Single Transducer Cavitation Detection via Signal Matrix Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cavitation detection methods in ultrasound therapy require multiple transducers, increasing electronic complexity and alignment errors, and are hindered by tissue motion, especially in clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single transducer to emit and receive signals, analyzing a series of measurements in a raw matrix to identify cavitation through stable vs. variable amplitude patterns, enhanced by artificial intelligence and signal processing techniques like singular value decomposition and high-pass filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second transducer is used to detect cavitation, then cavitation detection capability is improved, but device complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the therapeutic transducer and detection functions into a single transducer system. The same transducer that emits therapeutic ultrasound waves also receives backscattered signals to detect cavitation, eliminating the need for a separate detection transducer and reducing electronic complexity and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer is designed to perform multiple functions: emitting therapeutic ultrasound waves, receiving backscattered signals, and detecting cavitation events. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to serve both therapy and detection purposes without requiring additional specialized components
2Measurement precision
If a second transducer is used for cavitation detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but mechanical alignment precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the therapeutic and detection functions into a single transducer, the patent eliminates the mechanical alignment problem between two separate transducers. The single transducer inherently maintains perfect alignment between emission and reception paths, removing the need for precise mechanical positioning and calibration
3Reliability
If signal processing techniques are applied to identify cavitation patterns, then cavitation detection reliability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex computational signal processing with a simplified pattern recognition approach based on amplitude variability analysis. Instead of using advanced algorithms or machine learning, the system detects cavitation by identifying characteristic patterns of amplitude variation in the backscattered signals, significantly reducing computational requirements while maintaining detection reliability
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 simplifies detection, reduces alignment errors, and effectively identifies cavitation under tissue motion, providing accurate localization and detection without additional transducers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer configured for emitting ultrasound waves in a target and for receiving backscattered signal from the target
Implementation Method 2
emitting signal configured to nucleate cavitation inside the target
Implementation Method 3
receiving backscattered signal from the target
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for identifying cavitation produced by an ultrasound therapy device, the ultrasound therapy device comprising at least one transducer configured for emitting ultrasound waves at a target and for receiving backscattered signal from the target, the method comprising the following steps of: a) arranging in a raw matrix a series of sampled acquired measurements signals, each sampled acquired measurement signals representing a backscattered signal received from the target by the at least one transducer subsequently to the emission by the at least one transducer of an emitting signal configured to nucleate cavitation inside the target, the sampled acquired measurements signals being aligned in the matrix to match their respective samples to the same time acquisition after the beginning of the emitting signal. b) determining from the matrix the presence or absence of one or more variable samples values through the series of sampled acquired measurements signals corresponding to cavitation.