Ultrasound Patch B-Mode Gain Optimization for Hemodynamic Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable ultrasound patches for arterial hemodynamic analysis are sensitive to position and often use non-optimal preset parameter values, leading to poor quality data streams and unreliable assessments due to lack of real-time visualization and manual tuning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine a B-mode gain value for ultrasound hemodynamic analysis by adjusting the gain to achieve a target entropy range and maximizing the contrast-to-noise ratio in the region of interest, enabling accurate and stable imaging without manual operator intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If preset parameter values are used for ultrasound patch, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter adjustment complexityVSAvoidhemodynamic parameter assessment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound patch automatically determines optimal B-mode gain values using entropy-based algorithms and contrast-to-noise ratio optimization, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The system self-adjusts parameters to ensure high-quality images for hemodynamic analysis while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the B-mode gain parameter based on calculated entropy values and contrast-to-noise ratios. By automatically optimizing this critical parameter, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex manual parameter adjustment by the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual tuning of ultrasound parameters is enabled, then image quality improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound patch performs automatic parameter optimization using entropy-based algorithms, eliminating the need for manual tuning by operators. The system independently determines optimal B-mode gain values, ensuring high image quality while maintaining simplicity of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses real-time feedback from entropy calculations and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements to automatically adjust B-mode gain parameters. This closed-loop control ensures optimal image quality without requiring operator intervention or specialized skills.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If real-time visualization system is added, then parameter optimization capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter optimization accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasound patch incorporates automatic entropy-based optimization algorithms that independently determine optimal parameters without requiring external visualization systems. This self-service capability achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of additional hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the need for mechanical/visual manual parameter tuning with automated computational algorithms. Entropy calculations and contrast-to-noise ratio optimization are performed programmatically, eliminating the need for complex visualization systems while achieving superior parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4380460B1Method and system for ultrasound parameter identification
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4380460B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4380460B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4380460B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

:Concepts for the identifcation of a gain parameter value for ultrasound hemodynamic analysis are proposed. Overall, an output B-mode gain value may be determined which can be used to produce a B-mode ultrasound image having an optimized contrast-to-noise ratio in a region of interest of the ultrasound image. The global B-mode gain may be adjusted, resulting in an improvement of the contrast-to-noise ratio in the region of interest. Using the proposed concept(s), an output B-mode gain may be automatically generated which is suitable for hemodynamic analysis of a blood vessel of a subject, without the need for intervention by a skilled operator.