Ultrasound Imaging Parameter Optimization via Attenuation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in obtaining appropriate images for diagnosis due to the variability in patient anatomy, examination techniques, and imaging parameters, leading to increased examination time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound imaging apparatus incorporates a receiver, feature value detector, signal-image processor, and controller to optimize imaging parameters in real-time based on frequency-dependent attenuation characteristics of ultrasound waves, allowing for adaptive image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of imaging parameters is performed for each examination, then diagnostic image quality can be optimized, but examination time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines imaging parameters by detecting feature values from received ultrasound signals and selecting appropriate parameters from stored sets based on the detected features. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual parameter adjustment by the examiner, allowing the system to adapt to different patients and examination conditions automatically while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes imaging parameters dynamically by selecting different parameter sets based on detected feature values. The controller switches between multiple stored imaging parameter sets according to the detected characteristics of the ultrasound signals, enabling automatic adaptation to varying tissue properties and examination conditions without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of imaging parameters are adjusted manually, then image optimization is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines imaging parameters by detecting feature values from received ultrasound signals and selecting appropriate parameters from stored sets based on the detected features. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual parameter adjustment by the examiner, allowing the system to adapt to different patients and examination conditions automatically while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple imaging parameter sets are prepared and stored in advance before the actual examination. The system selects from these pre-prepared sets based on detected feature values, eliminating the need for real-time manual adjustment of multiple parameters during the examination process.
3Productivity
If conventional automatic imaging setting is used, then examination time is reduced, but image quality becomes insufficient due to inability to cover all patient and examination variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects imaging parameters based on real-time detection of feature values from ultrasound signals. Rather than using fixed parameter sets, the system adapts parameter selection to the actual tissue characteristics and examination conditions detected during each examination, maintaining both efficiency and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from detected feature values to determine which imaging parameter set to select. The feature value detector continuously monitors the ultrasound signals and provides feedback to the controller, which then selects appropriate parameters based on the detected characteristics, ensuring optimal image quality for each specific examination condition.
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 enables the generation of high-diagnostic-performance images while reducing examination time and complexity by optimizing parameters according to the specific state of the target tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a feature value indicating a frequency-dependent characteristic of attenuation of the ultrasound wave associated with propagation of the ultrasound wave through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasound imaging apparatus capable of reducing examination time with optimizing parameters on an examination basis. A subject is irradiated with an ultrasound wave, and a plurality of ultrasound transducers receives the ultrasound wave from the subject to obtain received signals. A feature value is calculated from the received signals, the feature value indicating a frequency-dependent characteristic of attenuation of the ultrasound wave, associated with propagation of the ultrasound wave through the subject. A predetermined processing is performed on the received signals using one or more received-signal processing parameters to generate an image. An image processing is performed on the generated image using one or more image processing parameters. Values of the received-signal processing parameter and the image processing parameter are determined based on the feature value.