Mmode Ultrasound Imaging Interpolation for Trace Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mmode ultrasonic imaging methods face challenges in maintaining image continuity due to low frame rates, especially when imaging fast-moving organs like the heart, often resulting in non-continuous traces and reduced diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a sample line on a bmode image, converting bmode data into mmode lines, and interpolating additional mmode lines between adjacent ones based on echo data from corresponding sample points, ensuring continuous mmode image display without lowering the bmode frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mmode imaging is performed using dedicated mmode probe positions and directions, then mmode image quality is improved, but the procedure complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-acquired bmode image data to generate mmode images by extracting echo information along defined sample lines. This copying approach allows mmode imaging to be performed without dedicated mmode probe positioning, as the mmode data is derived from the bmode dataset, thereby simplifying the procedure while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables a single bmode imaging procedure to serve multiple purposes: generating both standard bmode images and mmode images from the same dataset. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mmode probe positioning and imaging procedures, reducing overall procedure complexity while maintaining diagnostic quality for both imaging modes
2Productivity
If bmode images are acquired at low frame rate, then the frame rate is maintained, but the continuity of mmode traces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary interpolation calculations to generate intermediate mmode traces between the actual low-frame-rate bmode images. By pre-calculating these intermediate traces using echo data from adjacent images, the system maintains continuous visual representation of moving structures without requiring higher acquisition frame rates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interpolated intermediate traces as mediators between the discrete low-frame-rate bmode images. These intermediate traces fill the temporal gaps, providing continuous visual information that bridges the discontinuities caused by low frame rate acquisition, thereby maintaining trace continuity without degrading the original frame rate
3Adaptability or versatility
If the heart moves at varying angles relative to the ultrasonic beam, then the imaging adapts to motion, but the echo signal intensity varies and trace brightness becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary correction of echo signal intensities by comparing the brightness of corresponding sample points across adjacent images. By calculating the intensity variation in advance and applying compensation before final image generation, the system pre-corrects for angle-related intensity variations, ensuring uniform trace brightness despite heart motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the brightness of echo signals from corresponding sample points in adjacent images is compared and used to adjust subsequent measurements. This feedback loop compensates for intensity variations caused by changing angles, maintaining consistent trace brightness by continuously adapting to motion-induced signal changes
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 the visual continuity of mmode images, maintaining the desired frame rate and improving diagnostic accuracy by providing continuous traces of organ movement without degrading bmode image quality.
Implementation Method 1
receiving echoes reflected from interfaces between tissues and organs having different acoustic characteristic impedances
Implementation Method 2
transmitting ultrasonic into a human body and receiving echoes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a mmode imaging method and apparatus for an ultrasonic diagnosis device to increase the continuity of the displayed mmode images. The mmode imaging method of the invention comprises steps: define a sample line on a frame of bmode image, so as to select bmode data of sample points constituting the sample line; convert the bmode data of the sample points obtained from two consecutive frames of bmode image into two of mmode lines arranged in time order in a mmode image; at predetermined positions between the two mmode lines, generate mmode data that constitute at least one mmode lines based on the echo data of corresponding sample points on the two mmode lines; and image the mmode data in time sequence.