Variable Ultrasound Array Processing for Post-Storage Doppler Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems are limited in their ability to perform flexible data storage and processing, particularly in post-storage modes, which restricts variable Doppler array focusing adjustments and image processing, leading to suboptimal diagnostic capabilities due to patient-to-patient variations and anatomical differences.
Innovation Solution
The system accumulates partially reconstructed echo data during storage and allows for user-selectable and adaptive array focusing strategies during post-storage processing, enabling advanced Doppler analysis and imaging methods such as Doppler spatial compounding, dual-frequency Doppler, and strain-rate imaging, by dividing the receive aperture into sub-apertures and using channel domain processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ultrasound systems perform fixed processing during acquisition, then real-time imaging is achieved, but post-storage flexibility and diagnostic capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data acquisition and storage in channel domain format during the imaging session, preserving all raw ultrasound data without processing. This preliminary action enables multiple different processing strategies to be applied retrospectively during post-storage review, providing flexibility without requiring complex real-time processing changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The receive aperture is divided into multiple sub-apertures that can be independently processed and combined during post-storage processing. This segmentation allows variable Doppler array focusing adjustments by selectively activating different sub-aperture combinations, enhancing diagnostic capabilities without increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If variable Doppler array focusing adjustments are implemented, then velocity estimation accuracy improves, but processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
During post-storage processing, the system applies variable Doppler array focusing adjustments selectively to specific regions of interest rather than processing the entire dataset. By dividing the aperture into sub-apertures and applying focusing adjustments only where needed, the system improves velocity estimation accuracy while keeping the processing load manageable.
3Loss of information
If channel domain processing with sub-aperture division is used, then diagnostic information extraction is enhanced, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receive aperture is divided into multiple sub-apertures, each processing a portion of the ultrasound data independently. This segmentation allows the system to extract diagnostic information from different spatial regions with optimized processing, reducing the computational burden compared to processing the entire aperture as a single unit while maintaining enhanced diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
All channel domain data is acquired and stored during the imaging session before any intensive processing occurs. This preliminary data collection phase allows computationally intensive operations like Doppler spatial compounding and dual-frequency Doppler analysis to be performed offline during post-storage review, rather than requiring high computational power in real-time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If retrospective processing is allowed, then image parameter adjustment flexibility improves, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data acquisition and preserves all channel domain data during the imaging session. This preliminary action enables multiple different processing strategies and parameter adjustments to be applied retrospectively during post-storage review without requiring additional patient time or extending the imaging session.
Solution Approach 2:
During post-storage processing, the system applies retrospective processing selectively to specific regions of interest and selected parameters rather than reprocessing the entire dataset with all possible adjustments. This approach maintains flexibility in image parameter adjustment while minimizing the time required for retrospective processing.
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 enhances diagnostic information extraction by allowing retrospective processing and adjustment of image parameters, improving velocity estimation and reducing geometrical spectral broadening errors, while maintaining ergonomic advantages and reducing post-storage processing load.
Implementation Method 1
the frequency shifts of backscattered ultrasound waves are used to estimate blood velocities
Implementation Method 2
the frequency shifts of backscattered ultrasound waves are used to estimate blood velocities
Implementation Method 3
the phase shifts of backscattered ultrasound waves from a number of transmit excitations are used for flow estimation
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic imaging method includes activating a transmit aperture within a multi-element transducer array, transmitting one or more ultrasonic beams along scan direction(s) that span the region of interest, for each transmit event, receiving ultrasound echoes from each element of a receive aperture, grouping the receive channel echo data into two or more sets corresponding to different receive sub-apertures, combining each sub-aperture data set to generate partially focused echo-location data for one or more reconstruction lines, and storing all the sub-aperture echo data sets during a storage period in a format that can be retrieved for later analysis. A method includes, during a post-storage period, retrieving stored sub-aperture data, combining the sub-aperture data to form one or more selected reconstruction lines, processing echo data to extract motion information from one or more sample positions along the selected reconstruction lines, and displaying an image representative of the processed motion information.