Ultrasonic Image Construction via Reference Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic B-mode echo imaging methods struggle to accurately depict the internal structure of biological tissues with non-uniform thickness, particularly due to scattering and absorption of ultrasonic waves, leading to complex configurations and insufficient perception of acoustic impedance within tissues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves through a target object and a reference substance with known acoustic properties, using a base substrate to estimate acoustic-property distribution in the depth direction, considering the effects of multiple reflections, and constructing an acoustic-property image using standardized impulse-response information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic B-mode echo imaging is used to evaluate biological tissue, then the internal dynamic properties can be detected, but the image quality is degraded by speckle noise caused by multiple reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the first reflection component from the received ultrasonic signal by comparing it with a reference signal. This separates the useful information (first reflection) from the harmful multiple reflections, eliminating speckle noise while preserving the detection of internal dynamic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reference substance with known acoustic properties as an intermediary. By comparing the reflected signal from the target object with the reference signal, the system can identify and extract only the first reflection component, effectively filtering out speckle noise caused by multiple reflections
2Loss of information
If conventional ultrasonic imaging methods are used on non-uniform thickness targets, then the reflected waveform can be obtained, but the conversion to acoustic properties becomes difficult due to scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of a reference substance with known acoustic properties before measuring the target object. This preliminary action establishes a reference signal that accounts for the base substrate characteristics, simplifying the subsequent conversion of target object reflected waveforms to acoustic properties by eliminating the need to account for base substrate scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from directly converting complex reflected waveforms to acoustic properties to instead comparing signal ratios between reference and target measurements. This parameter transformation simplifies the conversion process by using relative measurements that cancel out the effects of non-uniform thickness and base substrate variations
3Shape
If ultrasonic B-mode echo image is used to display biological tissue structure, then the interface between layered structures can be observed, but the acoustic impedance distribution within intermediate regions cannot be perceived
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by calculating acoustic impedance at each specific depth position within the target object. Instead of only showing interface locations, the system computes and displays acoustic impedance values for intermediate regions, providing localized acoustic property information throughout the entire measurement depth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional B-mode echo imaging mechanism with an acoustic impedance calculation mechanism. By substituting the visual display of reflected signal intensity with computed acoustic impedance values derived from signal ratio comparisons, the system enables perception of acoustic impedance distribution in intermediate regions that was previously invisible
4Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic filter is applied to reduce speckle noise, then the image quality improves, but the configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical acoustic filter mechanism with a signal processing approach. By using reference signal comparison to extract only the first reflection component, the system achieves speckle noise reduction through computational methods rather than physical filtering, thereby simplifying the overall device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a reference signal as an intermediary to achieve noise reduction without physical filters. By comparing the target object signal with the reference signal, the system can identify and extract the first reflection component, eliminating speckle noise through signal processing rather than acoustic filtering
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 allows for the construction of a high-accuracy ultrasonic tomographic image of thin, layered structures, enabling a clear understanding of the layered structure and facilitating non-invasive skin condition evaluation with reduced speckle noise and improved resolution.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting-and-receiving step for transmitting ultrasonic waves in a state thereof that a target object to be measured and a reference substance of known acoustic properties are in contact with a base substrate of known acoustic properties, and then such step for receiving the impulse responses of ultrasonic waveform
Implementation Method 2
a reflection occurs due to the difference in the resistance value (acoustic impedance) at the travel destination
Implementation Method 3
the reflected waveform that penetrates and returns from such tissue reflects the result of ultrasonic-waves incident on the target object having undergone enormous scattering and absorption in various ways of traveling (the result of multiple reflection)
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic-image-construction apparatus can construct an ultrasonic-tomographic image of a thin, layer-structured target object to be measured relatively easily and highly accurately in a manner in which such layered structure is easily understood. An ultrasonic transducer of an ultrasonic-image-constructing apparatus transmits ultrasonic waves to the target object. A reference substance makes contact with a base substrate, with such ultrasonic waves being incident on the target object via the base substrate, then receives an impulse response of an ultrasonic waveform. A computing means performs calculation to estimate acoustic-physical-property distribution in consideration of the multiple-reflections influence based on normalized-impulse information obtained from impulse-response information of such ultrasonic waveform incident on the reference substance and from impulse-response information of such ultrasonic waveform incident on the target object. The image-construction means constructs acoustic-physical-property-image data based on acoustic-physical-property distribution in the depth direction obtained by computing means.