HPRF Doppler Ultrasonic Imaging Dynamic PRF Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional High Pulse Repeat Frequency (HPRF) Doppler ultrasonic imaging relies on a fixed preset PRF, which may not be optimal for variable target positions, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and inaccurate velocity information due to interference from dead time in the signal reception.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for the calculation and selection of the best PRF level based on user input, including real sample volume depth and sampling gate size, to optimize PRF range and improve SNR by evaluating each PRF within a set range for optimal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed preset PRF is used in HPRF Doppler ultrasonic imaging, then the device operation is simplified, but the SNR deteriorates and velocity information becomes inaccurate due to interference from dead time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation simplicityVSAvoidvelocity information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic PRF adjustment by calculating optimal PRF values based on real-time parameters including sample volume depth, sampling gate size, and blood flow velocity. The system evaluates multiple PRF levels and selects the optimal one to maximize SNR while avoiding dead time interference, transforming the fixed preset PRF approach into a dynamic adaptive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the PRF parameter dynamically based on imaging conditions. By calculating optimal PRF values using the formula PRF = (2×depth×gate_size×velocity)/c² and evaluating multiple PRF levels, the system adapts the PRF parameter to match varying target positions and blood flow characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed preset PRF is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the SNR deteriorates due to dead time interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePRF selection mechanismVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically calculates and selects the optimal PRF value based on input parameters (sample volume depth, sampling gate size, blood flow velocity). The processor evaluates multiple PRF levels using the provided formula and selects the optimal one without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving SNR through adaptive PRF selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback by evaluating the relationship between PRF level and dead time interference. By calculating optimal PRF based on imaging parameters and selecting the level that maximizes SNR while avoiding dead time interference, the system creates a feedback loop that continuously optimizes performance based on actual imaging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If PRF is increased to improve velocity detection range, then the maximum speed recognition is improved, but the SNR deteriorates due to dead time interference from earlier pulse echoes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum speed recognitionVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the PRF parameter by calculating the optimal value using the formula PRF = (2×depth×gate_size×velocity)/c² and evaluating multiple PRF levels. This allows the system to select a PRF that provides sufficient maximum speed recognition while avoiding values that would cause dead time interference, thereby balancing speed detection capability with signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error approach of manually adjusting PRF levels with an automated calculation system. By using the provided formula and processor-based evaluation, the system substitutes manual mechanical adjustment with automated computational determination of optimal PRF, eliminating dead time interference while maintaining velocity detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the imaging effect of Doppler spectra by ensuring the target signal is not interfered with by dead time, resulting in improved SNR and clearer velocity information.

Implementation Method 1

to detect the Doppler frequency shift, the ultrasonic front-end emits an ultrasonic pulsed signal at regular intervals into human tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 2

the time required for the ultrasonic wave to go from the probe to the SVD and back to the probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic echo: Echo

Data Source

PatentUS8647277B2Methods and apparatus for HPRF doppler ultrasonic imaging
Publication Date: 2014.02.11 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US8647277B2 patent drawing
  • US8647277B2 patent drawing
  • US8647277B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for High Pulse Repeat Frequency (HPRF) Doppler ultrasonic imaging comprises: collecting parameters including a selected PRF level, real sample volume depth and sampling gate size; setting a selectable PRF range according to a standard PRF value corresponding to the selected PRF level; evaluating each PRF successively selected from the selectable PRF range with a preset step; and taking the PRF with best evaluation as the best PRF of the selected PRF level to be used in ultrasonic pulses transmission.