Ultrasound Inspection Apparatus Selective Element Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound inspection apparatuses face challenges in maintaining real-time image display and achieving high accuracy in sound speed value correction and tissue characterization due to high data processing requirements and storage limitations, particularly when segmenting regions for sound speed measurement, which degrades image quality and real-time performance.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasound inspection apparatus and method that determines the necessity of storing element data based on specific conditions, storing element data before phasing and adding, and using this data to calculate optimal sound speed values after imaging, reducing data storage needs and improving image quality and accuracy post-imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If element data before phasing and adding is stored to enable high-accuracy sound speed correction, then measurement precision is improved, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by storing element data selectively based on specific conditions rather than uniformly storing all data. The storage necessity determination unit evaluates each element data item against predetermined conditions (such as whether the data contributes to sound speed measurement accuracy) and stores only those that meet the criteria. This selective approach maintains measurement precision for critical data while reducing overall storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data storage process into two distinct paths: element data that meets storage conditions is preserved for high-accuracy sound speed correction, while other data follows the conventional processing path. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high measurement precision for sound speed values without requiring storage of all element data, thereby balancing accuracy requirements with storage constraints.
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency sound speed measurement is performed to improve image definition, then measurement precision is improved, but real-time property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by storing element data in advance before image generation, so that high-accuracy sound speed measurements can be performed later without delaying real-time image display. The storage necessity determination unit identifies and stores relevant element data during the imaging process, enabling subsequent detailed analysis and correction without compromising the real-time performance of the ultrasound imaging system.
3Quantity of substance
If element data is stored temporarily and then deleted to reduce storage burden, then data storage requirements are reduced, but ability to perform post-imaging correction is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of element data based on its utility for sound speed measurement. Rather than uniformly deleting all temporary data, the system evaluates each data item against storage conditions and preserves those with high measurement value. This selective preservation maintains post-imaging correction capability for critical data while reducing storage burden for less important data.
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
Ensures real-time ultrasound imaging, reduces data storage requirements, and enables high-accuracy sound speed correction and tissue characterization by selectively storing element data that meets predetermined conditions, thereby enhancing image quality and maintaining real-time performance.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer array having elements arranged therein that transmits the ultrasonic beam and receives an ultrasonic echo reflected by the inspection object to output an element signal according to the ultrasonic echo as received
Implementation Method 2
an image producer that performs phasing and adding individually on one or more pieces of element data based on a specified sound speed value to produce one or more sound ray signals, and to produce ultrasound image data from the one or more sound ray signals
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ultrasound inspection apparatus ensuring the real-time property during ultrasound imaging, reducing the data amount to be stored, and making sound speed value correction after the imaging to allow improvement in image quality, tissue characterization, and so forth with high accuracy. The ultrasound inspection apparatus includes: a first reception signal memory storing element data; an image producer adapted to perform phasing and adding on element data based on a specified sound speed value to produce a sound ray signal, and produce ultrasound image data; a sound speed determiner adapted to determine the optimum sound speed value from a plurality of pieces of ultrasound image data produced using element data; a storage necessity determiner adapted to determine element data whether or not to satisfy a specified condition; and a second reception signal memory storing the element data as determined to satisfy the specified condition.