Enhanced Visual Assistance System for Ultrasound Operators

Publication ID: 24-11857370_0006_PTD

Published: October 28, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Visual Assistance System for Ultrasound Operators,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857370_0006_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857370_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,370.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved system and method for visually assisting ultrasound operators, providing enhanced real-time image transformation, automatic adjustments, and intuitive user interfaces to increase accuracy and efficiency in targeted biopsy procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and system for visually assisting ultrasound operators, but it had limitations in terms of real-time image transformation, manual adjustments, and user interface complexity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced features and functionalities to improve the overall performance and user experience.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced system comprises a processing unit, a display device, and a trans-rectal side-fire ultrasound transducer probe. The processing unit receives first imaging data marked with a landmark and transforms it into second imaging data using a second coordinate system. The display device displays the transformed image data in real-time and provides alerts to the operator when the region of interest is not visible. The system also includes automatic adjustments of the roll angle of the side-fire ultrasound transducer to optimize the visibility of the region of interest. Additionally, the system generates a 3D model of the anatomical region based on the first imaging data, providing a more accurate transformation. The user interface allows the operator to adjust display settings and provides a visual indication of the region of interest.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce significant improvements over the original patent, including real-time image transformation, automatic adjustments, and intuitive user interfaces. These advancements provide a more efficient and accurate system for visually assisting ultrasound operators, making it easier to perform targeted biopsy procedures.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different types of ultrasound transducer probes, such as end-fire or curved array probes, or various display devices, such as 3D displays or augmented reality interfaces. The system could also be adapted for use in other medical procedures, such as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgeries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced visual assistance system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of ultrasound-guided biopsy and minimally invasive surgeries. The system's improved accuracy and efficiency could lead to increased adoption and market share in these industries.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B8/463
A	A61	A61B8/085
A	A61	A61B8/4245
A	A61	A61B8/466
A	A61	A61B8/483
A	A61	A61B8/5261
A	A61	A61B8/5292

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Medical imaging systems, specifically ultrasound and MRI fusion technologies for diagnostic procedures, with expertise in image registration, coordinate transformation, and medical device interfaces

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical imaging specialist with advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical physics, proficient in medical image processing, coordinate transformation algorithms, and ultrasound/MRI fusion techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhancements represent predictable technological improvements to the source patent's core method of MRI and ultrasound image fusion. The additional features like real-time transformation, automatic roll angle adjustment, and enhanced user interfaces are logical extensions of the existing technological framework that solve known limitations in medical imaging registration techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Coordinate system transformation of medical imaging data with landmark identification

PTD Variation

Adding real-time image transformation with automatic movement detection and adjustment

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that adding real-time tracking and adjustment is a predictable solution to improve image registration accuracy, using known sensor and processing techniques

Source Patent Element

Side-fire ultrasound transducer with positional information

PTD Variation

Automatic roll angle adjustment to optimize region of interest visibility

Obviousness Reasoning

Dynamically adjusting probe orientation to maximize diagnostic visibility is an obvious optimization using standard control system and feedback principles

Source Patent Element

Landmark-based image identification for anatomical regions

PTD Variation

Generating a 3D model of the anatomical region to improve transformation accuracy

Obviousness Reasoning

Converting 2D landmark data to a 3D model represents a straightforward computational enhancement using well-established medical imaging reconstruction techniques

Source Patent Element

Basic user interface for displaying transformed medical imaging data

PTD Variation

Enhanced user interface with configurable display settings and region of interest visualization

Obviousness Reasoning

Improving user interaction through configurable interfaces and visual indicators is a standard design approach for increasing usability in medical imaging systems

Source Patent Element

MRI and ultrasound fusion for prostate imaging

PTD Variation

Expanding system to support alternative transducer types and medical procedures

Obviousness Reasoning

Generalizing a specialized medical imaging technique to broader applications is an obvious technological extension following established design adaptation principles

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857370, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the technical variations disclosed herein to be obvious modifications that represent predictable technological improvements. The claimed enhancements in image transformation, user interface design, and procedural flexibility would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner as logical extensions of existing medical imaging fusion technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,370
Title	Method and system for visually assisting an operator of an ultrasound system
Assignee(s)	NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA