Ultrasonic Imaging Parallel Processing for Multi-Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic imaging systems face challenges in obtaining high-quality, continuous spectrum images while simultaneously displaying 2D and flow images due to limited scanning time, leading to reduced image quality and poor time resolution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves emitting Doppler pulses and B pulses to perform parallel processing of echo signals for 2D, flow, and spectrum image generation, using techniques like autocorrelation estimation and FFT, and implementing data reuse and overlap to enhance frame rates and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for simultaneous display of all three image types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sequential processing methods are used for ultrasonic imaging, then the system can process echo signals for 2D, flow, and spectrum images, but the frame rate decreases and time resolution deteriorates due to limited scanning time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the echo signal processing into three independent parallel processing channels: 2D image processing, flow image processing, and spectrum image processing. Each channel processes the same raw echo signals independently through separate processing paths, allowing simultaneous generation of all three image types without sequential delays, thereby improving frame rate and time resolution.
2Measurement precision
If Doppler pulses are used for spectrum image acquisition, then spectrum information can be obtained, but the scanning time is insufficient for high-quality continuous spectrum images while simultaneously displaying 2D and flow images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous Doppler pulse emission dedicated to spectrum image acquisition, maintaining uninterrupted signal collection for high-quality spectrum data. Simultaneously, B pulses are continuously emitted for 2D imaging, and flow images are continuously generated from the Doppler signals, ensuring all three image types are updated without interruption throughout the scanning period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse emission strategy by introducing two distinct pulse types with different parameters: Doppler pulses optimized for spectrum analysis with specific repetition frequencies, and B pulses optimized for 2D imaging with different timing characteristics. This parameter differentiation allows each processing channel to operate at optimal settings simultaneously, resolving the time conflict between spectrum and other image qualities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If parallel processing is implemented for 2D, flow, and spectrum images, then all three image types can be displayed simultaneously, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal processing architecture where a single set of raw echo signals serves multiple processing purposes simultaneously. The same input data stream is fed into three different processing algorithms (2D reconstruction, flow analysis, and spectrum analysis), allowing the system to generate multiple image types from one data acquisition pass, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems.
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 enables the simultaneous display of high-quality 2D, flow, and spectrum images with improved frame rates and continuity, addressing the limitations of existing systems by optimizing data processing and reuse.
Implementation Method 1
emitting Doppler pulses and B pulses to a target to be detected... and receiving echo signals from the target
Implementation Method 2
emitting Doppler pulses to a target to be detected, performing a Doppler scan with Doppler pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ultrasonic imaging comprises: emitting Doppler pulses to a target to be detected; performing a Doppler scan with Doppler pulses; receiving echo signals from the target, wherein the echo signals include Doppler pulse echo signals; processing the echo signals, wherein processing comprises an imaging step, the imaging step comprising parallel processing steps including a 2D image processing step, a flow image processing step, and a spectrum image processing step, wherein the 2D image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain 2D image signals, the flow image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain flow image signals, and the spectrum image processing step is configured for processing the echo signals to obtain spectrum image signals; and displaying the processed echo signals.