Acoustic Wave Device Artifact Suppression via Signal Width Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In acoustic wave devices, the presence of a photoacoustic wave generator at the distal end of insertion objects, such as puncture needles, can cause artifacts that obscure tissue images, making it difficult for users to accurately recognize the position of the insertion object within a tomographic image.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic wave device that includes a subject beam irradiator, an insertion object with a photoacoustic wave generator, and signal processing units to detect and adjust the signal width of the insertion object's image signal, ensuring that the image of the insertion object is displayed with a maximum width corresponding to a predetermined second signal width, thereby preventing artifacts and enhancing image recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photoacoustic wave generator is attached to the distal end of an insertion object to enable position confirmation, then the insertion object's position can be visualized, but artifacts occur that obscure tissue images and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful artifact signal from the photoacoustic wave generator by detecting its signal width and selectively excluding it from the displayed image, while preserving the useful tissue image data. This is achieved by comparing the detected signal width with a reference width and removing the artifact portion that exceeds the reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of signal width detection to identify and differentiate between the insertion object signal and artifact signals. By detecting the width of the photoacoustic signal and comparing it with a reference width, the system can distinguish actual insertion object positions from artifact expansions and adjust the display accordingly.
2Loss of information
If the photoacoustic wave generator signal is displayed to show insertion object position, then position visibility is improved, but tissue recognition becomes difficult due to artifact expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary insertion object position information from the photoacoustic signal by detecting its width and comparing it with a reference. The artifact portion that causes expansion is separated and excluded, allowing position information to be displayed without the harmful artifact expansion that obscures tissue recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different portions of the signal differently - the insertion object signal within the reference width is preserved for position display, while the artifact signal exceeding the reference width is suppressed. This selective processing maintains position information visibility while eliminating tissue-obscuring artifacts.
3Manufacturing precision
If signal processing is performed to reduce artifact width, then tissue image clarity is improved, but the insertion object position may become less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal width parameter dynamically based on comparison with a reference width. By detecting the actual signal width and adjusting the display width accordingly, the system maintains precise insertion object positioning while preventing artifact expansion that would degrade image quality. The reference width serves as a calibration standard to balance both precision and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously detecting the photoacoustic signal width and comparing it with the reference width, then adjusting the displayed image width accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the insertion object position remains precisely indicated while artifact expansion is prevented, maintaining both measurement precision and image quality.
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
The solution allows for clear visualization of both the insertion object and the surrounding tissue, enabling accurate confirmation of the insertion object's position within the tomographic image, thereby improving user recognition and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a subject beam irradiator that irradiates an inside of a subject with an ultrasonic beam or laser beam to cause an acoustic wave to be emitted from a tissue of the subject
Implementation Method 2
an insertion object laser light source that irradiates the photoacoustic wave generator of the insertion object with laser beam to generate a photoacoustic wave from the photoacoustic wave generator
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic wave device includes: an insertion object having a photoacoustic wave generator; an insertion object image signal generator that generates an insertion object image signal from a reception signal of an acoustic wave from the photoacoustic wave generator; a first signal width detector that detects a first signal width of a portion of a predetermined signal strength in the insertion object image signal; and an insertion object display image signal generator that generates, in a case where the first signal width is larger than a second signal width, an insertion object display image signal of a width having a center at a peak position of the insertion object image signal and corresponding to the second signal width, and generates, in a case where the first signal width is smaller than the second signal width, an insertion object display image signal having a width smaller than the second signal width.