Acoustic Wave Processing Apparatus for Consistent Image Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in maintaining consistent image brightness and frame rate when the ultrasonic probe or transmit conditions are changed, leading to increased operational complexity and longer examination times due to variations in data superimposition and processing.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic wave processing apparatus with a data processing unit that selects and superimposes multiple data pieces through phasing addition, an image generation unit that generates images based on processed data, a display control unit for image display, and a setting information holding unit that manages settings for the transmitting, receiving, data processing, and image generation units, allowing for seamless changes in measurement conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multi-line processing is performed with a fixed number of superimposed data pieces, then image processing is simplified, but image brightness and frame rate vary significantly when probe or transmit conditions are changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of superimposed data pieces variable rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts the number of data pieces to be superimposed in multi-line processing based on the actual probe type and transmit conditions being used. This allows the processing parameters to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining consistent image brightness and frame rate across different probes and settings while keeping the processing framework itself relatively simple.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the number of superimposed data pieces is increased to maintain consistent image brightness, then image quality stability improves, but processing time increases and frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the number of superimposed data pieces based on the specific probe type and transmit conditions. Rather than using a fixed high number that would always ensure brightness consistency but reduce frame rate, the system changes this parameter adaptively - using fewer superimpositions when conditions allow and more when needed to maintain brightness consistency. This optimal parameter selection maintains image quality stability while preserving frame rate.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual re-setting is performed each time probe or transmit conditions are changed, then processing accuracy is maintained, but operational complexity increases and examination time lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust the number of superimposed data pieces based on the detected probe type and transmit conditions. When a probe or transmit conditions change, the system automatically reconfigures the multi-line processing parameters without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This maintains processing accuracy through adaptive parameter selection while significantly improving ease of operation and reducing examination time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the number of superimposed data pieces is dynamically adjusted based on probe and transmit conditions, then image brightness consistency is maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between probe types, transmit conditions, and the optimal number of superimposed data pieces. The system has predetermined settings or lookup tables that map specific probe configurations and transmit parameters to the appropriate number of superimpositions. When a probe or transmit condition changes, the system simply retrieves or selects from these pre-determined settings rather than performing complex real-time calculations, thus maintaining image brightness consistency while minimizing the increase in processing complexity.
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
Prevents large changes in image brightness and frame rate when the probe or transmit conditions are changed, simplifying operations and reducing examination time by maintaining consistent image quality through controlled data processing and display adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a probe unit having a plurality of elements arranged therein, the probe unit being configured to transmit an acoustic wave beam, receive an acoustic wave echo
Implementation Method 2
first reception data generated by performing phasing addition processing on the plurality of pieces of first element data
Data Source
AI summary
There are included a data-processing-unit that selects two or more pieces of data from among a plurality of pieces of first element data or from among a plurality of pieces of first reception data generated by subjecting the pieces of first element data to phasing addition processing and that performs superimposition processing on the two or more pieces of data to generate processed data, an image-generation-unit that generates an acoustic wave image on the basis of the processed data, a setting-information-holding-unit that holds setting information on at least one of a transmitting-unit, a receiving-unit, the data-processing-unit, the-image-generation-unit, and a display-control-unit, and a setting-changing-unit that, in a case where a measurement condition is changed, changes setting of at least one of the transmitting-unit, the receiving-unit, the data-processing-unit, the image-generation-unit, and the display-control-unit on the basis of the held setting information, the setting being related to the acoustic wave image generated on the basis of the processed data.