Ultrasonic Signal Processing for Depth-Range Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonography techniques provide limited visibility when displaying enlarged images or images within specific depth ranges due to restricted image quality and resolution, especially when the user specifies a shallow observation range, leading to suboptimal image display.
Innovation Solution
An object information acquisition apparatus that combines fixed and adaptive signal processing to enhance image resolution, using a fixed signal processing unit for delay and sum operations and an adaptive signal processing unit applying adaptive methods like the Capon method to improve spatial resolution, and a display control unit to output high-resolution images based on user-specified depth ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If envelope detection is applied to scanning line signals for image acquisition, then the image can be displayed, but the visibility and resolution of the enlarged image are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into two distinct paths: fixed signal processing for obtaining first distribution information, and adaptive signal processing for obtaining second distribution information. This segmentation allows each processing path to be optimized independently, with the adaptive path providing enhanced resolution for specific depth ranges without requiring complete reprocessing of all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adaptive signal processing selectively only to specific depth ranges where enhanced resolution is needed, rather than processing the entire signal set with adaptive methods. This partial application reduces the overall computational burden while still achieving high-resolution imaging in the regions of interest.
2Measurement precision
If the observation range in the depth direction is narrowed to display an enlarged image, then the focus on specific area is improved, but the image resolution and visibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality enhancement by applying adaptive signal processing specifically to narrow depth ranges where detailed observation is required. The system adjusts the processing characteristics locally to different depth regions, providing high resolution in the specified range while maintaining overall image quality across the full depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters dynamically based on the specified depth range. When a narrow depth range is specified, the system switches to adaptive signal processing with parameters optimized for that specific range, thereby improving resolution and visibility for the enlarged view without compromising the rest of the image.
3Measurement precision
If adaptive signal processing is applied to all receiving signals, then the image resolution is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adaptive signal processing only partially to specific depth ranges rather than to all receiving signals. This selective application maintains high resolution in the regions of interest while significantly reducing the total processing time and computational resources required compared to full-signal adaptive processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs fixed signal processing first to obtain initial distribution information, then selectively applies adaptive processing only where needed based on user specification. This preliminary fixed processing provides a baseline that reduces the burden on the subsequent adaptive processing step.
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 apparatus achieves higher resolution images by combining fixed and adaptive signal processing techniques, providing improved visibility and detail within specified depth ranges, especially when the depth range is narrower, by displaying second distribution information or a combined image, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of conversion elements configured to transmit elastic waves to an object, to receive reflected waves reflected at respective positions within the object, and to convert the reflected waves into a plurality of receiving signals
Data Source
AI summary
A display control unit included in an object information acquisition apparatus receives information about a depth range, subjected to display of a distribution related to acoustic characteristics, input by a user, and outputs, when the depth range is narrower than a predetermined range, image information for displaying an image of second distribution information subjected to adaptive signal processing in an area corresponding to the depth range or a combined image obtained by combining first distribution information subjected to addition processing with a predetermined weight and the second distribution information.