The long term objective of this project is to develop a new and novel test object which will allow for the quantitative performance evaluation of ultrasonic Doppler flow imaging systems. It is postulated that, if such a test object was made commercially available for the medical ultrasound field, it would be possible to (1) provide a quantitative means for assessing signal detectability, (2) provide a means for assessing the ability of the instrument to accurately measure flow rates ranging from very low flow velocities to very high velocities, and (3) remain stable and reliable over time, particularly when compared to existing test objects. Accomplishing these goals could eventually result in improved equipment and/or measurement procedures. The proposal describes the theory of operation and then relates that theory to a mathematical definition of performance. The proposal finally describes the design, construction, and testing of a prototype device.Proposed commercial application:It is envisioned that these test objects be made commercially available to the field of medical ultrasound. The devices should be of importance to hospital physicists and clinical engineers interested in characterizing imager performance and quality assurance. They should also be of importance to design and service engineers in order to help optimize the systems that they are responsible for.National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
