Ultrasonic Image Processing Apparatus for 3D Echo Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in providing easily diagnosable three-dimensional images, as they often require pre-setting parameters and struggle with displaying clear images due to multi-echo interference, limiting user interaction and image manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus that constructs three-dimensional images from echo data, includes an image constructing section, an image operation input section for changing display states, and an image display state changing section, allowing for real-time manipulation of three-dimensional image displays, such as rotation, cross-section movement, and scrolling, while removing multi-echoes by detecting and canceling echo data beyond a calculated boundary position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-dimensional images are constructed from echo data using conventional methods, then diagnostic information is provided, but the images are affected by multi-echo interference reducing clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes multi-echo components from the echo data through signal processing. By identifying and separating the harmful multi-echo interference from the useful single-echo signals, the system constructs three-dimensional images using only the clean single-echo data, thereby eliminating the harmful interference while preserving diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful multi-echo interference into a beneficial diagnostic tool by analyzing the characteristics of multi-echo signals to identify tissue boundaries and interfaces. The system uses the presence and pattern of multi-echoes to enhance rather than degrade image quality, transforming a previously harmful factor into a useful feature for diagnosis.
2Extent of automation
If parameters are pre-set for three-dimensional image display, then image construction is automated, but user interaction and manipulation capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment that allows users to modify display parameters in real-time after image construction. The system transitions from static pre-set parameters to dynamic adjustable parameters, enabling users to interact with and manipulate the three-dimensional images while maintaining the automation of the core image construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that combines automatic image construction with interactive manipulation capabilities. The same image processing apparatus that automatically constructs three-dimensional images also provides user interfaces for parameter adjustment, rotation, slicing, and other manipulations, making the system universally capable of both automated processing and interactive control.
3Productivity
If three-dimensional images are constructed and displayed in real-time, then diagnostic efficiency is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of echo data to separate single-echo and multi-echo components before three-dimensional image construction. By pre-processing the raw echo signals to identify and isolate useful signals, the system reduces the computational complexity during real-time image construction while maintaining high diagnostic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing into distinct stages: echo data acquisition, single-echo identification, multi-echo removal, three-dimensional reconstruction, and real-time display. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall processing complexity while enabling real-time performance through efficient division of computational tasks.
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
Enables the rapid construction and display of clear three-dimensional images with user-friendly interaction, enhancing diagnostic capabilities by allowing real-time adjustments and improved visualization of ultrasonic images, both in medical and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves with respect to an inspection object
Implementation Method 2
receiving reflected echo waves from the inspection object
Implementation Method 3
an image constructing section for constructing a three-dimensional image based on the echo data
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus allowing an ultrasonic image of an inspection object to be displayed using echo data in a three-dimensional region constructs a three-dimensional image based on the echo data by an image construction section. An image operation input section performs an operation for changing the display state of the constructed three-dimensional image. Also, an image display state changing section changes the display state of the three-dimensional image that has been constructed based on input information inputted by the image operation input section.