Ultrasonic Strain Analysis Frame Selection via Time Phase Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face difficulties in determining the appropriate frame for strain information in ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, even with reference information, as it is challenging to identify the correct time phase for strain distribution analysis.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a signal processing unit, an indicator calculating unit, and a controller that generate and display strain information along with a candidate time phase indicator, allowing operators to easily identify suitable frames for diagnosis by ranking and displaying candidate time phases based on tissue mean moving velocity or other statistical values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reference information (waveform display) is provided to help operators judge strain information appropriateness, then the operator's ability to judge strain quality is improved, but the operator still cannot easily determine the specific frame time for appropriate strain information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous waveform reference information into discrete time phase markers that correspond to specific frames. By dividing the waveform into identifiable time points (such as peak compression, peak release, neutral positions), the operator can easily locate and select specific frames for strain analysis, transforming an continuous judgment task into a discrete selection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces time phase markers as an intermediary element between the waveform reference information and the frame selection process. These markers serve as visual cues that bridge the gap between the continuous waveform display and the discrete frame selection, making it easier for operators to identify appropriate frames without directly analyzing the entire waveform.
2Measurement precision
If operators manually analyze waveforms to determine appropriate strain information frames, then accurate frame selection is possible, but the time and complexity required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing by pre-identifying and marking key time phases (compression peaks, release peaks, neutral positions) in the waveform before the operator needs to select frames. This preliminary annotation of critical time points eliminates the need for operators to manually analyze the entire waveform, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining accurate frame selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of waveform analysis with an automated computer-based system that automatically identifies time phases and generates markers. This substitution of automated processing for manual analysis dramatically reduces the time and cognitive load required while improving consistency and accuracy in frame selection.
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 solution enables operators to promptly and accurately select appropriate strain information frames, improving the efficiency of strain analysis and diagnosis by providing clear indicators of pressure and release states within the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a reflection wave signal of an ultrasonic wave which is transmitted into a subject
Implementation Method 2
a moving velocity of a tissue is detected by Doppler method
Implementation Method 3
a displacement of a tissue between adjacent frames is detected based on cross-correlation of reception radio frequency (RF) signals
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a signal processing unit, an indicator calculating unit, a storage unit and a controller. The signal processing unit generates, based on a reflection wave signal of an ultrasonic wave that is transmitted into a subject, strain information about a strain of a tissue that is pressured and released in the subject in chronological order. The indicator calculating unit calculates an indicator of a state of pressure and release to the tissue at generation of the strain information. The storage unit stores a time phase at generation of the strain information and the indicator at generation of the strain information in an associated manner. The controller extracts a candidate time phase being a time phase of a candidate based on the indicator associated with each of the time phase.