Ultrasound Imaging with Multi-Zone Thick-Slice Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in constructing 'thick-slice' images for multi-zone, multi-frequency schemes using 1.5 or 2-dimensional arrays, particularly in ultraportable handheld devices, due to the need for a large number of drive and receive channels, which is difficult to implement with existing electronics.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method to generate 3D images by using multi-angle plane wave imaging, tissue harmonic imaging, and fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging across different depth zones, allowing for the construction of 'thick-slice' images in specific zones with a 2D array, enabling multiple slices through the imaged medium without requiring exact azimuth and elevational pitches, and utilizing a multiplexing scheme to address each element of the array for transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a 2D array is used to construct thick-slice 3D images in a multi-zone, multi-frequency ultrasound imaging scheme, then imaging capability and depth zone coverage are improved, but the number of required drive and receive channels increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging space into multiple depth zones (e.g., zone1: 0-3.2cm, zone2: 3.2-9.6cm, zone3: 9.6-19.2cm) and applies different imaging schemes to each zone. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive 3D imaging capability without requiring all array elements to be simultaneously active, thereby reducing the number of drive and receive channels needed while maintaining versatile imaging capability across different depth ranges.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging schemes are applied to different depth zones, then imaging clarity and clutter reduction are improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different imaging schemes tailored to specific depth zones: multi-angle plane wave imaging for zone1 (0-3.2cm), tissue harmonic imaging for zone2 (3.2-9.6cm), and fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging for zone3 (9.6-19.2cm). Each zone receives the optimal imaging method for its depth characteristics, improving imaging clarity and clutter reduction while managing system complexity through localized optimization rather than uniform complex processing throughout.
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 enables the creation of detailed 3D images with multiple depth zones, improving imaging clarity and reducing clutter, especially at greater depths, while accommodating the electronic limitations of handheld devices by allowing for efficient transmission and reception across the ultrasonic array.
Implementation Method 1
imaging, using an ultrasonic array of the ultrasound device, a first zone by transmitting into the first zone and receiving ultrasound signals from the first zone
Implementation Method 2
receiving ultrasound signals from the first zone using a multi-angle plane wave imaging scheme
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of 3D ultrasound imaging with one or more “thick-slice” 3D ultrasound imaging zones and one or more 2D ultrasound zones using a multi-zone, multi-frequency image reconstruction scheme with subzone blending. The first zone can be a thick-slice imaging zone and the second and third zones are 2D imaging zones. The first zone and the second zone can be thick-slice imaging zones and the third zone can be a 2D imaging zone. The first zone can be a 2D imaging zone, the second zone can be a thick-slice imaging zone and the third zone can be a 2D imaging zone. A method includes imaging a first zone using plane wave imaging, a second zone using tissue harmonic imaging, and a third zone using fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging. The depth of each zone can vary based on the ultrasonic array and the F # used for imaging the zone.