Ultrasonic Reception Apodization for Multiple Reflection Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic diagnosis methods using spatial compounding to reduce multiple reflections in B-mode images face limitations due to amplitude reduction when increasing deflection angles, and existing apodization techniques are ineffective for inclined tissue boundaries or steered beams, leading to image deterioration and reduced azimuth resolution.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus employs shift type reception apodization, where the controller calculates the reception position of multiple reflection components based on transmission and reception beam directions and tissue boundary angles, creating an aperture function with reduced weights at specific positions to minimize multiple reflections while maintaining image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spatial compounding with increased deflection angle is used to reduce multiple reflections, then multiple reflection reduction is improved, but amplitude is reduced due to element factor restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different weight values for different regions within the reception aperture. Specifically, weights are assigned based on the reception position relative to the calculated multiple reflection position, with higher weights for positions away from the multiple reflection path and lower or zero weights for positions near it. This localized weighting approach reduces multiple reflections without uniformly reducing the amplitude across the entire aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reception aperture weighting dynamically by calculating the optimal weight distribution based on the deflection angle and tissue boundary angle. The aperture function is adjusted to shift the reception aperture position and modify weight values according to the specific imaging conditions, thereby adapting to different deflection angles while maintaining amplitude.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional apodization is used, then image quality is improved for normal boundaries, but image quality deteriorates and azimuth resolution is reduced for inclined tissue boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the aperture function adaptive and changeable based on imaging conditions. The reception aperture position and weight distribution are dynamically adjusted according to the deflection angle and tissue boundary angle, allowing the system to adapt to both normal and inclined tissue boundaries. This dynamic adjustment maintains image quality across different boundary orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the aperture function (position and weight distribution) based on the detected tissue boundary angle and deflection angle. By modifying these parameters adaptively, the system maintains optimal image quality for both normal and inclined boundaries, overcoming the limitation of conventional fixed apodization patterns.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reception aperture position is shifted to avoid multiple reflections, then multiple reflection reduction is improved, but azimuth resolution is reduced due to aperture narrowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying weight reduction only in specific regions where multiple reflections occur, rather than uniformly narrowing the entire aperture. The weight function is designed to target specific angular regions corresponding to multiple reflection paths while maintaining full aperture utilization in other regions, thereby preserving azimuth resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the aperture function by shifting the reception aperture position asymmetrically based on the calculated multiple reflection position. The weight distribution is asymmetric with respect to the aperture center, with different weight values on different sides of the aperture. This asymmetric configuration effectively redirects multiple reflections while maintaining adequate aperture width for resolution.
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 effectively reduces multiple reflections in B-mode images without amplitude loss, even with inclined structures, and improves image quality by suppressing side-lobe components, thus enhancing the accuracy of ultrasonic diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer array 1 to transmit and reception ultrasonic waves
Implementation Method 2
a reception unit 12 to perform reception apodization on at least one reception signal
Implementation Method 3
a B-mode processor 13 to generate B-mode image data from reception signals output from the reception unit 12
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a controller (18), a processor (12), and an image generator (15). The controller (18) selects at least one transducer element in a reception aperture formed of a transducer element group arranged in a predetermined direction, based on at least one of a deflection angle of an ultrasonic wave, an angle between the predetermined direction and a direction indicating a boundary of a structure, and an angle between a direction perpendicular to a normal direction where the predetermined direction intersects with a center of the transducer element group and the direction indicating the boundary. The processor (12) performs processing such that a signal intensity of a reception signal generated in the at least one transducer element is reduced, to output the reception signal of the reception aperture. The image generator (15) generates ultrasonic image data, based on the reception signal.