Ultrasonic Imaging Boundary Detection for Faster Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound imaging methods require significant time and computational resources to calculate sound speed distribution images, especially when tissue structures and densities are unknown, as they need to assume refraction angles and paths, leading to increased calculation amounts and image generation time.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging device with a transducer array, transmission, and reception units, along with an image generation unit that detects boundaries in reflected wave images to emphasize corresponding boundaries in transmitted wave images, allowing for quicker generation of clear tissue boundary images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sound speed distribution image is calculated considering refraction of ultrasound waves at tissue boundaries, then image accuracy and contour clarity are improved, but calculation time and computational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first generating a sound speed distribution image using a simplified straight-line propagation model before performing refraction-based reconstruction. This preliminary image provides initial sound speed values that guide the subsequent refraction calculation, avoiding the need to solve the full refraction problem from scratch and significantly reducing computational time while maintaining image accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image reconstruction process into two distinct stages: (1) initial sound speed distribution calculation assuming straight-line propagation, and (2) refraction-based propagation path correction using the initial sound speed values. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall computational complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If refraction paths are calculated based on unknown tissue structures and densities, then comprehensive tissue characterization is achieved, but multiple assumptions and iterative calculations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the sound speed distribution image generated in the first stage to automatically provide the refraction information needed in the second stage. The system uses its own output (sound speed distribution) as input for the next processing step, eliminating the need for external tissue structure data or manual parameter input, thereby reducing calculation complexity while maintaining comprehensive tissue characterization
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 device generates clear transmitted wave images of tissue boundaries in a shorter time by leveraging boundary detection in reflected wave images to enhance the clarity of transmitted wave images, reducing overall image generation time.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission unit which delivers an electric signal to at least one of the plurality of transducers, such that the delivered electric signal is converted into an ultrasound wave
Implementation Method 2
an image generation unit which individually generates a reflected wave image of a cross section of the target using a received signal of the reflected wave
Implementation Method 3
the image generation unit generates the transmitted wave image such that a boundary in the transmitted wave image corresponding to the boundary detected by the reflected wave image boundary detection unit is emphasized
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, a clear transmitted wave image of a boundary of tissues is generated in a short time. An ultrasonic imaging device of the present invention includes a transducer array in which a plurality of transducers transmitting and receiving an ultrasound wave are arrayed; a transmission unit which delivers an electric signal to at least one of the plurality of transducers, such that the delivered electric signal is converted into an ultrasound wave, and transmits the ultrasound wave to a target; a reception unit which receives a received signal that is an electric signal output by each of the plurality of transducers having received a reflected wave and a transmitted wave of the ultrasound wave of the target; and an image generation unit which individually generates a reflected wave image of a cross section of the target using a received signal of the reflected wave and a transmitted wave image of the cross section of the target using a received signal of the transmitted wave. The image generation unit includes a reflected wave image boundary detection unit detecting a boundary of the target in the reflected wave image and generating the transmitted wave image such that a boundary in the transmitted wave image corresponding to the boundary detected by the reflected wave image boundary detection unit is emphasized.