Vector Interpolation for Ultrasound C-Mode Directionality Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasound imaging systems face challenges in acquiring multifocal images while maintaining frame rate and resolution, particularly in C-mode, where linear interpolation introduces directionality errors.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for vector interpolation of ultrasound images using a probe, beam former, demodulator, interpolation processor, envelope detector, and log compressor, which perform real-time interpolation of I-Q complex-valued signals in the complex signal domain, employing 1:M weighting and Euler's formula to prevent directionality errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If linear interpolation is applied to directional data in C-mode, then image continuity is improved, but interpolation error associated with directionality occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the domain of interpolation from real-valued directional data to complex-valued I-Q signals. By performing interpolation in the complex signal domain before extracting directional information, the system maintains measurement precision while achieving image continuity. The complex domain transformation allows phase information to be preserved during interpolation, preventing directionality errors.
2Productivity
If line density is decreased to increase frame rate, then productivity is improved, but resolution is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces complex-valued I-Q signals as an intermediary representation between the raw ultrasound echoes and the final displayed image. This intermediary domain allows for more efficient interpolation algorithms that can achieve higher frame rates while maintaining resolution, as the complex domain operations are computationally more efficient than operating directly on real-valued image data.
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
The solution provides a more natural visual representation of ultrasound waves by enhancing image quality and preventing interpolation errors in C-mode, thereby improving the accuracy of blood flow measurements and image resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a probe for transmitting an ultrasound wave signal to an object in contact with the probe and receiving a reflected ultrasound wave signal
Implementation Method 2
The beam former is configured to form a receive-focused signal based on the electric signal converted from the reflected ultrasound signal by the probe
Implementation Method 3
The demodulator is configured to demodulate the receive-focused signal for forming I data corresponding to in-phase components and Q data corresponding to quadrature-phase components
Implementation Method 4
the interpolation processor operates based on Euler's formula to perform the vector interpolation depending on the product of different complex-valued signals
Implementation Method 5
The envelope detector is configured to perform an envelope detection of a signal by using the complex-valued signals that underwent the vector interpolation
Implementation Method 6
the log compressor is configured to perform a log compression on an envelope signal outputted from the envelope detector
Implementation Method 7
The autocorrelator is configured to estimate an average velocity and a signal magnitude associated with blood flow based on an autocorrelation method
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for a vector interpolation of an ultrasound image are provided. The apparatus includes a probe, beam former, demodulator and interpolation processor. The probe converts an electric signal into an ultrasound signal, transmits the ultrasound signal to an object, and converts a reflected ultrasound signal from the object into a reflected electric signal. The beam former forms a receive-focused signal based on the electric signal converted from the reflected ultrasound signal by the probe. The demodulator demodulates the receive-focused signal for forming I data corresponding to in-phase components and Q data corresponding to quadrature-phase components. And the interpolation processor performs a vector interpolation with 1:M weighting (M is a natural number) between different complex-valued signals, based on the I data and the Q data.