Shear Wave Imaging Correction for Compression Disturbance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging methods using shear waves in viscoelastic media face challenges in precision, particularly when attempting to isolate the shear component from the compression component, especially in three-dimensional imaging, where the compression component disturbs measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that process the movement parameter to remove the effects of the compression component, allowing for the isolation and mapping of the shear component, using a controlled array of ultrasonic transducers to transmit and detect waves, and processing signals to determine the shear wave propagation parameters such as velocity, modulus, and relaxation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pulsed thrust is used to generate a mechanical wave in a viscoelastic medium, then the method can identify regions of different hardness, but the compression component of the mechanical wave disturbs the measurement of the movement parameter
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical wave generated by pulsed thrust is segmented into two distinct components: a compression component and a shear component. The patent processes these components separately, applying specific corrections to remove the disturbing compression effects while preserving the useful shear wave information for accurate movement parameter measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the shear component from the combined mechanical wave by removing the compression component through processing. This extraction allows the measurement system to focus solely on the shear wave effects, eliminating the harmful disturbance from compression and enabling precise measurement of movement parameters related to tissue hardness.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a sustained mechanical wave is used to carry out long measurements for three-dimensional imaging, then the measurement duration is extended, but the compression component greatly disturbs the movement parameter measurement throughout the measurement period
Solution Approach 1:
During sustained wave measurements for three-dimensional imaging, the patent continuously segments the mechanical wave into compression and shear components. This allows long-duration measurements to be performed while systematically removing compression component interference, maintaining measurement precision throughout the extended measurement period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the shear component from the sustained mechanical wave throughout the entire measurement duration. By continuously removing the compression component's disturbing effects, the system enables long-duration three-dimensional imaging measurements without sacrificing measurement precision, allowing comprehensive mapping of viscoelastic parameters in 3D space.
3Loss of information
If the compression component is not removed from the mechanical wave, then the full wave information is available, but the movement parameter measurement is disturbed and imaging precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mechanical wave into compression and shear components, allowing selective processing. By separating these components, the system removes only the harmful compression effects while preserving all useful shear wave information, thus avoiding unnecessary information loss while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes only the compression component that causes measurement disturbance, while retaining the shear component that contains the useful information about tissue properties. This selective extraction minimizes information loss by preserving all relevant shear wave data needed for accurate movement parameter measurement and three-dimensional imaging.
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 precise three-dimensional imaging by eliminating the disturbance caused by the compression component, allowing for accurate mapping of viscoelastic parameters in viscoelastic media, improving the precision and applicability of shear wave imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a succession of shots of ultrasonic compression waves (whether focused of not) are transmitted into the viscoelastic medium at a rate of at least ten shots per second by an array of transducers
Implementation Method 2
acoustic signals received from the viscoelastic medium, including the echoes generated by the ultrasonic compression waves interacting with the viscoelastic medium, are detected and recorded in real time
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical wave having a shear component and a compression component is generated in a viscoelastic medium
Implementation Method 4
at least one parameter describing the movement of the viscoelastic medium at various points during the propagation of this mechanical wave is determined
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive imaging method consists in generating a mechanical wave having shearing and compressional components in a viscoelastic medium and in determining the movement parameter of said viscoelastic medium at different points during the propagation of said mechanical wave. Said method comprises a correction stage when the movement parameter is processed for eliminating errors caused by the compressional component of the mechanical wave.