Ultrasound Motion Imaging via Phase Difference Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound systems face challenges in acquiring motion images efficiently, particularly when the region of interest is large, leading to decreased frame rates due to the time-consuming process of acquiring ensemble data.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound system generates transmit signals with different phases between frames, transmits and receives ultrasound signals, and processes the data to form motion data based on phase differences, enabling the creation of motion images that reflect the movement of target objects within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the region of interest size is increased, then the coverage area is improved, but the frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the region of interest into multiple smaller regions and processes them independently. By segmenting the large ROI into smaller sub-regions, the system can acquire ensemble data for each segment in parallel or with reduced time overhead, thereby maintaining higher frame rates while covering a larger total area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new processing dimension by creating motion images through phase difference analysis between frames. Instead of simply displaying B-mode images of the entire ROI, the system processes phase information across time frames to extract motion data, enabling efficient representation of motion over larger regions without proportionally increasing acquisition time.
2Measurement precision
If ensemble data acquisition time is increased, then the motion image quality is improved, but the acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for motion detection from traditional ensemble data averaging to phase difference analysis between frames. By using phase differences as the key parameter, the system can extract motion information more efficiently without requiring as much ensemble data, thereby improving motion image quality while reducing acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical process of acquiring and averaging large amounts of ensemble data with a more efficient phase-based processing approach. Instead of mechanically collecting and processing extensive time-series data, the system uses phase difference calculations to directly extract motion information, reducing the computational and temporal burden.
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 allows for the efficient generation of motion images, improving frame rates and enabling accurate representation of object motion without significant increases in acquisition time, even for larger regions of interest.
Implementation Method 1
a Doppler mode (D mode) image representing speed of a moving object with spectral Doppler by using a Doppler effect
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments for providing a motion image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to form transmit signals having different phases between a nth frame and a (n+1)th frame, transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object based on the transmit signals to output ultrasound data; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit, the processing unit being configured to form motion data corresponding to motion of the target object based on a phase difference between the ultrasound data corresponding to the nth frame and the ultrasound data corresponding to the (n+1)th frame, and form a motion image corresponding to the motion of the target object based on the motion data.