How to Adjust Specific Parts of an Ultrasound Image
This patent describes a system that lets doctors brighten or change specific small areas within an ultrasound scan independently, without affecting the rest of the image.
Original patent title: “Non-uniform ultrasound image modification of targeted sub-regions”
This patent describes a system that lets doctors brighten or change specific small areas within an ultrasound scan independently, without affecting the rest of the image. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This system images a specific body part, called a 'target area,' using ultrasound technology. It then identifies one or more 'target locations' within that area, which can be specific points of interest. The system can also track the position and angle of a medical device, like a needle, to show its path on the image. A user, such as a doctor, can adjust these target locations as needed. Crucially, the user can change a setting (an 'image parameter') for the entire target area, and also independently change a setting for just the target locations. This means a doctor could, for example, make a needle and the tissue immediately around it much brighter to see it clearly during a procedure, without making the entire ultrasound image too bright or affecting other parts of the scan.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover ultrasound systems that only allow uniform image adjustments across the entire scan.
- Does not cover image modifications that are not tied to specific user-defined or device-determined target locations.
- Does not cover systems where image parameters for target locations cannot be modified independently from the broader target area.
- Does not cover ultrasound imaging without the ability to overlay a medical device trajectory onto the image.
- Does not cover systems where the user cannot modify the identified target locations.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The truly novel aspect is the ability to non-uniformly modify ultrasound image parameters for specific, targeted sub-regions independently of the overall image or other sub-regions. This allows for highly localized visual optimization where it matters most, without compromising the broader context of the scan.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Catheter insertion procedures
Nerve block injections
Vascular access procedures
Minimally invasive surgeries using ultrasound guidance
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology is important for medical procedures that rely on real-time ultrasound guidance, such as biopsies or catheter placements. By allowing precise, localized image adjustments, it can improve a doctor's ability to visualize critical structures or tools. This enhanced visibility can lead to greater accuracy and safety during delicate medical interventions, potentially reducing complications.
Filed
September 30, 2022
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Major medical imaging companies like GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips, and Canon Medical Systems are continuously developing advanced ultrasound technologies. These companies invest heavily in improving image quality, real-time guidance features, and user interfaces for their ultrasound machines. Startups specializing in AI-powered medical imaging or surgical navigation could also build upon such capabilities to enhance precision.
Market impact
This type of technology enhances the utility of ultrasound in interventional procedures, potentially making them safer and more effective. It could drive demand for ultrasound machines with advanced image processing capabilities, influencing product development cycles for medical device manufacturers. The ability to precisely highlight critical elements could also reduce procedure times and improve training for medical professionals.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This system images a specific body part, called a 'target area,' using ultrasound technology. It then identifies one or more 'target locations' within that area, which can be specific points of interest. The system can also track the position and angle of a medical device, like a needle, to show its path on the image. A user, such as a doctor, can adjust these target locations as needed. Crucially, the user can change a setting (an 'image parameter') for the entire target area, and also independently change a setting for just the target locations. This means a doctor could, for example, make a needle and the tissue immediately around it much brighter to see it clearly during a procedure, without making the entire ultrasound image too bright or affecting other parts of the scan.
The clever bit
The truly novel aspect is the ability to non-uniformly modify ultrasound image parameters for specific, targeted sub-regions independently of the overall image or other sub-regions. This allows for highly localized visual optimization where it matters most, without compromising the broader context of the scan.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover ultrasound systems that only allow uniform image adjustments across the entire scan.
- Does not cover image modifications that are not tied to specific user-defined or device-determined target locations.
- Does not cover systems where image parameters for target locations cannot be modified independently from the broader target area.
- Does not cover ultrasound imaging without the ability to overlay a medical device trajectory onto the image.
- Does not cover systems where the user cannot modify the identified target locations.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 16.0 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How to Adjust Specific Parts of an Ultrasound Image (U.S. Patent No. 12,733,899). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733899/non-uniform-ultrasound-image-modification-of-targeted-sub-regions
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How to Adjust Specific Parts of an Ultrasound Image cover?
This patent describes a system that lets doctors brighten or change specific small areas within an ultrasound scan independently, without affecting the rest of the image.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology is important for medical procedures that rely on real-time ultrasound guidance, such as biopsies or catheter placements. By allowing precise, localized image adjustments, it can improve a doctor's ability to visualize critical structures or tools. This enhanced visibility can lead to greater accuracy and safety during delicate medical interventions, potentially reducing complications.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover ultrasound systems that only allow uniform image adjustments across the entire scan.
Patent monitoring