Ultrasound Doppler Spectrum Image Sweep Speed Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The resolution of Doppler spectrum images in ultrasound diagnostic systems is limited by the fixed repetition period for computing spectral Doppler components, which restricts the adjustment of sweep speed and affects image resolution and display quality.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasound diagnostic system with a repetition period setting unit that calculates the fastest computable time for spectral Doppler component computation, allowing for interpolation or decimation of Doppler spectrum data based on user-selected sweep speeds to match the display interval, thereby enabling flexible adjustment of the Doppler spectrum image without degrading its quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the repetition period is fixed for computing spectral Doppler components, then the system operation is simplified, but the Doppler spectrum image resolution is limited and sweep speed adjustment is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDoppler spectrum image resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the repetition period dynamic rather than fixed. The system calculates the fastest computable time based on current computational capabilities and allows the repetition period to be adjusted dynamically to match user-selected sweep speeds, thereby improving image resolution and sweep speed adjustment flexibility without permanently increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of repetition period from a fixed value to a variable that can be adjusted based on computational speed and user requirements. By allowing the repetition period parameter to change dynamically, the system achieves better Doppler spectrum image resolution and more flexible sweep speed control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sweep speed is adjusted by changing the repetition period, then the Doppler spectrum image display flexibility is improved, but the image quality degrades due to resolution limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesweep speed adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidDoppler spectrum image resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of the fastest computable time before setting the repetition period. By pre-calculating the maximum computational speed capability and setting the repetition period accordingly, the system ensures that image quality is maintained while allowing flexible sweep speed adjustment through interpolation or decimation of Doppler spectrum data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between data acquisition and display. By using interpolation or decimation algorithms as intermediaries to adjust the Doppler spectrum data based on the calculated repetition period, the system decouples the relationship between sweep speed adjustment and image quality, allowing flexible display without degrading resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the repetition period is set to the fastest computable time, then the productivity is improved, but the adaptability to different sweep speed requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputational efficiencyVSAvoidsweep speed selection range
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the system universal by calculating the fastest computable time once and then using interpolation or decimation to adapt to any user-selected sweep speed within a wide range. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain maximum computational efficiency while accommodating diverse sweep speed requirements through a single adaptable framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible adjustment of the Doppler spectrum image display interval, enhancing image resolution and user control over sweep speed without degrading image quality, thus overcoming the limitations of fixed repetition periods.

Implementation Method 1

An ultrasound diagnostic system generally uses a probe containing an array of piezoelectric elements to transmit and receive ultrasound signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

In the ultrasound diagnostic system, the Doppler effect is used to measure the velocity of red blood cells flowing within a blood vessel or the velocity of heart motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1970011B1Ultrasound diagnostic system and method for displaying a doppler spectrum image
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 MEDISON CO LTD
  • EP1970011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1970011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1970011B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ultrasound diagnostic system for displaying an enhanced Doppler spectrum image. The ultrasound diagnostic system includes: a period setting unit operable to set a period for computing spectral Doppler components from ultrasound data obtained by transmitting/receiving ultrasound signals to/from a target object; a Doppler spectrum data acquiring unit operable to compute the spectral Doppler components at the set period from the ultrasound data for acquiring Doppler spectrum data; a storage unit operable to store the acquired Doppler spectrum data; a user input unit operable to receive sweep speed information from a user for selecting a sweep speed; a data adjusting unit operable to compare the set period with the selected sweep speed and adjust the Doppler spectrum data based on the comparison result; and a display unit operable to display a Doppler spectrum image based on the adjusted Doppler spectrum data.