Ultrasonic Strain Imaging Synchronization via Acceleration Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ultrasonic diagnosis, especially during tissue strain imaging (TSI) for soft tissues like mammary glands, there is no guaranteed synchronization of the time phase for strain computation with deformation motion, leading to suboptimal strain images and unclear compression/release phases due to the lack of a proper reference signal.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and processing system that acquires and generates reference information by calculating average tissue velocity and creating a reference waveform, allowing for synchronized strain computation and visualization of tissue deformation during compression and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression and release are performed by probe without reference signal, then elastic imaging can be performed on soft tissue, but the time phase for strain computation cannot be synchronized with deformation motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acceleration sensor as an intermediary device that detects the compression/release motion of the probe. This sensor serves as a mediator between the mechanical compression action and the strain computation process, providing objective timing information that synchronizes the strain calculation with the actual deformation phases of the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the acceleration sensor to detect compression/release phases and then using this detected information to control the timing of strain computation. The computed strain results are also fed back to update the reference waveform, creating a continuous improvement loop that enhances synchronization accuracy over time.
2Force
If probe compression is used for deformation, then dynamic load can be applied to tissue, but the compression/release phase cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor acts as an intermediary that captures and records the compression/release phase information that would otherwise be lost. By detecting the acceleration patterns during probe compression, the system preserves this critical timing information for subsequent strain computation and reference waveform updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical judgment of compression phases with objective electronic detection using an acceleration sensor. This substitution transforms the mechanical compression process into an electronically monitored event, allowing precise recognition and recording of compression/release phases without relying on operator interpretation.
3Ease of operation
If no reference signal is available, then probe operation is simple, but optimal strain image cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor serves as an intermediary that automatically provides reference timing information without complicating the probe operation. The sensor is integrated into the probe handle, allowing it to detect compression phases passively during normal operation without requiring additional user actions or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically using the acceleration sensor data to determine compression phases and update reference waveforms without requiring manual intervention. The strain computation process automatically synchronizes with detected deformation phases, and the reference waveform is automatically updated from computed strain results, maintaining image quality without increasing operational 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
Enables the generation of high-quality strain images by determining optimal time phases for strain computation and displaying reference information in real-time, improving the accuracy and clarity of tissue deformation visualization.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe 11 which transmits ultrasonic waves to an object and receives reflected waves from the object as echo signals
Implementation Method 2
includes a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators which convert reflected waves from an object to be examined into electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
The average velocity of a tissue is calculated for each frame in accordance with compression/release, and a reference waveform is generated by using the calculated velocity. A time phase in which the average velocity becomes 0 is specified by the reference waveform. In strain computation, time integration is performed for strain computation in a compression period or a release period with reference to the specified stationary time phase. This can properly and automatically visualize how the contraction of the tissue is accumulated from the start of compression or the contraction of the tissue becomes maximum in a compression end time phase in a compression period and how the tissue expands from the start of release or the expansion of the tissue becomes maximum in a release end time phase in a release time phase.