Coded Ultrasound Waveforms for Higher-Resolution Tissue Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound imaging techniques suffer from inadequate spatial resolution and tissue differentiation, limiting their effectiveness in clinical applications due to poor image quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms that provide wide instantaneous bandwidth for ultrasound diagnostics, enabling improved image resolution and tissue differentiation through the synthesis of composite waveforms and advanced signal processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound imaging techniques are used, then the imaging system is simple and easy to operate, but the spatial resolution and tissue differentiation are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitted ultrasound waveform is segmented into multiple frequency components, each modulated with distinct coded waveforms (frequency-coded and phase-coded). This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide instantaneous bandwidth and improved spatial resolution by processing different frequency bands separately through orthogonal waveforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically synthesizes composite waveforms by combining multiple orthogonal coded waveforms in real-time. The waveform synthesizers dynamically adjust the frequency and phase characteristics of each component waveform, enabling adaptive optimization of spatial resolution and tissue differentiation based on imaging requirements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasound waveforms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the image quality and tissue differentiation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The received echo signal is segmented into multiple frequency bands corresponding to the transmitted orthogonal waveforms. This segmentation enables the system to differentiate tissue characteristics by analyzing reflections from different frequency components, thereby improving tissue differentiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs excessive action by transmitting more frequency components and coded waveforms than conventional single-frequency ultrasound. This partial or excessive use of frequency spectrum and coding schemes provides redundant information that enhances tissue differentiation and image quality beyond conventional limits.
3Measurement precision
If spread spectrum coded waveforms with wide instantaneous bandwidth are used, then image resolution and tissue differentiation are improved, but the waveform synthesis and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple orthogonal coded waveforms into a single composite transmitted waveform and subsequently merges the corresponding received echoes. This combining approach allows the system to achieve wide instantaneous bandwidth and high image resolution while managing complexity through coherent integration of multiple signal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveform synthesizers are designed with multi-functionality to generate various types of orthogonal coded waveforms (frequency-coded, phase-coded) and to adaptively adjust waveform parameters. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by using a single versatile synthesizer rather than multiple specialized devices.
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
This approach enhances image quality, allowing for early detection of malignancies, reduces invasive procedures, and improves surgical precision by providing high-definition ultrasound images for accurate tissue localization and treatment guidance.
Implementation Method 1
Ultrasound imaging is an imaging modality that employs the properties of sound waves traveling through a medium
Implementation Method 2
receive a returned acoustic waveform that returns from at least part of the target
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for ultrasound diagnostics using spread spectrum, coherent, frequency- and/or phase-coded waveforms. In one aspect, a method includes synthesizing individual orthogonal coded waveforms to form a composite waveform for transmission toward a biological material of interest, in which the synthesized individual orthogonal coded waveforms correspond to distinct frequency bands and include one or both of frequency-coded or phase-coded waveforms; transmitting a composite acoustic waveform toward the biological material of interest, where the transmitting includes transducing the individual orthogonal coded waveforms into corresponding acoustic waveforms to form the composite acoustic waveform; receiving acoustic waveforms returned from at least part of the biological material of interest corresponding to at least some of the transmitted acoustic waveforms that form the composite acoustic waveform; and processing the received returned acoustic waveforms to produce an image of at least part of the biological material of interest.