Ultrasound Doppler Angle Correction Without Imaging
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound velocimetry devices require expensive imaging capabilities and trained operators to accurately measure blood flow velocity, as they need to determine and correct for the Doppler angle between the ultrasound beam and blood flow, which is typically limited to below 60° for accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers to calculate the Doppler angle and correct blood flow velocity measurements without imaging functionality, allowing for economical blood velocimetry that can be performed by non-specialized users, by processing reflected ultrasound energy and generating three-dimensional arrays to identify vessel locations and calculate the angle between the ultrasound beam and blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasound imaging capabilities are used to determine Doppler angle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of Doppler angle determination from the complex imaging system. By using only the ultrasound transducer array and signal processing capabilities to directly calculate the Doppler angle from received signals, the invention removes the need for expensive imaging subsystems while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified computational model that copies the essential functionality of imaging-based angle determination. By processing ultrasound signals to generate a representation of blood flow and calculating the Doppler angle through signal analysis rather than visual imaging, the system achieves the same measurement goal with reduced complexity.
2Reliability
If trained radiologists operate ultrasound velocimetry devices, then measurement reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the ultrasound device to automatically perform Doppler angle determination and blood flow velocity calculation without requiring expert interpretation. The system processes signals, identifies blood flow directions, calculates angles, and provides corrected velocity measurements autonomously, making the device usable by non-specialized personnel while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of expert radiologist interpretation with an automated computational system. The signal processing unit automatically analyzes ultrasound signals, determines Doppler angles, and corrects velocity measurements, substituting human expertise with algorithmic processing that achieves the same reliability without requiring trained operators.
3Ease of operation
If Doppler angle is not determined and corrected, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically determining the Doppler angle and applying corrections before final velocity measurement is displayed. The system proactively calculates the angle between the ultrasound beam and blood flow direction and uses this information to correct the velocity measurement, ensuring accuracy is built into the measurement process itself rather than requiring post-processing by the operator.
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 accurate blood flow velocity measurements without the need for expensive imaging devices or trained operators, providing a cost-effective and user-friendly method for assessing blood flow in various medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
In ultrasonic velocimetry the velocity of blood flow is measured by the use of Doppler shift experienced by pulsed ultrasound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an ultrasound device for measuring blood flow velocity in a blood vessel of a subject without imaging functionality in the device. The measurement depends upon reflections of a collimated beam of ultrasound from a subject's body part. Received electrical signals representative of the reflected ultrasound energy is used for generating a representation of blood flow at a plurality of predetermined locations in the volume and calculating a first blood flow velocity at each of the locations. The representation of flow is used for delineating the blood flow in the blood vessel in the volume. An angle calculating unit calculates the Doppler angle between the direction of the radiated collimated beam in the delineated blood flow at each point. A velocity calculator calculates a second blood flow velocity at the plurality of points based on the calculated first velocities and the calculated angle at the point.