Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Elasticity Attenuation Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic techniques for biological tissue elasticity and fat content assessment in organs like the liver face challenges in accurately determining tissue elasticity and ultrasound attenuation, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis, especially when fat content correlates with ultrasound attenuation.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that calculates tissue elasticity and ultrasound attenuation values using echo signals, and displays these values alongside precision indicators to ensure accurate diagnosis by representing both elasticity and attenuation data on a display device, allowing for precise visualization and correction assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If elasticity values and attenuation values are calculated separately and displayed independently, then the diagnostic information is comprehensive, but the correlation between fat content (attenuation) and elasticity cannot be visually assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elasticity values and attenuation values into a single integrated color map display. Each pixel in the elasticity image is assigned a color based on both the elasticity value and attenuation value, allowing simultaneous visualization of both parameters and their correlation in one unified display rather than separate images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a second dimension of information (attenuation) to the existing elasticity color map by using color intensity or hue variations. This allows the representation of two parameters (elasticity and attenuation) in a single two-dimensional visual field, enabling correlation assessment without requiring multiple separate displays.
2Measurement precision
If only elasticity values are displayed without precision indicators, then the display is simple, but the correctness of elasticity measurements cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color intensity or saturation variations in the color map to represent precision levels. Regions with high measurement precision are displayed with vibrant, saturated colors, while regions with low precision are displayed with desaturated or muted colors, allowing visual assessment of measurement reliability without adding separate numerical indicators.
3Loss of information
If mechanical vibration is applied to assess tissue elasticity, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but the correlation with fat content (attenuation) cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasound waves to perform multiple functions: generating shear waves for elasticity measurement, detecting tissue displacement for elasticity calculation, and measuring attenuation for fat content assessment. This single multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate measurement systems while providing both elasticity and fat content information.
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 accurate diagnosis by providing a visual representation of tissue elasticity and attenuation, allowing for the identification of correct and incorrect values, thus ensuring a reliable assessment of fat content and tissue condition.
Implementation Method 1
based on a first echo signal of first ultrasound transmitted to biological tissue
Implementation Method 2
transmitting an ultrasonic pulse having a high sound pressure, i.e., push pulse, from an ultrasonic probe to biological tissue, detecting a displacement of the biological tissue induced by shear waves generated by the push pulse
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method for controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a processor for executing by a program: a first calculating function of, based on a first echo signal of first ultrasound transmitted to biological tissue in a subject to be examined, calculating a value relating to elasticity of said biological tissue; and a second calculating function of calculating a value of attenuation of ultrasound in said biological tissue; and a display device on which a first image produced based on a first two-dimensional (2D) color map CM1 is displayed, wherein said color map CM1 defines a display mode according to the value relating to elasticity of said biological tissue and the value of attenuation in said biological tissue.