoded during an actual ultrasound examination. By arranging the image frames  112  within the image frame loop  110  in the order in which they were recorded, the image frame loop  110  may be viewed as a moving ultrasound image or video of the examined organ or other internal body part. For example, during an ultrasound examination of a heart, ultrasound images may be captured of the heart at the temporal sampling frequency associated with the corresponding ultrasound unit (e.g., every 15 to 20 milliseconds). The captured ultrasound images or frames may then be compiled into a corresponding image frame loop. 
     As will be described below, the system and method described herein may allow a trainee to navigate through the image frame loop  110  associated with a moving ultrasound image in order to identify the image frame(s) corresponding to the best ultrasound image(s) for performing the task associated with the current training exercise. Specifically, as the moving ultrasound image is being viewed, the trainee may pause or stop the moving image at a specific image frame within the image frame loop  110 . For example, for the image frame loop  110  shown in  FIG. 2 , it may be assumed that the trainee stopped the moving ultrasound image such that the center image frame  112 D is currently being displayed to the trainee. In such instance, the trainee may view the image frame  112 D to determine if it provides an appropriate depiction of the internal body part to be examined (e.g., an acceptable image of an organ component to be measured). If such image frame  112 D does not appear to be acceptable, the trainee may then cycle forwards or backwards through the image frame loop  110  in an attempt to find a different image frame containing a better depiction of the internal body part to be examined For instance, by cycling forward through the image frame loop  110  (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow  114  in  FIG. 2 ), the trainee may view image frames (e.g., frames  112 E-G) depicting consecutive ultrasound images recorded after the previously displayed image frame  112 D. Similarly, by cycling backwards through the image frame loop  110  (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow  116  in  FIG. 2 ), the trainee may view image frames (e.g., frames  112 A-C) depicting consecutive ultrasound images recorded prior to the previously displayed image frame  112 D. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an example view of one embodiment of a suitable user interface  140  that may be displayed to a trainee viewing a moving ultrasound image as part of a computer-based, training methodology is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As shown, the user interface  140  may include many elements that are the same as or similar to the elements typically provided within user interfaces used for clinical ultrasound units. For example, the user interface  140  may include a display window  142  within which moving ultrasound images  144  are displayed. In addition, the user interface  140  may include an embedded scale  146  providing information about the relative size(s) of the internal body part(s) depicted within the displayed image. 
     Moreover, in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the user interface  140  may include a plurality of interface elements  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  displayed within or adjacent to the display window  142  that provide the trainee a means for inputting user inputs into the associated ultrasound training device  140 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the user interface  140  may include a first interface element  148  associated with pausing or stopping the moving ultrasound image. Specifically, upon selection of the first interface element  148  by the trainee, the image frame loop associated with the moving ultrasound image may be paused at the image frame currently being displayed to the trainee. 
     Additionally, the user interface  140  may include one or more second interface elements  150 ,  152  associated with cycling through the image frame loop being displayed to the trainee. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a forward interface element  150  may be provided on the user interface  140  that allows for the image frame loop to be cycled forward relative to the currently displayed image frame. Specifically, upon selection of the forward interface element  150  by the trainee, the image frame loop may be cycled forward such that the trainee is able to view image frames recoded subsequent to each previously viewed image frame. For instance, referring back to the image frame loop  110  shown in  FIG. 2 , selection of the forward interface element  150  may cause the image frame loop  110  to be cycled in the direction of arrow  114 , thereby allowing the trainee to view the various image frames  112 E-G recorded after the current displayed image frame  112 D. 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a backward interface element  152  may also be provided on the user interface  140  that allows for the image frame loop to be cycled backward relative to the currently displayed image frame. Specifically, upon selection of the backward interface element  152  by the trainee, the image frame loop may be cycled backward such that the trainee is able to view the image frames recoded prior to each previously viewed image frame. For instance, referring again to the image frame loop  110  shown in  FIG. 2 , selection of the backward interface element  150  may cause the image frame loop  110  to be cycled in the direction of arrow  116 , thereby allowing the trainee to view the various image frames  112 A-C recorded prior to the current displayed image frame  112 D. