Photoacoustic Image Processing Selective Structure Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoacoustic imaging techniques struggle to selectively image and emphasize desired structures, such as blood vessels of specific sizes, due to the inability to effectively extract and process spatial frequency components, leading to inadequate diagnostic imaging.
Innovation Solution
A photoacoustic image generation device and method that apply a Fourier transform to image data, extract specific spatial frequency components, and perform an inverse Fourier transform to generate spatial frequency-processed data, allowing for the selective imaging of desired structures by adjusting the frequency components based on the observation object conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spatial frequency processing is performed by Fourier transforming detection signals at the same reception time, then imaging with reduced influence of surface photoacoustic waves can be achieved, but extraction and imaging of blood vessels of a desired size cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the spatial frequency spectrum into multiple frequency bands, where each band corresponds to a specific size range of blood vessels. By dividing the frequency spectrum and processing each band separately, the system can selectively extract and image blood vessels of desired sizes while simultaneously suppressing surface wave interference that occupies different frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the problem from temporal signal processing to spatial frequency domain processing by applying Fourier transform to the detection signals. This dimensional transformation allows simultaneous filtering of surface waves (low spatial frequencies) and selection of specific vessel sizes (specific spatial frequency bands), resolving the contradiction between surface wave suppression and size-selective imaging.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low-frequency components are removed from spatial frequency domain image data, then shading removal can be achieved, but desired structures at specific frequency ranges cannot be selectively imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic and adjustable spatial frequency filtering, where the frequency range to be extracted can be adaptively selected based on the observation object conditions. Unlike fixed low-frequency removal, this system allows flexible adjustment of the frequency band to be extracted, enabling selective imaging of structures at different size ranges while maintaining effective shading removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of spatial frequency filtering by allowing the frequency band to be extracted to vary according to observation requirements. By adjusting the frequency range parameters dynamically, the system can switch between shading removal mode (removing low frequencies) and selective structure imaging mode (extracting specific frequency bands), thus achieving both functions without contradiction.
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
Enables the selective imaging and emphasis of desired structures by removing unnecessary frequency components, improving the visibility of blood vessels and other structures, thereby enhancing diagnostic imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
In photoacoustic imaging, in general, pulsed laser light is applied to the interior of a living body. In the interior of the living body, a living tissue absorbs energy of the pulsed laser light, and ultrasound (photoacoustic signals) is emitted due to adiabatic expansion caused by the energy.
Implementation Method 2
The photoacoustic signals are detected using an ultrasound probe, or the like, and a photoacoustic image is constructed based on the detected signals
Implementation Method 3
a Fourier transform means that applies a Fourier transform in a two-dimensional or higher dimensional space to the image data to generate spatial frequency domain image data
Data Source
AI summary
A desired structure is selectively imaged by photoacoustic imaging. Photoacoustic signals are detected, and the detected photoacoustic signals are reconstructed to generate photoacoustic image data. A Fourier transform in a two-dimensional or higher dimensional space is applied to the photoacoustic image data to generate spatial frequency domain photoacoustic image data. Given spatial frequency components are extracted from the spatial frequency domain photoacoustic image data, and an inverse Fourier transform is applied to the extracted spatial frequency components to generate spatial frequency-processed photoacoustic image data.