Ultrasonic Probe Data Superposition for Resolution and Frame Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic inspection technologies face challenges in achieving high resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) without relying on wide transmission ultrasonic beams, which often require dedicated probes and compromise frame rates.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic inspection apparatus superimposes element data from multiple transmission elements to generate improved ultrasound images, using A/D conversion, data processing units for delay correction and phasing addition, and adaptive superposition techniques to enhance SNR and resolution without the need for dedicated probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wide transmission ultrasonic beam is used to improve spatial resolution and SNR, then image quality improves, but dedicated probes are required and frame rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple conventional probe transmissions by superimposing element data acquired from different transmission elements. This combination approach achieves the resolution and SNR benefits of wide beams without requiring dedicated probe hardware, thereby maintaining conventional frame rates while improving image quality.
2Measurement precision
If a wide transmission ultrasonic beam is used to improve SNR, then signal quality improves, but dedicated probes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a conventional ultrasound probe perform the function of a dedicated wide-beam probe by processing element data from multiple transmission elements. The data processing unit superimposes element data from different transmissions, enabling a single conventional probe to achieve the SNR performance previously only available from specialized wide-beam probes.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple transmissions are performed to superimpose element data, then spatial resolution improves, but transmission time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data acquisition by collecting element data from multiple transmission elements during常规 scanning operations. The data processing unit then superimposes these pre-acquired data sets, achieving high spatial resolution without requiring additional transmission time beyond the conventional scanning protocol.
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 sharp ultrasound images with optimal spatial resolution and high SNR, independent of transmission beam width, while maintaining conventional frame rates.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the plurality of elements of the ultrasound probe toward an inspection target (subject), an ultrasonic echo from the subject is received by the ultrasound probe
Implementation Method 2
analog element signals output by the plurality of elements corresponding to the transmission of individual ultrasonic beams are subjected to A/D conversion to obtain element data
Implementation Method 3
reception focus processing, that is, delay correction, phase matching, and phasing addition are performed on the element data to generate a sound ray signal
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a probe; a transmission unit configured to cause the probe to transmit a ultrasonic beam; a reception unit configured to receive analog element signals output by the probe; an A/D conversion unit configured to perform A/D conversion on the analog element signal to obtain first element data; and a data processing unit configured to generate second element data from a plurality of the pieces of first element data, wherein the data processing unit changes conditions of acquisition of two or more of the pieces of first element data for generating the second element data depending on a depth of a position in which the second element data is obtained.