Wave Propagation Speed Evaluation via Phase Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating wave propagation speed in media, such as in ultrasound imaging, are computationally intensive and not suitable for real-time applications, leading to defocusing and increased clutter due to inaccurate estimations.
Innovation Solution
A method that evaluates wave propagation speed based on phase properties of spatio-temporal signal data, allowing for faster, more reliable, and computationally less expensive processing without the need for beamforming or complex data processing, using pre-beamformed data and phase properties like sign proportions and evolution states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional beamforming methods with predetermined wave propagation speeds are used, then image processing can be performed, but image quality deteriorates due to defocusing and increased clutter from inaccurate speed estimations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for wave propagation speed evaluation from traditional amplitude-based or full beamforming methods to phase properties of spatio-temporal signal data. This parameter change enables faster computation while maintaining accurate speed estimation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
2Measurement precision
If intricate mathematical operations and multiple iterations are performed to determine wave propagation speed, then speed estimation accuracy improves, but computational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential phase properties from the spatio-temporal signal data to evaluate wave propagation speed, rather than performing complete beamforming or intricate mathematical operations. This extraction approach maintains estimation accuracy while significantly reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing full beamforming operations or exhaustive iterative calculations, the patent applies partial action by evaluating only the phase properties of the received signal data. This partial approach achieves sufficient speed estimation accuracy without the excessive computational burden of complete processing.
3Productivity
If predetermined wave propagation speed values are used for different media, then processing speed is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to inhomogeneities in wave propagation speed within the medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static predetermined wave propagation speed values to dynamic evaluation of actual speed based on phase properties of received signals. This dynamic approach adapts to local variations in the medium while maintaining real-time processing capability, resolving the contradiction between productivity and measurement 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 approach results in higher image quality, reduced processing power requirements, and increased reproducibility, enabling better estimation of actual wave propagation speeds for improved medical imaging and tissue analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound transducer device (also referred to as an ultrasound probe) with a set of ultrasound transducer elements may be used. In the method, one or multiple transducers are used to transmit one or successively several ultrasound beam into a medium
Implementation Method 2
Then, in a reception operation a set of backscattered echo signals are received from the medium by the set of transducer elements
Implementation Method 3
beamforming may be understood as a signal processing technique that is achieved by combining elements in an antenna array (for example an ultrasound transducer) in such a way that the combined signals form constructive interferences
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method of evaluating an assumed wave propagation speed in a medium, the medium being associated with spatio-temporal signal data, wherein the method comprises: evaluating (e) the assumed wave propagation speed based on phase properties of the spatio-temporal signal data.