Sub-harmonic Contrast Imaging Aperture Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic ultrasound medical imaging systems face challenges in effectively distinguishing between nonlinear echoes from contrast agents and tissue echoes, limiting image quality when using various contrast agents.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a transmitter and transducer with multiple elements to transmit pulses at specific amplitudes and frequencies, using different apertures and sub-apertures to measure and combine responses, suppressing linear echoes and enhancing nonlinear responses for improved contrast imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contrast imaging methods (pulse inversion or amplitude modulation) are used, then contrast agent detection is enabled, but image quality is limited due to inability to effectively suppress linear tissue echoes
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer aperture is divided into multiple sub-apertures (first sub-aperture, second sub-aperture, etc.) that are used in sequence to transmit ultrasound pulses. This segmentation allows for sophisticated signal processing where responses from different sub-apertures are combined to suppress linear tissue echoes while preserving nonlinear contrast agent signals, thereby improving image quality and contrast agent detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits a series of periodic ultrasound pulses using different sub-apertures (first pulse using first sub-aperture, second pulse using second sub-aperture, third pulse using first sub-aperture again, and so on). This periodic transmission pattern enables the combining module to process responses in a systematic way to eliminate linear echoes and enhance nonlinear contrast signals
2Measurement precision
If multiple pulses with different apertures are transmitted and combined, then linear echoes are suppressed and nonlinear response detection is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer aperture is divided into multiple sub-apertures (first sub-aperture, second sub-aperture, etc.) that are used in sequence to transmit ultrasound pulses. This segmentation allows for sophisticated signal processing where responses from different sub-apertures are combined to suppress linear tissue echoes while preserving nonlinear contrast agent signals, thereby improving image quality and contrast agent detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The combining module processes the responses from multiple pulses and sub-apertures using feedback mechanisms to systematically eliminate linear echo components. By analyzing the pattern of responses from different sub-apertures and applying appropriate combining operations, the system feedback-driven suppresses unwanted linear signals while enhancing the desired nonlinear contrast agent responses
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 allows for the effective suppression of linear echoes, thereby enhancing the detection of nonlinear responses from contrast agents, leading to improved image quality and better differentiation between tissue and contrast agent signals.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first pulse from the transducer at an amplitude and transmit frequency
Implementation Method 2
the nonlinear response of the contrast agent relative to tissue is used to distinguish between ultrasound echoes resulting from the presence of contrast agent and echoes resulting from tissue
Implementation Method 3
A first response thereto is measured at a sub-harmonic frequency that is based on the transmit frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A non-linear response may be measured by transmitting a first pulse at an amplitude and transmit frequency, using an aperture having N elements. A first response is measured at a sub-harmonic frequency based on the transmit frequency. At least second and third pulses are transmitted at the amplitude and transmit frequency. At least second and third responses are measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The second and third pulses have the same phase with respect to each other and use first and second sub-apertures that have different ones of the N elements. A sum of the elements within the first and second sub-apertures is equal to N. Alternatively, at least two pulses having the same aperture and different amplitudes may be transmitted, and the responses measured at the sub-harmonic frequency. The responses are combined to suppress linear echoes and determine a non-linear response.