Ultrasound Data Processing Segmentation for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound systems face limitations in real-time image processing due to processing power constraints, preventing simultaneous data acquisition and beamforming, which limits image quality and frame rates.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that performs beamforming during data acquisition and additional processing during image replay, using a software beamformer to enhance image quality while displaying real-time images, and storing data for further processing to improve resolution and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If beamforming is performed during data acquisition in conventional ultrasound systems, then real-time images can be displayed, but image quality is limited due to processing power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the beamforming process into two distinct phases: real-time beamforming during data acquisition for immediate image display, and additional post-processing beamforming after data acquisition for enhanced image quality. This segmentation allows the system to meet real-time display requirements while also achieving higher quality images through subsequent processing of the acquired data.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex beamforming techniques are used to improve image quality, then image resolution increases, but processing time exceeds acquisition time making real-time viewing impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing basic beamforming during the data acquisition phase to enable real-time display, then performing additional sophisticated beamforming techniques after acquisition is complete. This approach prepares the data in advance during acquisition and completes the enhanced processing afterward, eliminating the time conflict between real-time display and high-quality processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple beamforming techniques are applied to enhance image quality, then image resolution improves, but multiple scans are required which increases examination time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by acquiring ultrasound data once and then performing multiple different beamforming techniques sequentially on the same acquired data set. This eliminates the need to perform multiple separate scans, as the acquired data is continuously processed through different beamforming algorithms to generate multiple image quality levels from a single scan.
4Ease of operation
If real-time beamforming is performed during data acquisition, then images can be displayed during scanning, but additional post-acquisition beamforming cannot be performed on the same data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by storing the acquired ultrasound channel data and creating multiple beamformed image versions from this stored data copy. The original acquired data is preserved and can be processed through different beamforming techniques to generate multiple image outputs, while the real-time display uses a separate beamforming process during acquisition. This copying approach allows both real-time display and post-processing enhancement without conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for ultrasound data processing are provided. One method includes acquiring channel ultrasound data from a plurality of channel connected to a plurality of elements of an ultrasound probe and storing the channel ultrasound data from the plurality of channels. The method further includes generating ultrasound images based on processing of the acquired channel ultrasound data and displaying the ultrasound images. The method also includes performing additional processing on the stored channel ultrasound data while the ultrasound images are displayed and displaying updated ultrasound images generated by the additional processing.