Photoacoustic Image Reconstruction Using Virtual Detector Dummy Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photoacoustic images generated using the Fourier transform method often suffer from artifacts due to photoacoustic waves from regions outside the detector area, which cannot be effectively suppressed.
Innovation Solution
A photoacoustic image generation apparatus and method that includes adding dummy data corresponding to virtual detector elements outside the actual detector elements, allowing for reconstruction using the Fourier transform method to reduce wrap-around noise and artifacts, thereby expanding the image's lateral width and reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Fourier transform method is used to reconstruct photoacoustic images, then the image generation speed and processing efficiency are improved, but artifacts are introduced due to wrap-around noise from regions outside the detector area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding dummy data to the photoacoustic data before performing the Fourier transform reconstruction. This preliminary data addition prevents wrap-around noise by ensuring the data array is sufficiently long, thereby eliminating artifacts while maintaining the efficiency of the Fourier transform method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dummy data as an intermediary element between the actual detector data and the reconstruction process. This intermediary fills the gap caused by limited detector coverage, allowing the Fourier transform to proceed without introducing wrap-around artifacts while preserving computational efficiency.
2Area of moving object
If the detector area is expanded to cover more regions, then the lateral width of the captured image is increased, but the complexity and size of the detection device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating dummy data that replicates the structure and characteristics of actual detector data. This allows the system to simulate the response of additional detector elements without physically adding them, thereby expanding the effective imaging area while maintaining the same physical detector configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a physical expansion problem to a data dimension problem by adding dummy data in the data array dimension. This allows the effective detector area to be extended in the lateral direction through data processing rather than physical expansion, avoiding increased device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If dummy data are added to photoacoustic data, then artifacts are suppressed and image lateral width is increased, but the data processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the number and positioning of dummy data elements. By carefully selecting the dummy data parameters (number of dummy elements, their positions, and their values), the patent achieves effective artifact suppression with minimal additional processing time, balancing quality improvement with computational efficiency.
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
The proposed solution effectively suppresses artifacts and increases the image's lateral width, enabling a wider representation of the subject, improving the accuracy and clarity of photoacoustic images.
Implementation Method 1
a photoacoustic wave induced in the subject by the output light
Data Source
AI summary
After light has been output to a subject to be examined, a photoacoustic wave induced in the subject by the output light is detected. It is assumed that at least one virtual detector element is present outside of a real detector, and dummy data corresponding to the at least one virtual detector element are added to photoacoustic data in which pieces of data of the photoacoustic wave detected by the detector are arranged in accordance with the positions of detector elements. A photoacoustic image is generated by reconstructing the photoacoustic data to which the dummy data have been added by using a Fourier transform method.