Abstract:

This paper describes the development of a non-invasive system for characterizing tissue dynamics. The system combines medical ultrasound imaging with an optical tracking system and a vertical exciter that can impart whole-body vibrations on seated subjects. Tissue motion was extracted from the ultrasound images, and in combination with the optical tracker data, the frequency response of the tissue was calculated based on the commanded vibration of the seat and the resultant motion of the tissue. Dynamics of abdominal organs and the upper leg were characterized using the developed system. The ultrasound imaging method presented here will provide insight into the dynamics of soft tissues, as well as their boundary conditions with surrounding organ systems. The identified characteristics can be utilized for surgical planning and simulation as well as for validating a finite element model that is being developed to predict vehicular ride comfort in the early stages of automobile design.