Ultrasonic Diagnostic Apparatus Motion Blur Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic diagnostic techniques face challenges in maintaining image quality when the object being examined or the ultrasonic probe moves, particularly in angiography and micro flow imaging methods where contrast medium bubbles are used, as existing blur correction methods are ineffective due to the transient nature and rapid movement of these bubbles.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method that employs a track ball input unit and button inputs to designate regions of interest (ROIs) and perform blur correction by generating motion vectors based on pixel brightness correlations across multiple frames, allowing for accurate superposition and correction of image data even when the probe or object moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple frames are superposed to improve image quality in MFI method, then the clarity of blood vessel structure is improved, but image blur due to movement deteriorates the quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motion vectors as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between moving frames. By calculating motion vectors that represent displacement between consecutive frames, the system can compensate for movement effects and enable accurate superposition of multiple frames, thereby improving image quality without suffering from motion-induced blur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates corrected copies of original frames by applying motion compensation. Instead of directly superposing raw frames that contain movement artifacts, the system generates corrected versions where pixel positions are adjusted based on calculated motion vectors, allowing for clear image reconstruction through superposition
2Measurement precision
If contrast medium bubbles are used to image minute bloodstream, then visibility of small blood vessels is improved, but bubbles break due to ultrasonic waves reducing signal intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between low sound pressure transmission for bubble observation and high sound pressure transmission for bubble replenishment. This cyclic pattern allows bubbles to be imaged without excessive breaking, and when bubbles do break, new bubbles are introduced to maintain signal intensity and continue imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sound pressure parameter dynamically - using low sound pressure during imaging phases to minimize bubble breaking, and high sound pressure during replenishment phases to break remaining bubbles and stimulate new bubble formation. This parameter modulation optimizes both imaging quality and bubble sustainability
3Reliability
If motion vectors are calculated for blur correction, then image stability is improved, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image into multiple blocks or regions and calculates motion vectors independently for each segment rather than for the entire image. This segmentation approach reduces the overall calculation complexity while still providing effective motion compensation and blur correction across the complete image
Solution Approach 2:
The patent calculates motion vectors only for necessary regions or uses simplified calculation methods that provide sufficient correction without exhaustive computation. By applying partial action - focusing computational resources on key areas or using approximate methods - the system achieves acceptable image stability without excessive calculation complexity
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 generation of clear, high-quality diagnostic images by accurately correcting motion blur and maintaining image integrity despite movement, improving the visibility of blood vessel structures and bloodstream dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting/receiving unit 21 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a B-mode processing unit 22 for generating intensity data representing an intensity of the echo signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that scans an object to be examined into which contrast medium bubbles are injected with ultrasonic waves to acquire an ultrasonic image of the object. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image data generating unit that generates a plurality of image data indicating information on the shape of an object to be examined on the basis of echo signals returning from the object, a setting unit that sets an interesting area which is smaller than the entire image area to first image data, which is reference image data, among the plurality of image data, a vector generating unit that compares at least one second image data different from the first image data among the plurality of image data with data in the interesting area to generate a motion vector indicating the motion between the first image data and the at least one second image data, an image correcting unit that corrects the blur of the first image data and the at least one second image data on the basis of the motion vector, and an image generating unit that generates a display image on the basis of the plurality of corrected image data.