Acoustic Time-of-Flight Precision via Segmented Regression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) in materials, particularly at sub-nanosecond scales, are prone to errors due to environmental or systemic factors, and existing correction methods do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of computer-implemented methods that include calculating an envelope for an error function, fitting ultrasound frequency sweep data to simulated TOF frequency sweeps, and performing linear regression analysis on individual linear parts of the ultrasonic frequency sweep to accurately determine TOF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used to calculate acoustic time-of-flight at sub-nanosecond scales, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental or systemic factors causing aberrantly high or low readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency sweep data into multiple individual linear parts and performs separate regression analysis on each segment. This allows identification and exclusion of abnormal sections that would otherwise skew the overall TOF calculation, thereby improving both precision and reliability of the measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs multiple regression analyses on individual linear parts of the frequency sweep rather than a single analysis on the entire dataset. This partial action approach enables selective validation of data segments, allowing the system to identify and discard aberrant readings while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If existing correction methods (filling and smoothing) are applied to minimize errors, then the processing is straightforward, but the measurement precision remains insufficient as aberrant readings still affect TOF measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and identifies abnormal sections from the frequency sweep data through regression analysis, separating them from the valid data segments. This extraction of aberrant readings allows for their exclusion from the final TOF calculation, achieving superior precision compared to simple filling and smoothing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where regression analysis results are used to identify abnormal sections, which then inform the selection of valid data segments for the final TOF calculation. This iterative validation process continuously refines measurement precision while maintaining manageable computational complexity
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
These methods significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of TOF measurements by effectively correcting for aberrant readings and environmental fluctuations, resulting in more precise determination of acoustic time-of-flight.
Implementation Method 1
accurately calculating a time-of-flight of an acoustic signal traversing through a material
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for determining an acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) of sound waves through a sample material with greater accuracy and in a more repeatable fashion, by invoking one or more of an envelope generation for an error function, fitting a non-linear curve to an ultrasound frequency sweep, or performing a clustered piece-wise linear regression on individual linear parts of the ultrasonic frequency sweep. The systems and methods are useful for, among other things, monitoring diffusion of fluids through porous materials, such as tissue samples.