Apparatus and method for characterization of a ductile membrane, surface, and sub-surface properties
Inventors
Moehring, Mark A. • Gates, George A. • Chesavage, Jay • Singh, Rahul
Assignees
Oto Nexus Medical Technologies Inc • Otonexus Medical Technologies Inc
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Publication Number
US-11660074-B2
Publication Date
2023-05-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
An ultrasound signal processor uses an excitation generator to cause displacement of a membrane or surface while a series of ultrasound pulses are applied to the membrane or surface. Phase differences between a transmitted signal and received signal are examined to determine the movement of the membrane or surface in response to the applied excitation. An examination of the phase response of the membrane or surface provides a determination as to whether the fluid type behind the membrane or surface is one of: no fluid, serum fluid, or purulent fluid.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a non-contact material characterization system for an elastic surface or a volume of material adjacent to the elastic surface. An excitation generator generates a non-contact displacement force directed to the elastic surface or the volume adjacent to the elastic surface, and the system determines a displacement of the elastic surface or the volume in response to the non-contact displacement force.
The system includes an ultrasound transducer that directs a transmit ultrasound signal to the elastic surface or the volume through a gas phase medium. The ultrasound transducer receives a reflected ultrasound signal from the elastic surface or the volume through the gas phase medium, and a processor determines the displacement based on the reflected ultrasound signal.
The invention addresses the determination of mechanical properties and fluid state behind the elastic surface using non-contact excitation together with gas-coupled ultrasound. The processor compares aspects of transmitted and reflected ultrasound signals to form a displacement measurement and then uses the displacement measurement to determine elasticity, viscosity, ductility, and/or hardness.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies two independent claims that cover a non-contact material characterization system and a method for measurement of an elastic surface. The independent claims share a common inventive core: non-contact displacement force, ultrasound transmission through a gas phase medium, reflected-signal based displacement measurement, and determination of displacement followed by elasticity or viscosity evaluation.
Non-contact displacement force applied to elastic surface or adjacent volume
The system comprises an excitation generator configured to generate a non-contact displacement force directed to an elastic surface or to a volume of material adjacent to the elastic surface.
Gas-phase medium ultrasound transmission and reflected-signal reception
The system comprises an ultrasound transducer configured to direct a transmit ultrasound signal to the elastic surface or to the volume and receive a reflected ultrasound signal through a gas phase medium.
Displacement determination from displacement force and reflected ultrasound signal
A processor coupled to the ultrasound transducer is configured to determine a displacement of the elastic surface or the volume in response to the non-contact displacement force and the reflected ultrasound signal.
Non-contact force, gas-phase ultrasound, and transmitted vs reflected comparison to form displacement measurement
The method provides a non-contact displacement force to the elastic surface or to a volume adjacent to the elastic surface, transmits ultrasound energy from a transducer through a gas phase medium, receives a reflected ultrasound signal, and compares at least one of an amplitude or a phase of the transmitted ultrasound energy to at least one of an amplitude or a phase of the reflected ultrasound signal to form a displacement measurement.
Elasticity or viscosity calculated from displacement measurement
The method calculates an elasticity or a viscosity from the displacement measurement in response to the non-contact displacement force.
Across both independent claims, the coverage is directed to non-contact displacement excitation and ultrasound transmission through a gas phase medium, where displacement is determined from reflected ultrasound signals or transmitted-to-reflected amplitude and phase comparisons, followed by calculating elasticity or viscosity from the displacement measurement.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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