Ultrasonic Attenuation Correction via Frequency Domain Regression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic observation techniques face challenges in accurately correcting ultrasonic wave attenuation, particularly at greater reception depths, leading to reduced spatial resolution due to the inability to account for frequency-dependent attenuation, which affects the quality of ultrasonic images, especially in areas far from the transducer.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic observation apparatus and method that includes a transmitting and receiving unit, conversion units for signal processing, a regression analysis unit to calculate attenuation correction coefficients based on differences in reception depths, and an attenuation correction processing unit to correct frequency domain signals, enabling effective attenuation correction and improved image generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If STC correction is used to correct attenuation, then amplification factor can be adjusted according to propagation distance, but frequency-dependent attenuation cannot be corrected leading to reduced spatial resolution at greater reception depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of attenuation correction from distance-only (STC) to frequency-dependent correction. By performing FFT to obtain frequency spectrum, calculating attenuation correction coefficients for different frequencies, and applying these frequency-specific corrections, the system resolves the contradiction between general attenuation correction and frequency-dependent spatial resolution maintenance.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequency-dependent attenuation correction is performed using FFT and IFFT, then spatial resolution can be maintained, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary FFT transformation to convert time-domain signals to frequency domain before attenuation correction. This preliminary action allows frequency-dependent corrections to be applied more efficiently, and the subsequent IFFT converts back to time domain for image generation, managing the processing complexity through structured signal processing steps.
3Length of stationary object
If reception depth increases, then observation range is improved, but high-frequency components are attenuated reducing spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different attenuation correction coefficients for different frequency components. High-frequency components that are more susceptible to attenuation at greater depths receive specific correction factors, allowing the system to maintain spatial resolution locally for each frequency band while achieving extended reception depth overall.
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 solution enables real-time attenuation correction and maintains high spatial resolution in ultrasonic images, even at greater distances from the transducer, by accurately accounting for frequency-dependent attenuation, thereby enhancing the diagnostic quality of ultrasonic observations.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic waves to a specimen and to receive the reflected ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a fast Fourier transform unit to perform fast Fourier transform on the received signal
Implementation Method 3
As an ultrasonic wave is attenuated in a living body, it is important to know the quantity of attenuation or the attenuation correction coefficient when an examination is conducted
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: a first conversion unit that converts an ultrasonic signal as a time domain signal reflected from a specimen into a frequency domain signal; a regression analysis unit that calculates a regression expression for the frequency domain signal; an attenuation correction coefficient calculation unit that calculates an attenuation correction coefficient which is obtained by dividing a difference between first-order coefficients in the regression expressions at two points having different reception depths by a difference between the reception depths at the two points; an attenuation correction processing unit that performs attenuation correction processing on the frequency domain signal based on the attenuation correction coefficient; a second conversion unit that converts the frequency domain signal after the attenuation correction processing, into a second time domain signal; and an image data generation unit that generates ultrasonic image data based on the second time domain signal.