YB-scan Transducer for Tissue Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound diagnostic methods fail to provide an objective and reliable method for differentiating tissue types due to the dependency of reflected echo-signal amplitudes on interference phenomena, angle of incidence, and geometry, making it difficult to integrate two-dimensional B-scan visualization with two-frequency attenuation techniques for accurate tissue characterization.
Innovation Solution
A novel transducer system that combines two-dimensional B-scan imaging with two-frequency tissue characterization, allowing for the simultaneous generation of B-scan images and two-frequency tissue characterization data, using a versatile transducer that can switch between B-mode and A-mode operations, enabling the use of high-resolution B-scan images as a guiding image for accurate tissue type determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional B-scan transducers are used for two-dimensional visualization, then imaging capability is improved, but the ability to obtain objective attenuation information deteriorates due to interference phenomena and angle dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements that can be selectively activated. By dividing the array into sub-arrays and controlling their individual phase and amplitude, the system can synthesize focused beams at specific angles and positions, enabling precise attenuation measurements while maintaining two-dimensional imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular dimension control by independently adjusting the phase and amplitude of each transducer element. This adds a dimensional degree of freedom that allows the system to steer and focus ultrasound beams in specific directions, transforming the conventional planar imaging into a three-dimensional space-angle-domain measurement system that can isolate and measure attenuation along specific paths.
2Device complexity
If a single transducer is used for both B-scan imaging and two-frequency attenuation measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of tissue characterization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal transducer array that can perform multiple functions: conventional B-scan imaging, two-frequency attenuation measurement, and tissue characterization. By implementing software-controlled beam forming and signal processing algorithms, the same physical transducer structure can be dynamically reconfigured to perform different measurement modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transducers while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer system employs dynamic control of element activation, phase shifting, and amplitude modulation. The system can dynamically switch between different operating modes (imaging mode, attenuation measurement mode, tissue characterization mode) by adjusting the excitation parameters of individual elements, allowing a single static physical structure to perform multiple dynamic functions with high reliability.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If reflected echo-signal amplitudes are used for tissue differentiation, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference phenomena and geometry dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional approach of using simple reflected echo-signal amplitudes with a more sophisticated acoustic field manipulation system. By using phased array technology to control the propagation, reflection, and reception of ultrasound waves, the system substitutes direct amplitude measurement with controlled beam forming and time-delayed signal integration, which eliminates interference effects and geometry dependency while maintaining measurement simplicity through automated processing.
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 improves the quality of ultrasound diagnostic examinations by providing non-invasive, objective attenuation data for tissue characterization, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by integrating B-scan and two-frequency attenuation methods, allowing for precise differentiation of tissue types.
Implementation Method 1
Two-Frequency Attenuation technique
Implementation Method 2
calculate a differential attenuation coefficient of the tissue through formula I
Implementation Method 3
a combined transducer which can integrate a two-dimensional (YB-scan and B-scan) visualization technique with an A-mode transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A systems and methods for tissue characterization using ultrasound are disclosed. One embodiment is for a system with a novel YB-scan transducer. The YB transducer is comprised of a plurality of separate and independent piezo-elements. The system is configured to scan a tissue or organ using two different frequencies to produce 2D images and two-frequency attenuation data to characterize tissue types. Other embodiments are presented permitting conventional B-scan imaging combined with A-mode scanning for two-frequency tissue characterization.