Design of an ultrasound simulator with probe pose tracking and medical dataset processing and visualization. Issue 20 (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farsoni, Saverio; Astolfi, Luca; Bonfè, Marcello; Spadaro, Savino
• Is Part Of: IFAC-PapersOnLine. Volume 48:Issue 20(2015)
• Page Start: 377
• Page End: 382
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: simulation -- nonlinear filters -- Kalman filters -- attitude algorithms -- inertial sensors -- image processing; Automatic control -- Periodicals; 629.805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ifacol.2015.10.169
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2405-8963

Abstract

Abstract: A high-fidelity, low-cost ultrasound simulator has been developed in order to improve the efficiency of ultrasound training, particularly in Focus Assessment by Sonography in Trauma (FAST). This examination is rapidly increasing its diffusion in Emergency Medicine, as it represents a quick tool for the detection of free fluids. The probe is the main component of the simulator as it provides the on-line tracking of its pose relative to the manikin representing the virtual patient. The proposed algorithm for the estimation of the probe orientation, a nonlinear complementary filter, is based on the fusion of information coming from inertial sensors. It is tested in static and dynamic conditions and its performances are compared with another traditional algorithm: the Kalman filter. Moreover, the software for the processing of medical dataset as images, videos and 3D volumes, has been developed in order to display the appropriate visualization on the simulator monitor. Finally, the simulator has been tested in a training session.