Coherent spread-spectrum coded waveforms in synthetic aperture image formation

Abstract

Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for synthetic aperture ultrasound imaging using spread-spectrum, wide instantaneous band, coherent, coded waveforms. In one aspect, a method includes synthesizing a composite waveform formed of a plurality of individual orthogonal coded waveforms that are mutually orthogonal to each other, correspond to different frequency bands and including a unique frequency with a corresponding phase; transmitting an acoustic wave based on the composite waveform toward a target from one or more transmitting positions; and receiving at one or more receiving positions acoustic energy returned from at least part of the target corresponding to the transmitted acoustic waveforms, in which the transmitting and receiving positions each include one or both of spatial positions of an array of transducer elements relative to the target and beam phase center positions of the array, and the transmitted acoustic waveforms and the returned acoustic waveforms produce an enlarged effective aperture.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This patent document claims priority and benefit to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 877884, filed September 13, 2013, entitled "COHERENTSPREADSPECTRUMCODEDWAVEFORMSINSYNTHETICAPERTUREIMAGEFORMATION," which is hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] This patent document relates to sonic image formation. Background technique [0004] Acoustic imaging is an imaging modality that uses the properties of sound waves passing through a medium to present a visual image. High-frequency acoustic images have been used for decades as an imaging modality in a variety of biomedical fields to view the internal structure and function of animals and humans. High frequency sound waves used in biomedical imaging can operate at different frequencies (eg, between 1 and 20 MHz, or even higher frequencies) and are commonly referred to as ultrasound. Several factors, including insufficient spatial resolution and tissue d...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Several factors, including insufficient spatial resolution and tissue differentiation, can lead to suboptimal image quality using conventional techniques of ultrasound imaging, which can limit its use in many clinical indications or applications

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