Viscoelasticity Measurement Reference Layer for Ultrasonic Strain Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in measuring viscoelastic characteristics of tissues, particularly in calculating viscosity distribution, due to complex probe structures and limited sensitivity in measuring strain distribution, which hinders accurate cancer diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A subject information acquisition apparatus with a viscoelasticity measurement reference layer having known viscosity and elastic modulus is used, allowing for the measurement of strain distributions in both the subject and the reference layer, enabling the calculation of viscosity coefficients and imaging of viscoelastic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is provided on the surface of the ultrasonic transducer to measure strain distribution, then viscosity calculation becomes possible, but the probe structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
A reference layer with known viscoelastic properties is introduced as an intermediary between the ultrasonic probe and the subject. This reference layer enables viscosity measurement through strain comparison without requiring direct pressure sensing integration in the probe, thus maintaining probe simplicity while achieving viscosity calculation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure sensor integration is replaced by using ultrasonic wave-based strain measurement through the reference layer. The viscoelastic properties are calculated by analyzing the strain distribution in the reference layer under applied pressure, substituting direct mechanical sensing with acoustic field-based measurement
2Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is inserted immediately below the ultrasonic probe, then pressure measurement is possible, but ultrasonic wave transmission and reception efficiency degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The reference layer serves as an intermediary that transmits both mechanical pressure and ultrasonic waves effectively. Its viscoelastic properties allow it to transmit strain information while maintaining good ultrasonic transmission, avoiding the need to insert sensors that would block or degrade wave propagation
Solution Approach 2:
Direct mechanical pressure sensing below the probe is replaced by ultrasonic-based strain measurement through the reference layer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical pressure sensors in the wave path, preserving ultrasonic transmission efficiency while enabling pressure and viscosity measurement through non-contact strain analysis
3Device complexity
If only elasticity distribution is displayed, then the apparatus configuration remains simple, but viscosity distribution measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The reference layer with known viscoelastic properties enables the apparatus to perform multiple functions: both elasticity measurement (through strain distribution analysis) and viscosity measurement (through strain comparison methods). This single reference layer approach provides universal measurement capability for both viscoelastic parameters without requiring separate measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the measurement approach from direct elasticity-only measurement to strain comparison methodology using the reference layer, the system gains the ability to calculate viscosity. The same strain measurement data is processed differently to extract both elastic and viscous properties, enabling versatile measurement capability while maintaining relatively simple apparatus configuration
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 high-sensitive and high-resolution strain distribution measurement, allowing for accurate imaging of viscoelastic characteristics, including viscosity and elasticity distributions, facilitating improved tissue diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion device which receives the elastic wave and converts the elastic wave into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
measures strain distribution by ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 3
measures strain (ε) of the subject and strain (εc) of the reference layer which are generated when a pressure is applied
Implementation Method 4
calculates values of elasticity and viscosity from the strain distribution and the pressure distribution
Implementation Method 5
calculates pressure (stress) applied to the pressure measuring deformation portion from a relationship between elastic modulus and strain
Data Source
AI summary
Viscoelastic characteristics in a subject are imaged by a simple method. A viscoelasticity measurement reference layer whose elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient are known is included between an ultrasonic wave transmitting/receiving probe and the subject and distributions of elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient inside the subject are calculated from a change over time of strain generated in the viscoelasticity measurement reference layer and the subject according to a pressure applied to the subject which changes over time and known elastic modulus and viscosity coefficient of the viscoelasticity measurement reference layer.