Investigations on the Use of Mems-imu Sensors for Manual 2D and 3D Ultrasound Imaging

Abstract

Ultrasound imaging is a safe medical imaging technique with many applications in medical diagnostics. MEMS-IMUs being small-size, low-cost, low-power devices suitable for accurate orientation estimation, the chances of using consumer-grade IMUs as pose sensors for affordable ultrasound systems are explored in this research. A simulation platform that can help select the best-performing orientation algorithm for a sensor based on its noise characteristics has been developed. After proper noise characterization and calibration, two improved orientation estimation algorithm(s) are implemented to fuse the raw MEMS-IMU data. Considering the constrained swept-fan scan motion of a single-element/array ultrasound probe, affordable 2D/3D ultrasound prototypes are developed, and proof-of-concept experiments are performed with tissue-mimicking phantoms for validating the prototypes. A new improved-scanline-based reconstruction algorithm suitable for fast scans with low-frame rate systems is proposed for accurate 3D-volume reconstruction. The prototypes are developed focusing on fetal diagnostic imaging, and the 3D ultrasound imaging prototype is validated with preliminary clinical experiments.