Shear Wave Estimation Using Analytic Data Phase Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-of-flight estimation of shear wave propagation in ultrasound imaging is error-prone due to reliance on single data points or limited by sampling resolution, leading to inaccuracies in measuring characteristics like velocity and modulus.
Innovation Solution
Converting displacement measurements into complex representations to estimate shear wave characteristics such as velocity, center frequency, attenuation, shear modulus, and viscosity, using zero-phase information to identify shear wave occurrence and applying filtering techniques to analyze frequency-dependent properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If single data point tracking (peak displacement) is used for shear wave estimation, then the method is simple to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to error proneness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the real displacement signal into the frequency domain by constructing analytic data and examining phase components. This dimensional transformation from time-domain single-point tracking to frequency-domain phase analysis enables more accurate time-of-flight estimation by utilizing the zero-phase characteristic across the entire signal spectrum rather than relying on a single peak displacement point.
2Quantity of substance
If delay lag computation is used for shear wave estimation, then the method utilizes multiple data points, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to sampling resolution limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling-based delay lag computation with a phase-based time-of-flight estimation method. By constructing analytic data and using the zero-phase component, the system achieves time-of-flight measurement that is not constrained by sampling resolution, effectively substituting the sampling-dependent mechanical approach with a phase-analysis-based approach that provides superior precision.
3Measurement precision
If analytic data construction with phase analysis is used, then the measurement precision of shear wave estimation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces analytic data construction as an intermediary step between raw displacement measurement and shear wave characteristic estimation. By creating complex representations of the displacement signal and analyzing the phase component, the system provides a bridge that transforms ordinary displacement data into precise time-of-flight measurements, enabling accurate estimation of shear wave velocity, attenuation, and other characteristics.
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 method enhances the accuracy of shear wave estimation by utilizing multiple data points and frequency analysis, overcoming limitations of previous methods and providing more precise imaging of tissue properties.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic radiation force excitation is transmitted into a patient
Implementation Method 2
Displacements at locations of tissue within a patient are measured with ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
Shear wave characteristics are estimated from analytic data. Measures of displacement are converted into complex representations. The magnitude and/or phase components of the complex representation may be used for estimating various characteristics, such as velocity, center frequency, attenuation, shear modulus, or shear viscosity. The zero-phase of the phase component represents an occurrence of the shear wave at that location.