Ultrasonic Probe Region Segmentation for Image Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses face distortion in ultrasonic images due to varying intensities of reflected waves caused by different angles and directions of ultrasonic pulses, particularly in 3D imaging, leading to unnatural and inaccurate representations of tissues.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus and method that emit multiple ultrasonic pulses in different directions, calculate the attenuation rate of echo signals, and correct them to produce accurate, distortion-free images by using a 2D array probe with transducers divided into regions for independent emission directions, and a beamformer to convert corrected signals into image signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves are emitted in a single direction using conventional methods, then the imaging process is simple and fast, but the reflected wave intensity varies due to different angles of incidence causing image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic probe is divided into multiple regions, with each region emitting ultrasonic waves in different directions. This segmentation allows the system to capture reflected waves from multiple angles simultaneously, correcting image distortion caused by angle-dependent reflectivity variations without requiring complex post-processing or multiple sequential scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction (1D) ultrasonic emission to multi-directional (3D) emission by utilizing spatially distributed transducer regions. This dimensional expansion enables the system to account for angular variations in reflectivity, improving measurement precision by capturing the three-dimensional nature of ultrasonic wave propagation and reflection
2Measurement precision
If multiple ultrasonic pulses are emitted in different directions to correct distortion, then image accuracy improves, but the time required for imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-divides the ultrasonic probe into multiple regions configured to emit waves in different directions. This preliminary spatial arrangement allows all necessary angular perspectives to be captured simultaneously in a single imaging operation, eliminating the time penalty that would result from sequential multi-angle scanning while maintaining distortion correction capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
All ultrasonic regions emit waves continuously and simultaneously during the imaging process, maintaining continuous data acquisition from multiple angles. This parallel operation ensures that no imaging time is lost to sequential operations, as the multi-directional emission occurs as a unified continuous process rather than discrete steps
3Productivity
If the intensity of reflected ultrasonic waves is used directly for imaging, then the processing is simple and fast, but the image becomes distorted due to angle-dependent reflectivity variations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the probe into multiple regions emitting in different directions, the system captures angle-corrected data simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex post-processing to correct distortion while maintaining fast processing speeds. The segmentation itself performs the correction function that would otherwise require computational adjustment
4Device complexity
If a single ultrasonic probe emits waves in one direction, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accurately represent tissues with varying reflectivity and absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple regions, each oriented to emit ultrasonic waves in different directions. This segmentation enables the single probe to adapt to tissues with varying reflectivity and absorption characteristics by capturing multi-angle data, effectively providing the versatility of multiple probes while maintaining a unified device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-directional ultrasonic probe performs multiple functions simultaneously: it emits waves in different directions, captures reflected waves from various angles, and characterizes tissue properties with varying reflectivity and absorption. This single device replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized probes, achieving multi-functionality while managing device 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
The solution effectively corrects for distortion caused by the virtual light source effect, resulting in more realistic and accurate ultrasonic images with improved diagnostic accuracy by accounting for varying reflectivity and angles, enhancing the quality of 3D ultrasonic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic probe emitting a plurality of ultrasonic pulses in different directions and receiving a plurality of ultrasonic echo signals from an object
Data Source
AI summary
Ultrasonic imaging method includes sequentially emitting by each transducer group of respective regions, into which transducers are divided, focused ultrasonic pulses to a focal point of an object; sequentially acquiring, by each transducer group, ultrasonic echo signals from the focal point based on the emitted ultrasonic pulses; calculating a normal vector of a surface of the object using emission directions of the focused ultrasonic pulses and intensities of the ultrasonic echo signals in correspondence to the focused ultrasonic pulses emitted by three of the transducer groups; calculating an attenuation rate of the ultrasonic echo signals using the normal vector and the emission directions of the focused ultrasonic pulses emitted by the three of the transducer groups, and correcting the ultrasonic echo signals based on the attenuation rate; beamforming the ultrasonic echo signals, an attenuation of which has been corrected, into ultrasonic image signals to be output as an ultrasonic image.