Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Anisotropy Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, inexperienced operators find it difficult to detect abnormalities in ultrasonic images, and smoothing processes can lead to loss of clinical information, highlighting the need for quantitative representation of image information.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits and receives ultrasonic beams in multiple directions, generates tomographic images, compares echo signals at corresponding spatial positions, and displays analysis results to quantify tissue characterization, allowing for the differentiation of normal and abnormal tissue based on anisotropy effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smoothing process is performed on ultrasonic image to make it easier to examine, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic image analysis into multiple directional components (0°, 45°, 90°, 135° beams) and processes each direction separately to extract structural information. This segmentation allows preservation of detailed tissue structure information while enabling automated analysis, avoiding the need for smoothing that would lose clinical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of image analysis from intensity-based smoothing to structural-based quantitative analysis using multiple beam directions. By analyzing echo signal intensities at different spatial frequencies and directions, the system extracts tissue structure information quantitatively without applying smoothing that would obscure clinical details.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative representation of ultrasonic image information is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the quantitative analysis into discrete directional segments (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and processes each segment independently. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the complex 2D image analysis into multiple manageable 1D directional analyses, while still achieving precise quantitative representation of tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selecting specific beam directions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) rather than analyzing all possible directions. This partial approach provides sufficient quantitative information for clinical diagnosis while reducing computational complexity compared to full omnidirectional analysis.
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 enables quantitative representation of ultrasonic image information, facilitating the detection of abnormalities and distinguishing between tissues with fiber structures and those without, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving unit configured to transmit ultrasonic beams in a plurality of directions by way of an ultrasonic probe and receive echo signals of the plurality of directions
Implementation Method 2
the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus can display this layered structure as an ultrasonic image. Thus, ultrasonic images are adopted as a useful means of clinical observation, and a doctor suspects of some abnormality if there is any loss or rupture of the layered structure observed in a ultrasonic image
Data Source
AI summary
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiments includes an ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit, a tomographic image generating unit, an analyzing unit, and an analysis result display controller. The ultrasound transmitting and receiving unit is configured to transmit ultrasonic beams in multiple directions and is configured to receive echo signals of the multiple directions. The tomographic image generating unit is configured to generate a tomographic image in accordance with each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams. The analyzing unit is configured to compare echo signals of corresponding spatial positions in the tomographic images generated by the tomographic image generating unit with respect to each of the directions of the ultrasonic beams, and is configured to perform an analysis based on the comparison. The analysis result display controller is configured to display the analysis result obtained by the analyzing unit onto the displaying unit.