Ultrasound Spectral Doppler Gap Filling Using Physiological Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectral Doppler imaging techniques suffer from gaps in the signal due to interleaving with other imaging modes, which can lead to loss of useful information, especially during rapid changes in blood velocity, and existing gap-filling methods are inadequate for accurately representing physiological cycles.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ultrasound imaging system analyzes the physiology of the subject to scale and adjust data for filling gaps in spectral Doppler signals, ensuring that the mean frequency of the filled data fits between the mean frequencies of adjacent segments, and modifies the firing order of imaging modes to avoid interrupting spectral Doppler processing during critical cardiac cycle phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If B-mode imaging is interleaved with spectral Doppler processing, then the user can see the region of interest to verify range gate location, but gaps are introduced in the spectral Doppler signal where no useful information is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies adjacent spectral Doppler data into the gaps created by B-mode imaging interleaving. Specifically, data from time points immediately before and after the gap are replicated and blended to fill the missing signal portions, preserving the continuous spectral Doppler information while maintaining the interleaved imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sources of spectral Doppler data including actual detected signals and copied adjacent data to create a complete continuous signal. The merging process combines the genuine Doppler measurements with the synthesized filled data, integrating them into a unified spectral Doppler output that maintains information continuity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional copying or cloning of adjacent Doppler data is used to fill gaps, then the signal appears smoother when not changing rapidly, but the method does not work well for gaps near portions of the signal where large changes are occurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic blending weights that adapt based on the local characteristics of the spectral Doppler signal. When the signal exhibits rapid changes, the blending algorithm adjusts to preserve the actual measured data rather than relying on copied data. When the signal is stable, the copying and blending method is applied to fill gaps smoothly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain both smoothness where appropriate and accuracy during rapid physiological changes.
3Reliability
If the range gate is moved accidentally by the user, then the spectral Doppler signals will change, but maintaining consistent probe orientation requires continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the spectral Doppler signal characteristics are continuously monitored to detect probe movement. When changes in the signal pattern indicate that the probe has been repositioned, the system can alert the user or automatically adjust the processing to maintain consistent measurements. This feedback loop ensures reliable spectral Doppler data without requiring complex continuous monitoring of probe orientation.
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 provides a continuous and accurate spectral Doppler signal by smoothing gaps and ensuring data integrity during peak systole and diastole phases, allowing for easier comparison of studies and improved clinical insights.
Implementation Method 1
the Doppler shifts caused by reflections from moving tissue or blood flow are detected
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound imaging system performs spectral Doppler processing in a manner that considers a physiological cycle of a subject. In one embodiment, gaps in a spectral Doppler signal are filled taking by a processor that analyzes changes in the spectral Doppler signal caused by a physiological cycle. Spectral Doppler data are scaled to fit with the data occurring before and after a gap. The firing order of an interleaved imaging mode can also be adjusted so that spectral Doppler imaging is not interrupted during pre-defined or user defined portions of a physiological cycle.