Ultrasonic Beamforming with Spatial Correlation-Based Method Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses using adaptive beamforming methods, such as the DMAS method, can degrade contrast resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio due to the spatial correlation of reflected wave signals.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus employs a combination of first and second beamforming sections, where the first section performs phase-additive beamforming and the second section performs adaptive beamforming in the DMAS method. An evaluation-value calculation function determines the spatial correlation of reflected wave signals, and a third beamforming function combines the results of the first and second beamforming sections based on this evaluation value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adaptive beamforming (DMAS method) is used, then image resolution is improved, but contrast resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between phase-additive beamforming and adaptive beamforming (DMAS method) based on the spatial correlation of reflected wave signals. When spatial correlation is high, phase-additive beamforming is used to maintain contrast resolution; when spatial correlation is low, DMAS method is used to improve image resolution. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate beamforming method for each imaging condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the beamforming parameter (method selection) based on the spatial correlation parameter of reflected wave signals. By monitoring spatial correlation and adjusting the beamforming approach accordingly, the system optimizes both image resolution and contrast resolution, preventing the degradation that occurs with fixed DMAS method application.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive beamforming is used, then image resolution is improved, but contrast-to-noise ratio is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beamforming method based on spatial correlation conditions. When spatial correlation is high, it uses phase-additive beamforming to maintain contrast-to-noise ratio; when spatial correlation is low, it employs DMAS method to improve image resolution. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between image resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses spatial correlation of reflected wave signals as feedback to determine the appropriate beamforming method. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust between phase-additive beamforming and DMAS method, ensuring optimal contrast-to-noise ratio while maintaining image resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment has transmitting and receiving circuitry that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and processing circuitry. The transmitting and receiving circuitry is configured to perform first beamforming processing on reflected wave signals output from a plurality of transducer elements that receive reflected waves and perform second beamforming processing different from the first beamforming processing on the reflected wave signals. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate an evaluation value of spatial correlation of the reflected wave signals and perform third beamforming processing based on a first processing result that is a processing result of the first beamforming processing, a second processing result that is a processing result of the second beamforming processing, and the evaluation value.