Ultrasonic Diagnostic System Shear Wave Frequency Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic systems face challenges in selecting the appropriate frequency for detecting shear waves in subjects with varying subcutaneous fat thickness, leading to signal attenuation or overpenetration issues.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic system that includes a vibrator for applying mechanical vibration, a first transceiver for detecting shear waves, a second transceiver for transmitting/receiving different ultrasound, a computing section to calculate a parameter affecting the frequency of the first ultrasound based on echo signals, and an identifying section to select the suitable frequency for the first transceiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a probe with relatively low frequency is used for subjects having thick subcutaneous fat, then signal attenuation is reduced, but for subjects having thin subcutaneous fat or pediatric subjects, ultrasound overpenetrates and signals reflected at the diaphragm are received in unexpected directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of subcutaneous fat thickness using the second transceiver before selecting the appropriate frequency for the first transceiver. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine the optimal frequency setting based on the measured fat thickness, ensuring accurate elasticity measurement without requiring manual frequency selection by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual frequency selection (mechanical operation) with an automated system that uses echo signal analysis and computing to automatically determine and select the appropriate frequency. The identifying section automatically identifies the suitable frequency based on calculated parameters from echo signals, substituting the mechanical selection process with an automated information-processing system.
2Measurement precision
If manual frequency selection is required for different subcutaneous fat thicknesses, then accurate elasticity measurement can be achieved, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically measuring subcutaneous fat thickness, calculating the appropriate frequency parameter, and selecting the optimal frequency for elasticity measurement without requiring operator intervention. The identifying section and notifying section work together to enable the system to serve itself in determining measurement parameters, eliminating the need for manual frequency selection while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes the frequency parameter based on the calculated subcutaneous fat thickness. The computing section calculates a parameter value from echo signals that affects the frequency, and the identifying section uses this parameter to automatically select or adjust the frequency setting, enabling dynamic parameter adaptation without manual operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transceivers with different frequencies are used to accommodate different subjects, then accurate measurement for various conditions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single first transceiver that can operate at multiple frequencies. Instead of requiring the operator to manually select from multiple transceivers, the identifying section automatically configures the transceiver to use the appropriate frequency based on the calculated parameter, making one device perform the function of multiple fixed-frequency transceivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the frequency setting adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the operating frequency of the first transceiver based on real-time measurement of subcutaneous fat thickness and calculation of the appropriate parameter, allowing a single transceiver to adapt to different measurement conditions that would otherwise require multiple fixed-frequency devices.
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 easy selection of a suitable frequency for accurate elasticity measurement by identifying the appropriate transceiver or frequency based on calculated parameters, improving diagnostic accuracy by reducing signal attenuation and overpenetration.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator for applying mechanical vibration to a subject
Implementation Method 2
a first transceiver for performing transmission/reception of first ultrasound for detecting shear waves generated in said subject by said mechanical vibration
Implementation Method 3
a second transceiver for performing transmission/reception of second ultrasound different from said first ultrasound to/from said subject
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic system comprises: a first transceiver for performing transmission/reception of first ultrasound for detecting shear waves generated in a subject by mechanical vibration; a second transceiver for performing transmission/reception of second ultrasound to/from the subject; a computing section for calculating a value of a parameter affecting a frequency of the first ultrasound to be transmitted from the first transceiver based on echo signals obtained by transmission/reception of the second ultrasound; an identifying section for identifying one first transceiver from among a plurality of kinds of first transceivers each having a different frequency of said first ultrasound based on the value of said parameter; and a display device for displaying the first transceiver identified by the identifying section.