Ultrasound Signal Processing Ghost Signal Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in multi-line processing, where the transmission frequency is not optimized, leading to inadequate superimposition of data and persistence of ghost signals due to large cycle mismatch between transmission frequency and reception time differences, resulting in suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus sets a transmission frequency for the ultrasonic beam based on processing conditions, specifically setting it where the half cycle is shorter than the time difference between data reception times, allowing for appropriate superimposition and elimination of ghost signals by generating second element data using first element data from multiple transmission instances with different center elements and transmission directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-line processing is performed with conventional transmission frequency, then data superimposition is attempted, but the large cycle mismatch between transmission frequency and reception time difference causes inadequate superimposition and persistent ghost signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transmission frequency parameter to be optimized for multi-line processing. Specifically, it sets the transmission frequency such that its cycle is shorter than the reception time difference between data from different transmission instances, enabling proper superimposition and ghost signal elimination while maintaining image quality
2Measurement precision
If transmission frequency is increased to improve distance resolution, then image quality improves, but sensitivity decreases due to greater attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the transmission frequency based on the specific processing conditions of multi-line processing. Instead of using a fixed high frequency that causes attenuation, it selects an optimized frequency that balances resolution requirements with signal strength preservation, adapting the frequency to the operational context
3Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic beam is shaped to be wide in lateral direction to cover broader area, then more regions are imaged, but ghost signals from laterally shifted reflection points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ghost signals into a beneficial effect by utilizing their predictable temporal characteristics. By setting the transmission frequency cycle shorter than the reception time difference, the ghost signals from laterally shifted reflection points arrive at different phases during superimposition, causing them to cancel each other out while preserving the desired image information
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 high-quality ultrasound image generation by ensuring accurate superimposition of data and reducing ghost signal interference, enhancing image quality and sensitivity across various depths.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic beam is transmitted from the plurality of elements of the probe toward a subject (an inspection object) so as to form a predetermined focus point (transmission focus point), an ultrasonic echo from the subject is received by the probe
Implementation Method 2
the data processor is configured to generate second element data corresponding to any one of a plurality of first element data from the plurality of first element data... the superimposition cannot be appropriately performed and the data is emphasized by overlapping even for the ghost signals
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, a signal processing method, and a recording medium capable of appropriately superimposing data and obtaining high quality images when correcting data by superimposing a plurality of data. A transmission frequency of an ultrasonic beam is set according to a processing condition in a data processor, and second element data is generated using a plurality of first element data obtained by transmitting the ultrasonic beam at the transmission frequency.