Ultrasonic Image Continuity via Scan Line Power Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pulse-echo method in ultrasonic diagnostics achieves limited spatial resolution in the depth direction, and the use of frequency-domain interferometry (FDI) and adaptive signal processing methods can lead to insufficient continuity and visibility issues due to varying suppression of coherent interference waves between scan lines.
Innovation Solution
A subject information obtaining apparatus that incorporates a frequency-domain interferometry adaptive processing unit and a correction unit to execute frequency-domain interferometry and adaptive signal processing, reducing variations in power intensity between adjacent scan lines and improving image continuity by applying a correction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequency-domain interferometry and adaptive signal processing are used to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution in the depth direction is improved, but continuity and visibility become insufficient due to varying suppression of coherent interference waves between scan lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines frequency-domain interferometry processing results from multiple scan lines to generate a corrected image. By merging the processed signals and applying consistency checks across adjacent scan lines, the method maintains spatial resolution improvements while ensuring continuity and visibility across the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processed signals from multiple scan lines are evaluated for consistency. When discontinuities or visibility issues are detected in certain regions, the system adjusts the processing parameters or applies corrective measures to restore continuity, using information from neighboring scan lines to guide the correction.
2Measurement precision
If frequency-domain interferometry is applied to each scan line independently, then spatial resolution is enhanced, but variation in power intensity between adjacent scan lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power intensity information from multiple adjacent scan lines to determine corrected power intensity values. By combining data from neighboring scan lines rather than processing each independently, the method reduces power intensity variations and achieves more uniform image quality across the entire field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality adjustment by determining corrected power intensity values based on the specific characteristics of each region while considering information from surrounding areas. This allows the system to maintain high spatial resolution locally while ensuring overall uniformity across the image by adjusting for regional variations.
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 enhances the spatial resolution in the scan line direction and maintains high visibility by stabilizing image continuity, effectively addressing the limitations of the pulse-echo method and FDI methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of conversion elements configured to receive the elastic wave and convert the elastic wave into a plurality of electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a frequency-domain interferometry adaptive processing unit configured to execute a frequency-domain interferometry method and adaptive signal processing using the plurality of electrical signals and obtain power intensity distribution by calculating power intensity at each position on a plurality of scan lines
Data Source
AI summary
A subject information obtaining apparatus includes a plurality of conversion elements configured to receive an elastic wave that has propagated from a subject and convert the elastic wave into a plurality of electrical signals, a frequency-domain interferometry adaptive processing unit configured to execute a frequency-domain interferometry method and adaptive signal processing using the plurality of electrical signals and obtain power intensity distribution by calculating power intensity at each position on a plurality of scan lines, and a correction unit configured to execute a correction process by which variation in power intensity between adjacent scan lines in a direction that intersects with the scan lines is reduced.