Ultrasound Elastic Image Compression Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic ultrasound systems fail to objectively determine the compression state of body tissue during elastic image generation, leading to subjective diagnosis results that vary with examiner experience and proficiency, as they do not display compression state information alongside the elastic image.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to display both the elastic image and compression state information simultaneously, using pressure sensors or a reference deforming body to measure pressure and determine the compression state, allowing for objective diagnosis by indicating adequate, inadequate, or excessive compression through visual and audio feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compression force is applied to generate elastic image, then tissue elasticity information is obtained, but compression state cannot be objectively determined leading to subjective diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by displaying compression state information (pressure values, compression level indicators) alongside the elastic image. This allows examiners to see the actual compression conditions and adjust accordingly, transforming the subjective guessing process into an objective feedback-driven process that ensures reliable elasticity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the subjective mechanical judgment of compression adequacy with objective pressure sensor measurements and computational analysis. Pressure sensors quantify the compression force, and the system computationally determines compression state, substituting examiner intuition with precise mechanical measurement and calculation.
2Ease of operation
If compression is not monitored, then examination process is simple, but diagnostic results vary depending on examiner experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically monitoring compression state through pressure sensors and providing real-time feedback without requiring external intervention. The examination process becomes self-regulating, where the system itself tracks and reports compression conditions, eliminating variability caused by different examiner experiences while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual compression judgment with automated pressure sensing and computational analysis. The system mechanically measures compression force and computationally determines compression state, replacing examiner subjectivity with objective measurement and calculation processes that ensure consistent results across different users.
3Reliability
If compression state information is displayed, then objective diagnosis is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating pressure sensing and compression state analysis functions into the existing ultrasound elasticity imaging system. The pressure sensors and processing units serve multiple purposes: monitoring compression, guiding examination, and validating measurements, thereby reducing the relative impact of added complexity while enhancing diagnostic objectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces compression state information as an intermediary between the physical compression process and the final elasticity measurement. This intermediary layer of data (pressure values, compression level indicators) mediates the relationship between examiner actions and diagnostic results, enabling objective analysis without creating excessive complexity by building upon existing system architecture.
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 objective and definitive diagnosis by providing clear compression state feedback, ensuring consistent results regardless of examiner experience, and allows for the selection of optimal compression conditions for accurate imaging.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors are provided on the back of a transducer element unit of an ultrasound transducer, the pressure applied to the ultrasound transducer by compressing the subject is determined
Implementation Method 2
transmits an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasound transducer into a subject, receives a reflected echo signal, which is ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 3
determining the displacement in regions of the body caused by the compression on the basis of two sets of ultrasound image data measured at different times
Implementation Method 4
generating an elastic image representing the hardness or softness of the body tissue on basis of displacement data of the regions of the body... determining Young's modulus
Data Source
AI summary
To carry out objective or definitive diagnosis on the basis of an elastic image regardless of experience and proficiency, a method of displaying an elastic image includes the steps of measuring ultrasound cross-section data of a cross-section region of a subject by applying pressuring to the subject, determining a physical value correlating with the elasticity of tissue in the cross-section region on the basis of the ultrasound cross-section data, generating an elastic image of the cross-section region on the basis of the physical value and displaying the elastic image on a display device, determine compression state information relating to the compression state of the cross-section region on the basis of the pressure applied to the subject, and displaying the compression state information together with the elastic image on the display device.