Ultrasound Jitter Reduction via Decorrelation Pattern Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging experiences jittering and blurring due to motion artifacts, particularly in spatial compounding techniques, where mis-registration between frames causes smeared or blurred images, especially when transducer motion or tissue movement occurs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting a pattern of decorrelation between frames to correct motion and reduce jittering by adapting the imaging process. This is achieved by determining decorrelation patterns across sequences of ultrasound data, identifying motion, and adjusting motion corrections to account for jittering, thereby improving frame registration and reducing artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spatial compounding is used to reduce speckle, then image quality is improved, but motion artifacts cause blurring and mis-registration between frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the compounding process adaptive to motion. Instead of static frame compounding, the system dynamically adjusts by detecting decorrelation patterns between frames and using this information to correct motion-induced mis-registration, thereby maintaining both image quality and registration accuracy under motion conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using decorrelation pattern detection as a feedback mechanism. The system monitors the decorrelation between successive frames, uses this feedback to detect motion, and then applies motion correction to maintain accurate frame registration, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adapts to motion conditions
2Measurement precision
If global or local displacement estimation is used to correct mis-registration, then frame alignment is improved, but jittering artifacts occur due to variation in imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decorrelation pattern detection as an intermediary between frame acquisition and motion correction. This intermediary step analyzes the decorrelation patterns to detect motion more reliably, providing a more stable basis for displacement estimation and reducing the jittering artifacts that result from direct alignment attempts without intermediate motion detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using decorrelation pattern information to dynamically adjust motion correction parameters. Instead of using fixed alignment algorithms, the system modifies its motion estimation and correction behavior based on the detected decorrelation patterns, leading to more stable alignment and reduced jittering
3Area of stationary object
If frames are acquired at different steering angles for extended field of view, then imaging coverage is improved, but speckle patterns become uncorrelated causing registration failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the registration process adaptive to steering angle changes. Instead of assuming static speckle correlation, the system dynamically detects decorrelation patterns that account for the angular differences, allowing registration to succeed even when frames are acquired at different steering angles with inherently different speckle patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Jittering in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging is reduced, such as in steered spatial compounding. A pattern of decorrelation is used to detect motion between component frames, register component frames, and/or reduce jitter in the motion correction. The ultrasound imaging adapts as a function of the pattern.