Ultrasonic Bone Assessment Using Net Time Delay and Mean Time Duration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound-based methods for assessing bone density and fracture risk are ad hoc and lack a consistent framework for data analysis, failing to fully utilize the rich information available from ultrasound measurements, leading to inaccurate and imprecise assessments of bone properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a combination of net time delay (NTD) and mean time duration (MTD) parameters, processed with multivariate linear and nonlinear regressions and neural networks, to provide more accurate estimates of bone mineral density, architecture, quality, and fracture risk, incorporating additional individual-specific parameters like age and fracture history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-parameter ultrasonic methods (transit time only) are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision and reliability of bone assessment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasonic signal analysis into multiple distinct parameters: transit time (first moment), time duration (second moment), and frequency content (spectral moments). Each parameter is extracted and processed separately through specific mathematical operations on the received signal moments, allowing comprehensive bone assessment without requiring a single complex processing system. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each measurement parameter while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional transit time measurement to multi-dimensional signal analysis by incorporating temporal moments (time duration, skewness, kurtosis) and spectral moments (frequency, bandwidth) alongside transit time. This dimensional expansion provides a more comprehensive characterization of bone properties, enabling differentiation between various bone conditions that single-parameter methods cannot distinguish.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic parameters are measured and processed, then the measurement precision of bone properties improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal processing by calculating temporal and spectral moments directly from the received ultrasonic signal before further analysis. The first four moments (zeroth through third) are computed in advance, providing a compressed representation of the signal characteristics that feeds into subsequent bone property estimation algorithms. This preliminary moment calculation simplifies later processing steps while capturing essential signal features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the raw ultrasonic signal into multiple derived parameters through mathematical operations: transit time from the first moment, time duration from the second moment, and spectral characteristics from frequency moments. These parameter transformations convert complex signal waveforms into standardized metrics that can be directly correlated with bone properties, simplifying the relationship between measurement and interpretation.
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 enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of bone property assessments, enabling more precise characterization of bone tissue and improved fracture risk estimation compared to previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of ultrasonic transducers is applied to opposite sides of a subject's finger, such that recurrent pulses transmitted via one transducer are 'focused' on the bone
Implementation Method 2
measuring the distance separating the two transducers; generating an ultrasound excitation signal and directing this signal from one transducer to another transducer of the pair of transducers through the bone tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the assessment of various properties of bone is provided. The method includes applying a pair of ultrasound transducers to skin on opposite sides of the bone and generating an ultrasound signal and directing the signal through both the bone to obtain a bone output signal. The method further includes establishing a set of parameters associated with the bone output signal and then further processing the parameters in order to obtain the desired bone property. Two novel parameters are also disclosed, namely the net time delay (NTD) and mean time duration (MTD) parameters. An apparatus for the assessment of various properties of bone is also provided. The apparatus includes a pair of ultrasound transducers which may be single-element transducers or array transducers in any combination. The apparatus further includes various computer hardware components and computer software for generating and directing the ultrasound signal, establishing the parameter set and performing the processing. In addition, an apparatus that is battery powered, handheld, and portable and operates in real time is also provided.