2D Array Ultrasound Probe for 3D Shear Wave Elasticity Data Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasound diagnosis apparatuses face limitations in acquiring accurate shear wave elasticity data in a 3D space, particularly when trying to focus energy on specific regions of interest, such as lesions, due to the need for sequential beam emission and potential shadow effects.

Innovation Solution

A 2D array ultrasound probe is used to emit focused beams simultaneously onto multiple focusing points in a 3D space, allowing for the acquisition of shear wave elasticity data by determining element groups within the probe's matrix array, which enables flexible positioning and angle selection without time delays, thereby concentrating energy on regions of interest.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If sequential beam emission is used to focus energy on specific regions, then energy concentration on regions of interest is improved, but time delays and shadow effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy concentrationVSAvoidtime delays

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound probe uses a 2D array of transducer elements that are divided into multiple independent element groups. Each element group can be controlled independently to emit ultrasound beams simultaneously at different spatial locations, enabling parallel acquisition of shear wave elasticity data from multiple focusing points without sequential time delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple element groups are activated simultaneously to emit focused beams at multiple focusing points at the same time. This merging of simultaneous emission capabilities allows the system to acquire shear wave elasticity data from multiple locations in parallel, eliminating the time delays inherent in sequential beam emission while maintaining energy concentration at each focal point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If sequential beam emission is used to acquire shear wave elasticity data, then energy can be focused on specific points, but shadow effects occur and data acquisition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshear wave elasticity data accuracyVSAvoiddata acquisition speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The 2D array transducer elements are segmented into multiple element groups that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables simultaneous emission of focused beams at multiple focusing points, allowing parallel acquisition of shear wave elasticity data from multiple locations, thereby increasing data acquisition speed while maintaining measurement precision through focused energy delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple element groups emit focused ultrasound beams continuously and simultaneously at different focusing points, maintaining continuous useful action for shear wave generation. This parallel continuous emission eliminates the interruptions and time delays of sequential scanning, improving productivity while preserving measurement accuracy through maintained focus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If multiple focusing points are targeted sequentially, then comprehensive 3D coverage is achieved, but time delays and shadow effects reduce image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D coverage areaVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The 2D array is divided into multiple element groups that can be independently controlled to target multiple focusing points simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive 3D coverage through parallel emission at multiple locations, eliminating the time delays and shadow effects of sequential scanning that degrade image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple element groups are merged in operation to emit focused beams simultaneously at multiple focusing points distributed in 3D space. This combined parallel emission achieves comprehensive 3D coverage while maintaining high image quality by eliminating the time delays and shadow artifacts associated with sequential scanning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the acquisition of high-quality 2D shear wave elasticity data without the limitations of sequential beam emission, improving the accuracy and flexibility in imaging and reducing the risk of shadow effects.

Implementation Method 1

a two-dimensional (2D) array ultrasound probe configured to emit focused beams onto a plurality of focusing points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

detect echo signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Data Source

PatentUS11607191B2Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and method of acquiring shear wave elasticity data with respect to object cross-section in 3D

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 SAMSUNG MEDISON CO LTD

AI summary

An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a two-dimensional (2D) array ultrasound probe configured to emit focused beams onto focusing points and detect echo signals; and a processor configured to determine the focusing points on a cross-section of interest and acquire shear wave elasticity data with respect to the cross-section of interest based on the detected echo signals.