Ultrasonic Apparatus Reliability Factor Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses fail to accurately identify the factors contributing to low reliability in elasticity measurements of biological tissue, leading to prolonged examination times as users must repeat measurements by trial and error.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic apparatus with a control circuit that calculates a measurement value for tissue elasticity and an index value indicating reliability factors, notifying users of specific factors affecting reliability, allowing for targeted improvements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only a measurement value or elasticity image is displayed without reliability information, then the display is simple and clear, but the user cannot judge whether to accept the measurement value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elasticity image as an intermediary visual representation that mediates between the measurement value and the user's judgment. The elasticity image provides spatial distribution information that helps users assess the reliability of the measurement value without requiring additional complex data presentation.
2Loss of information
If a measurement value with low reliability is displayed, then the user has information to work with, but the user cannot find what factor causes such low reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reliability assessment into multiple discrete factors (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio, shear wave detection quality, tissue homogeneity). Each factor is evaluated separately and presented to the user, allowing them to identify specific causes of low reliability without overwhelming system complexity.
3Reliability
If the user repeats measurement by trial and error to eliminate factors that deteriorate reliability, then the user can find reliable measurement values, but the examination time is elongated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where reliability information and factor analysis are provided to the user during the examination process. This feedback guides the user in making informed decisions about whether to repeat measurements and what specific factors to address, thereby reducing trial-and-error repetitions and improving examination efficiency.
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 users to identify and address reliability issues directly, reducing the need for repeated measurements and shortening examination times by providing clear indicators of reliability factors.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe for performing transmission of ultrasonic push pulses to biological tissue in a subject to be examined
Implementation Method 2
transmission of ultrasonic detecting pulses for detecting shear waves generated by push pulses in biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide an ultrasonic apparatus that enables one to find a factor that lowers reliability of a measurement value relating to elasticity of biological tissue.[Means for Solution] An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a control circuit executing: a measurement-value calculating function 535 of calculating a measurement value relating to elasticity of the biological tissue based on echo signals from ultrasonic detecting pulses; an index-value calculating function 536 of calculating an index value indicating a degree of reliability for the measurement value for each of a plurality of factors that deteriorate the reliability of the measurement value based on the echo signals from the ultrasonic detecting pulses; and a notifying function of notifying a factor corresponding to at least one index value for which the degree of reliability does not meet a required standard.