Kidney Stone Detection via Bubble-Induced Acoustic Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive detection methods face challenges in accurately identifying objects, such as kidney stones, within tissues without causing harm, particularly in detecting recurrent stones due to residual crystals continuously growing over time, which can cause pain and blockages.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using detection signals to induce an excited state of objects, such as kidney stones, by producing and receiving reflection signals, allowing for the determination of object presence through analyzing signal characteristics, particularly using ultrasound and bubble interaction to detect stones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional non-invasive detection methods are used to detect kidney stones, then the detection process is non-invasive and safe, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient to accurately identify recurrent stones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using acoustic waves (ultrasound) to induce resonant oscillation in bubbles adhering to kidney stones. The acoustic waves cause the bubbles to vibrate at their natural resonant frequency, generating characteristic reflection signals that enable precise detection of the stones without invasive procedures. This resolves the contradiction by providing high measurement precision through vibration-based detection while maintaining non-invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of bubbles from static to excited oscillating state by applying acoustic waves. This parameter change in the bubble's motion state creates detectable reflection signals that significantly improve detection accuracy. The system detects the transition of bubbles from equilibrium to resonant oscillation, enabling reliable identification of recurrent kidney stones without invasive intervention.
2Measurement precision
If detection signals are applied to induce excited state of kidney stones, then the detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bubbles as intermediary elements that adhere to kidney stones. These bubbles serve as mediators that amplify the detection signal by converting the acoustic excitation into strong reflection signals. The bubbles act as natural signal enhancers, allowing the system to detect stones with high accuracy without requiring complex detection hardware, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with stones (which would be complex and invasive) with acoustic wave interaction. By using sound waves to excite bubbles that then reflect signals, the system substitutes a simpler acoustic field-based approach for direct mechanical detection, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If conventional ultrasound methods are used, then the procedure is simple and non-invasive, but the ability to detect recurrent kidney stones due to growing residual crystals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing bubbles to adhere to kidney stones before the actual detection process. This preparatory step creates signal-amplifying elements on the stone surfaces, ensuring that when acoustic waves are applied, the resulting reflection signals are sufficiently strong for reliable detection. This preliminary bubble attachment enables reliable detection of recurrent stones while keeping the overall procedure simple and non-invasive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses bubbles as intermediary elements that enhance the detection of recurrent kidney stones. These intermediaries adhere to the stone surfaces and convert acoustic energy into strong reflection signals, significantly improving detection reliability. The bubble intermediaries enable the system to reliably distinguish recurrent stones from other structures without complicating the operational procedure, as the bubble-stone complex naturally produces detectable signals.
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
Enables accurate detection of kidney stones by inducing an excited state and analyzing reflection signals, effectively identifying stone presence and characteristics, improving diagnostic accuracy and pain management by non-invasive means.
Implementation Method 1
producing one or more detection signals configured to induce an excited state of an object... receiving one or more reflection signals, where the one or more reflection signals correspond to at least one of the one or more detection signals reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
using ultrasound and bubble interaction to detect stones
Implementation Method 3
receiving one or more reflection signals, where the one or more reflection signals correspond to at least one of the one or more detection signals reflected from the object
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, computing devices, and computer-readable medium are described herein related to producing detection signals configured to induce an excited state of an object. A computing device may receive reflection signals, where the reflection signals correspond to at least one detection signals reflected from the object. Based on the received reflection signals, a presence of the object in the excited state may be determined. Further, an output device may provide an indication of the presence of the object in the excited state.