Ultrasonic Gain Correction via 3D Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face inefficiencies in automatically correcting gain for volume data, particularly in three-dimensional imaging, which requires significant time and storage capacity, hindering real-time display during screenings.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method that generates three-dimensional gain correction data based on ultrasound data, allowing for automatic gain correction of reception signals, using a gain correction map interpolated from two-dimensional data across slice sections, reducing the need for high storage capacity and enabling faster processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic gain correction is performed using conventional methods based on previously collected reception signal amplitude information, then gain correction can be automated, but significant time and storage capacity are required, hindering real-time display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing gain correction values for multiple preset focus depths before actual volume data acquisition. The gain correction table is prepared in advance based on the relationship between focus depth and optimal gain values, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time calculations during screening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous gain correction problem into discrete preset focus depths (e.g., 5cm, 10cm, 15cm). Instead of handling all possible focus depths continuously, the system divides the depth range into discrete segments with pre-computed gain values, reducing computational complexity and storage requirements while maintaining practical effectiveness.
2Extent of automation
If automatic gain correction is performed using conventional methods, then gain correction can be automated, but high storage capacity is required to store ultrasound data for correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential gain correction parameters from the full ultrasound data set. Instead of storing and processing complete ultrasound data for gain correction, the system extracts and stores only the critical relationship between focus depth and gain correction values in a compact lookup table, dramatically reducing storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gain correction data into discrete preset focus depths with corresponding gain values. This segmentation transforms the continuous data storage requirement into a discrete, compact table structure that occupies minimal storage space while providing all necessary correction information for practical applications.
3Measurement precision
If manual gain correction is performed by operators, then gain correction accuracy can be maintained, but inspection efficiency significantly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically select appropriate gain correction values from the pre-computed table based on the actual focus depth during volume data acquisition. The system self-adjusts gain parameters without requiring operator intervention, maintaining accuracy through pre-calculated optimal values while dramatically improving inspection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the actual focus depth during scanning and automatically retrieves the corresponding pre-computed gain correction value from the lookup table. This real-time feedback loop ensures optimal gain correction is applied automatically, maintaining accuracy while enabling high-speed automated operation.
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 significantly reduces the time required for gain correction of volume data, improving the efficiency of displaying three-dimensional image data in real-time, especially during short screenings like medical checkups.
Implementation Method 1
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in a plurality of directions of a specimen using an ultrasonic probe in which a plurality of oscillating elements are arranged
Implementation Method 2
a sending unit for supplying a drive signal to the oscillating elements
Implementation Method 3
a receiving unit for performing processing such as a gain correction for a reception signal obtained from the oscillating element
Data Source
AI summary
A living tissue region determining unit of a gain correction data generating section determines a diagnostic living tissue region on the basis of an S/N and a dispersion value of ultrasound data collected from each of a plurality of slice sections in a gain correction scan mode intended for the generation of gain correction data for volume data. A gain correction map generating unit applies a least squares method to the average value of the ultrasound data in a plurality of regions set by dividing the living tissue region into predetermined sizes, thereby generating two-dimensional gain correction maps. Then, an interpolating processing unit interpolates, in a slice direction, the gain correction map generated for each of the plurality of slice sections, and generates three-dimensional gain correction data corresponding to each voxel of the volume data.