Ultrasound Vessel Diameter Measurement Using Doppler-Guided Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in accurately and efficiently measuring the minimum and maximum diameters of blood vessels due to the need for comparing diameters across multiple frames, which is time-consuming and prone to errors from noise fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus continuously acquires B-mode and Doppler data over a predetermined period, using a time phase search period specifying unit to identify frames with maximum and minimum diameters based on Doppler data, and a frame specifying unit to accurately determine these diameters within each heartbeat period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the minimum and maximum diameters of the blood vessel are measured by comparing the diameters of blood vessels calculated from each B-mode image of a plurality of sequentially acquired frames, then the diameter measurements can be obtained, but the burden on the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is heavy and it takes a lot of time to calculate the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by using Doppler data to detect the time phases corresponding to the minimum and maximum diameters of the blood vessel before analyzing B-mode images. This allows the system to pre-identify the specific time phases where minimum and maximum diameters occur, so that when B-mode image analysis is performed, only the relevant frames at these pre-identified time phases need to be examined, significantly reducing the computational burden and processing time compared to analyzing all sequentially acquired frames.
2Device complexity
If the minimum diameter and the maximum diameter of the blood vessel are measured on the basis of only the B-mode image, then the measurement process is simplified, but in a case where a brightness value fluctuates due to the influence of noise or the like, there is a possibility that the erroneous minimum value and maximum value are measured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses Doppler data as an intermediary to bridge the gap between B-mode images and accurate diameter measurement. The Doppler data serves as a reliable reference that is less susceptible to noise-induced brightness fluctuations in B-mode images. By detecting time phases of minimum and maximum diameters from Doppler data and using these to guide B-mode image analysis, the system achieves both simplified processing and high measurement reliability, avoiding erroneous measurements caused by noise.
3Measurement precision
If B-mode data and Doppler data are continuously acquired for a predetermined period, then accurate specification of blood vessel diameters can be achieved, but the data processing volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the taking out principle by extracting only the essential and relevant information from the continuously acquired B-mode and Doppler data. Instead of processing all data equally, the system extracts Doppler data to identify specific time phases of minimum and maximum diameters, then uses these extracted time phase markers to selectively analyze only the relevant B-mode frames. This extraction approach maintains high measurement precision while significantly reducing the overall data processing volume.
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 rapid and precise measurement of blood vessel diameters, reducing computational burden and minimizing errors from noise, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of blood vessel diameter calculations.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound beam is transmitted toward the inside of the subject from the transducer array and an ultrasound echo from the subject is received by the transducer array
Implementation Method 2
a Doppler waveform image generation unit that generates a Doppler waveform image signal on the basis of the acquired complex data
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus (1) includes a time phase search period specifying unit (16) that specifies a time phase search period in each heartbeat period on the basis of Doppler data; and a frame specifying unit (12) that specifies at least one of B-mode data of a frame with a maximum diameter of a blood vessel or B-mode data of a frame with a minimum diameter of the blood vessel in each heartbeat period by analyzing the B-mode data of a plurality of frames in the time phase search period specified by the time phase search period specifying unit (16).