Ultrasound Spatial Compounding via Steering Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound diagnostic apparatuses face challenges in producing high-quality images due to artifacts caused by changing synthesis conditions of frame images, leading to speckle noise and acoustic shadow fluctuations, which deteriorate image quality and operationality.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus controls the acquisition of reception data for multiple frame images with varying steering angles to minimize the angle difference between the most temporally separated frames, reducing artifacts while maintaining image quality and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frame images with different steering angles are synthesized to reduce speckle noise, then image quality is improved, but artifacts occur due to fluctuating pattern shapes and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of steering angle selection by acquiring frame images at steering angles that are multiples of a predetermined angle increment, and synthesizing only those frames where the angle difference between the most temporally separated frames is minimized. This parameter optimization reduces artifacts while maintaining speckle noise reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the synthesis process by evaluating the angle difference between temporally separated frames and selectively synthesizing based on this dynamic condition. The system adapts which frames to combine based on real-time angle difference calculations, making the synthesis process dynamic rather than fixed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transducer array is moved along the body surface to observe the inside of the subject, then diagnostic capability is improved, but artifacts worsen due to fluctuating speckle noise and acoustic shadow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the steering angle parameters by selecting frames where the angle difference is minimized, which stabilizes the patterns of speckle noise and acoustic shadow during transducer movement. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain diagnostic capability while reducing artifact formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple copies of frame images at different steering angles and selectively combines them based on angle difference criteria. By having multiple frame copies available and choosing the optimal combination, the system maintains image quality while reducing artifacts during transducer movement.
3Productivity
If frame images are synthesized frequently to maintain real-time imaging, then update rate is improved, but artifacts increase due to larger angle differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic synthesis strategy where the system evaluates angle differences and selectively performs synthesis based on current conditions. This dynamic approach allows frequent update opportunities while minimizing artifacts by only synthesizing when angle differences are within acceptable ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the synthesis frequency parameter by acquiring frames at regular intervals but only synthesizing when the angle difference condition is met. This parameter-based control allows the system to maintain high update rates when conditions permit while avoiding artifact-prone synthesis operations.
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 results in a spatial compound image with reduced artifacts, improved image quality, and enhanced operationality by stabilizing the update rate of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound image is produced by transmitting an ultrasonic beam from a transducer array having a plurality of transducers arranged therein toward a subject, receiving an ultrasonic echo from the subject by the transducer array
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of frame images are produced by transmitting an ultrasonic beam from different directions toward the same region in the subject, and a plurality of frame images are synthesized to produce one spatial compound image. Since the pattern of speckle noise fluctuates according to the transmission direction of the ultrasonic beam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasound image producing method capable of producing a spatial compound image with reduced artifacts. Reception data of frame images is repeatedly acquired in a data acquisition cycle of four frames such that, of three frame images for use in producing a spatial compound image, the angle difference in steering angle between two frames for which the acquisition of reception data is most temporally separated is smaller than a maximum value among the angle differences in steering angle between two frame images among three frame images having different steering angles, and each time reception data of two frame images or reception data of another two frame images is acquired, three frame images sequentially produced based on reception data for three frames sequentially acquired hitherto are synthesized to produce a spatial compound image.