Ultrasonic Elasticity Imaging RF Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses require lengthy measurement times and increased memory storage for generating elasticity image volume data, due to the need for repeated measurements of RF signal frame data under different pressing conditions at multiple cross-sectional positions, which complicates the process and results in inconsistent elasticity image data.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that periodically measures RF signal frame data at varying cross-sectional positions with a set difference in measurement time, allowing for the reduction of RF signal frame data measurements by half, and constructs elasticity images using displacement data from pairs of frames with overlapping ultrasonic reception beams, thereby reducing measurement time and memory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF signal frame data is repeatedly measured at multiple cross-sectional positions under different pressing conditions, then elasticity image volume data can be generated, but the measurement time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary RF signal frame data from the complete measurement set. Instead of requiring full repeated measurements at all positions, the system selectively uses one reference frame and one comparison frame with overlapping ultrasonic reception beams, discarding redundant measurements while preserving elasticity measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary selection of RF signal frame data pairs that have overlapping ultrasonic reception beams before conducting full elasticity analysis. By pre-identifying suitable frame pairs with temporal and spatial overlap, the system prepares optimal data for displacement calculation in advance, avoiding the need for complete repeated measurements at all positions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple RF signal frame data are stored for each cross-sectional position, then elasticity images can be constructed, but memory storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential RF signal frame data needed for elasticity calculation - specifically one reference frame and one comparison frame with overlapping beams - and discards the rest. This extraction approach maintains elasticity image quality by preserving the necessary displacement information while dramatically reducing memory storage requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual pressing is performed at multiple cross-sectional positions, then elasticity information can be obtained, but the uniformity of pressing force becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback based on the overlap degree of ultrasonic reception beams to control the selection and processing of RF signal frame data. By calculating the overlap degree between beams from different measurement time points, the system provides feedback to select only those frame pairs that meet the overlap criterion, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable elasticity measurements across different positions.
4Measurement precision
If complete repeated measurements are performed at all cross-sectional positions, then comprehensive elasticity volume data is generated, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a simplified subset of measurement data - specifically RF signal frame pairs with overlapping ultrasonic reception beams - from the complete measurement set. This extraction maintains comprehensive elasticity volume data generation while significantly reducing processing complexity by eliminating redundant calculations from non-overlapping frame pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and selection of RF signal frame pairs that satisfy the overlap condition before conducting elasticity analysis. This preliminary action organizes the data processing workflow by pre-sorting suitable frame pairs, thereby simplifying the overall measurement process and reducing computational complexity.
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 significantly shortens the time required to measure elasticity image volume data while ensuring uniformity in pressing forces, resulting in more accurate and consistent three-dimensional elasticity images with improved visibility.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe which transmits/receives ultrasonic waves to/from an object
Implementation Method 2
performs reception processing on a reflection echo signal from the object
Implementation Method 3
obtains a displacement of a living tissue at the cross-sectional position on the basis of two pieces of RF signal frame data
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus provided with: an ultrasonic probe which transmits/receives ultrasonic waves to/from an object while being in contact with the object; a transmission/reception unit which, in a process in which pressing force applied to the object by the ultrasonic probe is changed and the tomographic position at which the ultrasonic waves are transmitted/received to/from the object is moved in a short axis direction, periodically transmits/receives the ultrasonic waves to/from the object, performs reception processing on a reflection echo signal from the object, and measures RF signal frame data at the tomographic position; a displacement measurement unit which, on the basis of two pieces of RF signal frame data, between which the difference in measurement time falls within a set range, selected from among multiple pieces of RF signal frame data sequentially measured by the transmission/reception unit, finds the displacement of a living tissue at the tomographic position and sequentially generates displacement frame data; an elasticity information calculation unit which on the basis of the displacement frame data sequentially generated by the displacement measurement unit, finds elasticity information relating to the living tissue at the tomographic position, and sequentially generates elasticity frame data; and an elasticity image construction unit which on the basis of the elasticity frame data sequentially generated by the elasticity information calculation unit, sequentially constructs elasticity images.