Ultrasound Probe Frame Correlation for Wireless Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless connection type ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses, the reception signals of consecutive frames can be incorrectly transmitted and received due to connection state issues, leading to frame continuity interruption and subsequent image quality deterioration through correlation processing.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus employs a frame correlation unit that adjusts weights for ultrasound images of past frames based on continuity determination, using time stamps or serial numbers to assess frame continuity and reduce the influence of past frames in correlation processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frame correlation processing is performed using ultrasound images of multiple past frames, then noise reduction in the ultrasound image is improved, but image quality deteriorates when frame continuity is interrupted due to wireless communication issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the correlation processing behavior based on frame continuity status. When frames are continuous, full correlation processing is performed for noise reduction. When discontinuity is detected, the processing is modified or skipped to prevent image degradation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by changing the system behavior according to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors frame continuity status and uses this information to control the correlation processing. The continuity determination unit provides feedback about whether frames are continuous, and the frame correlation unit adjusts its operation based on this feedback, thereby preventing image quality deterioration while maintaining noise reduction benefits when applicable.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to connect the ultrasound probe and diagnostic apparatus main body, then operability and mobility are improved, but frame continuity is interrupted due to connection state issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of frame continuity before executing correlation processing. By checking whether frames are continuous in advance, the system can prepare appropriate processing strategies, thereby preventing image quality issues while maintaining the benefits of wireless communication for operability and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters of frame correlation based on the continuity status. When discontinuity is detected, parameters such as correlation coefficients or processing intensity are adjusted to prevent degradation of image quality, thus maintaining reliability despite the use of wireless communication.
3Productivity
If correlation processing is performed using non-continuous frames, then processing speed is maintained, but image quality deteriorates due to blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts correlation processing based on frame continuity. When frames are continuous, full correlation processing is performed for noise reduction. When discontinuity is detected, the processing is modified or skipped to prevent image degradation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by changing the system behavior according to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and identifies non-continuous frames through the continuity determination unit, and excludes these frames from correlation processing. By taking out the problematic non-continuous frames from the processing pipeline, the system maintains processing speed for valid frames while preventing image quality deterioration caused by incorporating discontinuous data.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a control method of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the ultrasound probe generates an ultrasound image, assigns a time stamp for each frame to the ultrasound image, and wirelessly transmits the ultrasound image to which the time stamp is assigned, to the diagnostic apparatus main body. The diagnostic apparatus main body receives the ultrasound image, determines continuity of frames on the basis of the time stamp, assigns a weight to the ultrasound image of the past frame on the basis of the continuity of the frames, performs correlation processing between the ultrasound image of the current frame and the ultrasound image of the past frame to which the weight is assigned, generates a display image, and displays the display image on the monitor.