Ultrasound Speed of Sound Estimation via Interface Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the speed of sound inside a mammal's liver for diagnosing hepatic steatosis are inaccurate due to reliance on predetermined information about intermediate regions and failure to account for medium inhomogeneity, leading to marginal error detection.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound imaging system that determines the speed of sound inside a target region by sensing backscattered waves, processing unit to calculate the position of the interface between intermediate and target regions, and using beamforming algorithms to estimate the first and target speeds of sound, accounting for the interface position and inhomogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If correction of aberrations is applied using iterative focusing algorithm, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the medium into distinct regions (intermediate region and target region) with different speed of sound characteristics. By determining the speed of sound in the intermediate region first and using it as a known parameter for the target region, the complex iterative focusing algorithm is avoided while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed of sound in the intermediate region is determined beforehand as a preliminary step. This pre-determined parameter is then used in the calculation for the target region, eliminating the need for repeated iterative computations and reducing overall computational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual estimation of thickness and speed of sound in intermediate region is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the speed of sound in the intermediate region using ultrasound measurements, eliminating the need for manual estimation. The intermediate region's parameters are self-determined through the measurement process itself, improving precision without adding operational complexity.
3Productivity
If global speed of sound measurement is performed without accounting for intermediate region, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into two sequential steps: first determining the speed of sound in the intermediate region, then using that information to determine the speed of sound in the target region. This segmentation allows for precise measurements without requiring complex iterative algorithms, maintaining productivity while improving precision.
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 method provides an accurate estimation of the target speed of sound, enabling the detection of small variations and improving the diagnostic relevance of ultrasound techniques for hepatic steatosis detection.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound system having a probe that is put into contact with outer surface of the medium... transmit ultrasound waves into the medium... sense backscattered waves
Implementation Method 2
sensing backscattered waves... excitation waves being backscattered in the medium toward the probe
Implementation Method 3
using beamforming algorithms to estimate the first and target speeds of sound... processing unit to calculate the position of the interface... taking into account the position of the interface and the first speed of sound
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (40) for determining a target speed of sound inside a target region of a medium using an ultrasound imaging system. The method comprises the steps of determining a position of an interface in the medium, determining a first speed of sound of an intermediate region above the interface, and determining a target speed of sound inside a target region below the interface based on at least some of sensed signals and taking into account the position of the interface and the first speed of sound.