Ultrasonic Observation Apparatus Attenuation Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic observation techniques face challenges in accurately eliminating the influence of ultrasonic wave attenuation during tissue characterization, leading to reduced accuracy and frame rate issues when generating images based on frequency spectra.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic observation apparatus that employs a signal amplifier with a monotonically increasing amplification factor up to a predetermined depth, featuring a data extractor with an approximation unit and an attenuation corrector to preprocess frequency spectra, allowing for accurate attenuation correction and feature data extraction, thereby eliminating the influence of wave attenuation without reducing frame rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If STC correction is performed to amplify the received signal for B-mode image generation, then the signal amplitude is improved, but the frequency-dependent attenuation cannot be corrected leading to reduced accuracy in tissue characterization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into two distinct paths: one for B-mode imaging using STC correction, and another for tissue characterization using attenuation correction. This allows each processing path to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by calculating the attenuation coefficient before generating feature data. The attenuation correction is applied to the frequency spectrum in advance, ensuring that tissue characterization is performed on corrected data that accurately reflects tissue properties without attenuation effects.
2Measurement precision
If a separate transmission is performed for generating feature data images without STC correction, then the attenuation influence is eliminated, but the frame rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the B-mode imaging and feature data generation processes by performing both using the same received signal. The signal is processed through different correction algorithms (STC for imaging, attenuation correction for feature data) but originates from a single transmission, eliminating the need for separate transmissions and maintaining frame rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The received signal serves multiple functions: it is used for both B-mode image generation and feature data extraction. By making the signal processing universal rather than requiring separate dedicated transmissions, the system achieves multi-functionality without sacrificing frame rate.
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 apparatus effectively eliminates the impact of ultrasonic wave attenuation, enabling accurate tissue characterization and maintaining image frame rate by generating feature data images that do not require separate signal processing for B-mode and feature data images.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe 2 for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to a sample
Implementation Method 2
receiving an ultrasonic wave which has been reflected from the sample
Implementation Method 3
a signal amplifier 31 for amplifying the received signal with an amplification factor according to a receiving depth
Implementation Method 4
a frequency analyzer 42 for performing a frequency analysis on the received signal
Implementation Method 5
an attenuation corrector 432 for correcting a frequency spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ultrasonic observation apparatus amplifies a signal of an ultrasonic wave received from a sample with an amplification factor according to a receiving depth; generates B-mode image data in which the amplitude of the signal of the amplified ultrasonic wave is converted into brightness and displayed; performs amplification-correction to make the amplification factor constant with respect to the signal of the amplified ultrasonic wave regardless of the receiving depth; calculates a frequency spectrum by analyzing the frequency of the amplification-corrected signal of the ultrasonic wave; extracts feature data of the frequency spectrum by approximating the calculated frequency spectrum; performs correction, on one of the frequency spectrum and the feature data, to reduce the contribution of the attenuation of the strength accompanying the transmission of the ultrasonic wave; and generates feature data image data to display visual information corresponding to the feature data.