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , the user interface  140  may also include a third interface element  152  associated with submitting the image frame currently displayed within the display window  142  as the trainee&#39;s selection for the pending training exercise. Specifically, as indicated above, the trainee may be asked to identify an image frame that provides the best ultrasound image for performing a given examination task, such as measuring a parameter associated with an organ component. Thus, once the trainee identifies the specific image frame that he/she believes to be the most appropriate for performing the required examination task, the third interface element  154  may be selected to submit the currently displayed image frame as his/her selection. As will be described below, the ultrasound training device  104  may then be configured to assess the trainee&#39;s selection and provide the trainee feedback regarding his/her selected image frame. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in several embodiments, a message window  156  may also be displayed within the user interface  140  that provides the trainee with information associated with the current training exercise being conducted. In one embodiment, the message window  156  may be utilized to display a textual message indicating a particular training task to be performed. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a textual message is being displayed within the display window  156  that reads: “Freeze the image at the best place to measure the LV wall and septum.” In such instance, the trainee may be required to navigate through an image frame loop associated with a moving ultrasound image of a heart (e.g., using the various interface elements  148 ,  150 ,  152 ) in order to find the image frame(s) contained within the image frame loop that provides the best ultrasound image(s) for measuring the identified organ components. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a schematic view of one embodiment of various components that may be included within or coupled to an ultrasound training device  104  used in connection with conducting ultrasonography training are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Generally, the various components shown in  FIG. 4  may include a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware elements, all of which either correspond to physical tangible apparatuses or which are embedded as instructions on a physical and tangible apparatus, such as a computer-readable storage medium. It should be appreciated that the components shown in  FIG. 4  may be provided in different configurations and may be provided with different arrangements of direct and/or indirect physical and communicative links to perform the desired functionality of such components. 
     As indicated above, the training device  104  may generally correspond to any suitable processor-based device known in the art, such as a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the training device  104  may include one or more processor(s)  170  and associated memory device(s)  172  configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s)  172  of the training device  104  may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s)  172  may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s)  170 , configure the training device  104  to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as facilitating the computer-based, ultrasonography training described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in several embodiments, the memory device(s)  172  associated with the training device  104  may be configured to store pre-recorded, ultrasound data  174  obtained during the performance of one or more actual ultrasound examinations. Specifically, in several embodiments, a plurality of different moving ultrasound images may be stored within the memory device(s)  172 , with each moving ultrasound image being associated with a corresponding image frame loop containing a plurality of individual image frames. For example, one or more moving ultrasound images may be stored within the memory device(s)  122  for each internal body part typically examined via ultrasound, such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and/or any other suitable internal organ. 
     Additionally, in several embodiments, the memory device(s)  172  associated with the training device  120  may be configured to store instructions  176  that can be executed by the processor(s)  170 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the instructions  176  stored within the memory device(s)  172  may be executed by the processor(s)  170  to implement an assessment module  178  configured to assess the image frame(s) selected by the trainee during each training exercise. Specifically, in several embodiments, for each training exercise provided for a given moving ultrasound image, one or more image frames contained within the associated image frame loop may be identified as the “correct” image frame(s) (i.e., the image frame(s) that should be selected by the trainee during the training exercise). In such an embodiment, upon the selection of an image frame by the trainee (e.g., using the third interface element  154  shown in  FIG. 3 ), the assessment module  178  may be configured to determine whether the selected image frame corresponds to the correct image frame (or one of the correct image frames when multiples image frames have been identified as correct answers) associated with the training exercise currently being conducted. Thereafter, the assessment module  178  may be configured to provide feedback to the trainee regarding whether his/her selection was correct, such as by providing visual feedback displayed within the user interface  140  and/or by providing an audible alert. Such feedback may, in one embodiment, be provided immediately upon the selection of an image frame by a trainee. Alternatively, in instances in which the trainee is required to make multiple selections during the training exercise being conducted, the feedback may be provided at the end of the exercise (e.g., as a summary report). 
