Multi-Zone Ultrasound Imaging with Sub-Zone Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in effectively processing and displaying data across varying depths, leading to clutter and reduced range due to attenuation and frequency scattering, particularly in deeper tissue layers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone ultrasound imaging scheme utilizing three distinct depth zones with different transmit and receive beamforming schemes: Plane Wave Imaging (PWI) in the near-field, Tissue Harmonic Imaging (THI) in the mid-field, and fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging in the far-field, each optimized for specific depth ranges and frequency usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging scheme is used for all depth zones, then the imaging process is simple, but image quality deteriorates in deeper tissue layers due to attenuation and frequency scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging space is divided into three distinct depth zones (near-field, mid-field, far-field), each with its own optimized imaging scheme. Zone 1 (0-3.2 cm) uses multi-angle plane-wave imaging, Zone 2 (3.2-9.6 cm) uses focused transmits with Tissue Harmonic Imaging, and Zone 3 (9.6-19.2 cm) uses focused transmits with fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging. This segmentation allows each zone to be imaged with the most appropriate technique for its depth characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different imaging parameters and techniques are applied to different depth zones based on their specific requirements. Each zone uses customized transmit frequencies, focal depths, and beamforming approaches to optimize image quality for that specific depth range, rather than using a uniform approach for all depths.
2Measurement precision
If higher frequency ultrasound is used, then image resolution improves, but attenuation increases reducing imaging range
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmit frequency based on depth zone. Higher frequencies are used in shallower zones where penetration is less critical, while lower frequencies are used in deeper zones to reduce attenuation. The focal depth and beamforming parameters are also adjusted according to the specific zone being imaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency spectrum is effectively segmented across different depth zones, with each zone utilizing the frequency range most appropriate for its depth, thereby optimizing both resolution and penetration for each region.
3Length of stationary object
If focused transmits are used for deep imaging, then penetration improves, but field-of-view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The field-of-view is segmented into multiple focal zones, with each focused transmit targeting a specific depth range. By sequentially imaging multiple zones and combining the results, the system achieves both deep penetration and comprehensive coverage of the entire field-of-view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic focused transmissions at different focal depths to sequentially illuminate and image different zones within the field-of-view, ultimately constructing a complete deep-image through composite processing of these periodic acquisitions.
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 reduces clutter, increases imaging range, and enhances image quality by utilizing appropriate beamforming techniques and frequencies for each zone, resulting in improved tissue definition and boundary resolution across different depths.
Implementation Method 1
imaging a first zone by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals from an ultrasound array in the first zone using plane wave imaging
Implementation Method 2
imaging a second zone by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals from the ultrasound array in the second zone using tissue harmonic imaging
Implementation Method 3
imaging a third zone by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals from the ultrasound array in the third zone using fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of ultrasound imaging of an object that includes multiple depth zones. Each of the zones can be imaged using a different frequency, or the same frequency as another zone. A method includes imaging a first zone using plane wave imaging, imaging a second zone using tissue harmonic imaging, and imaging a third zone using fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging. The depth of each zone can vary based on the ultrasonic array, and correspondingly, the F # used for imaging the zone. In an example, zones can be imaged at different F #'s, for example, at F #1 for the first zone, at F #2, F #3, or F #6 for one or more zones that extend deeper into the object than the first zone. The method can also include forming an image based on the received signals from the multiple zones, and blending the transitions between the zones.