Ultrasonic Imaging Device Curved Surface Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic imaging systems face challenges in obtaining accurate spatial relationships between images of specimens with large curvatures, such as legs or upper limbs, due to the limitations of probe width and scanning modes, which affect image synthesis quality.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic imaging device and method that uses a probe to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in different scanning modes and frequencies, generating sector and linear scan images, and calculates spatial relationships using feature point matching and correlation to synthesize images accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-width probe is used to secure a large imaging range, then the imaging range is improved, but the probe does not conform to the surface of specimens with large curvature causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple linear scan regions that are individually acquired and then synthesized into a comprehensive panorama image. Each linear scan uses a narrow probe contact area to avoid deformation, while the combination of multiple scans achieves the imaging range of a wide probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single wide-angle view to a multi-dimensional synthesis approach by acquiring images at multiple positions and angles, then combining them in the processing domain to create a comprehensive panorama that exceeds the capabilities of any single probe position.
2Manufacturing precision
If the probe width is made smaller to avoid specimen deformation, then the conformance to curved surface is improved, but the width of the obtained ultrasonic image becomes smaller making it difficult to accurately calculate spatial relationship
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple narrow-field linear scan images acquired at different positions to create a synthesized panorama image with extended imaging range. The synthesis process integrates the spatial information from multiple scans to achieve both accuracy and comprehensive coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If a wide angle scanning method such as sector scan is used to secure larger imaging area with small probe width, then the imaging area is improved, but the drive frequency is low causing resolution to be lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging task into multiple high-resolution linear scan acquisitions rather than using a single low-resolution sector scan. Each linear scan operates at high drive frequency to maintain resolution, and the collection of these segmented scans provides comprehensive area coverage through synthesis.
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 generation of accurate synthesized images even for specimens with large curvatures by combining high-resolution linear scan images with wide-angle sector scan images, improving spatial relationship calculation and image synthesis.
Implementation Method 1
transmit first and second ultrasonic waves different from each other into a specimen through a surface of the specimen and receive the first and second ultrasonic waves reflected on the inside of the specimen
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging system, an ultrasonic imaging device, an ultrasonic imaging method, and an image synthesizing program are provided which can obtain an accurate synthesized image, even if a specimen has a surface with a large curvature. An ultrasonic imaging system may include a probe, an image generator, a spatial relationship calculating module, and an image synthesizing module. The probe may perform scan of first and second ultrasonic waves different from each other. The image generator may generate a first ultrasonic image based on the first ultrasonic wave and generate a second ultrasonic image based on the second ultrasonic wave. The spatial relationship calculating module may calculate a spatial relationship based on two first ultrasonic images at two positions and two second ultrasonic images at the two positions. The image synthesizing module may synthesize one of the first and second ultrasonic images at one of the two positions with the one of the first and second ultrasonic images at the other position based on the calculated relationship.