     It should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term “module” refers to computer logic utilized to provide desired functionality. Thus, a module may be implemented in hardware, application specific circuits, firmware and/or software controlling a general purpose processor. In one embodiment, the modules are program code files stored on the storage device, loaded into memory and executed by a processor or can be provided from computer program products, for example computer executable instructions, that are stored in a tangible computer-readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, hard disk or optical or magnetic media. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 4 , the training device  104  may also be coupled to one or more output devices, such as a display  106 . The display  106  may generally correspond to any suitable monitor, screen or other output device for presenting visual information to the trainee. For example, in one embodiment, the display  106  may simply correspond to a computer screen coupled to the training device  104 . Alternatively, the display  106  may correspond to any other suitable display device, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) display, electroluminescent display (ELD), plasma display panel (PDP) or liquid crystal display (LCD), that is integrated within or coupled to the training device  104 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the training device  104  may also be coupled to one or more input devices  180  to allow the trainee to provide user inputs to the device  104 . For example, in one embodiment, a touch screen may be integrated into or otherwise associated with the display  106  to allow the trainee to provide inputs to the training device  104  using his/her hand(s) and/or a stylus. In addition, or as an alternative thereto, a peripheral keyboard, mouse and/or any other suitable input device(s) may be coupled to the training device  104  to allow the trainee to provide user inputs. For example, a touchscreen, a keyboard and/or a mouse associated with the training device  104  may allow the trainee to select one or more of the various interface elements  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  displayed within the user interface  140  while a training exercise is being conducted. 
     It should be appreciated that the various components shown in  FIG. 4  are simply illustrated as one example of suitable components that may be included within or coupled to the training device  104 . In other embodiments, the training device  104  may include or be coupled to any other suitable combination of components. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method  200  for conducting ultrasonography training using ultrasound loop control is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated that, although  FIG. 5  depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , at ( 202 ), the method  200  includes providing for display a moving ultrasound image of an internal body part. Specifically, as indicated above, the ultrasound training device  104  may include pre-recorded ultrasound data  174  stored within its memory device(s)  172 , such as a plurality of pre-recorded moving ultrasound images associated with one or more internal body parts. In addition, the training device  104  may be communicatively coupled to display device  106 . As such, the moving ultrasound image(s) stored within the device&#39;s memory may be transmitted to the display  106  for presentation to a trainee while a given training exercise is being conducted. 
     Additionally, at ( 204 ), the method  200  includes receiving an initial input from a user associated with stopping the moving ultrasound image. Specifically, as indicated above, the trainee may be allowed to pause or stop the moving ultrasound image at a given image frame contained within the associated image frame loop. For example, using the user interface  140  described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the trainee may select the first interface element  148  displayed within the user interface  140  to stop the moving ultrasound image. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 3 , at ( 206 ), the method  200  includes receiving a second input associated with cycling through the moving ultrasound image. Specifically, as indicated above, the trainee may be allowed to cycle forwards or backwards through the image frame loop associated with the moving ultrasound image in order to view additional image frames contained within the image frame loop. For example, using the user interface  140  described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the trainee may select the forward or backwards interface element  150 ,  152  displayed within the user interface  140  to cycle forward or backwards, respectively, through the image frame loop. 
     In addition, at ( 208 ), the method  200  includes receiving a third input associated with a selection of one of the image frames. Specifically, as indicated above, the trainee may be required to identify an image frame that provides the best ultrasound image for performing a given examination task, such as measuring a parameter associated with an organ component. Once the trainee identifies the specific image frame that he/she believes to be the most appropriate for performing the required examination task, he/she may then provide a suitable user input to the training device  104  to select such image frame. For example, using the user interface  140  described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , the trainee may select the third interface element  154  displayed within the user interface  140  to submit the currently displayed image frame as his/her selection. 
     It should be appreciated that, in addition to the various method elements shown in  FIG. 5 , the disclosed method  200  may also include additional method elements. For example, upon receipt of the third input (at ( 208 ), the method  200  may include assessing the trainee&#39;s selection using the assessment module  178  described above with reference to  FIG. 4 . In addition, the method  200  may include providing the trainee feedback regarding his/her selection. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.