Patent Grant
8679018
1. Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of imaging and more specifically in the field of ultrasonic imaging.
2. Description of the Related Art
Ultrasonic imaging is a method of analysis used for examining a wide range of materials. The method is especially common in medicine because of its relatively non-invasive nature, low cost, and fast response times. Typically, ultrasonic imaging is accomplished by generating and directing an ultrasound beam into a material under investigation in a transmit phase and observing reflections generated at the boundaries of dissimilar materials in a receive phase. For example, in medical applications observed reflections are generated at boundaries between a patient's tissues. The observed reflections are converted to electrical signals (channel data) by receiving devices (transducers) and processed, using methods known in the art, to determine the locations of echo sources. The resulting data is displayed using a display device such as a monitor.
The prior art processes of producing an ultrasound beam and analyzing resulting echoes is called “beam forming.” The production process optionally includes defining “transmit” beam characteristics through aperture apodization, steering, and/or focusing. The analysis process optionally includes calculating a “receive beam” wherein received echoes are processed to isolate those echoes generated along a narrow region. This calculation includes the identifying one-dimensional line along which echoes are assumed to have been generated, and is therefore referred to herein as “echo line calculation.” Through beam forming a one-dimensional set of echolocation data is generated using each transmit and/or receive beam. Echolocation data is positional data relating to the physical location of one or more echo source and optionally includes intensity, velocity and/or similar physical information. Echolocation data may include post-beam forming raw data, detected data, or image data. Multidimensional echolocation data, such as an ultrasound image, is generated by scanning a field of view within the material under investigation using multiple transmit and/or receive beams.
The ultrasound beam transmitted into the material under investigation during the transmit phase is generated by applying electronic signals to a transducer. The ultrasound beam may be scattered, resonated, attenuated, and/or reflected as it propagates through the material under investigation. A portion of the reflected signals are received at transducers and detected as echoes. The receiving transducers convert the echo signals to electronic signals and optionally furnish them to an echo line calculator (beam former) that performs the echo line calculation inherent to analysis using a receive beam.
After beam forming, an image scan converter uses the calculated echolocation data to generate image data. In prior art systems the image formation rate (the frame rate) is limited by at least the total pulse return times of all ultrasound beams used to generate each image. The pulse return time is the time between the transmission of the ultrasound beam into the material under investigation and the detection of the last resulting reflected echoes. The limited frame rate may result in temporal artifacts caused by relative movement between the ultrasound system and a material under investigation.
Ultrasound beam 170 may be focused to limit the region in which echoes are generated. When echo sources are restricted to a narrow region the calculation of echo location data may be simplified by assuming that the echo sources lie along a “transmit line.” With this assumption, the task of the echo beam calculator is reduced to a problem of determining the position of an echo source in one dimension. This position is established using the return time of the echo. The accuracy of this assumption and the spacing of transmit lines are significant factors in determining the resolution of prior art ultrasound systems. Finely focused beams facilitate higher resolution than poorly focused beams. Analogous assumptions and consequences are found in analyses involving calculated receive beams.
In a scanning process, ultrasound system 100 sends a series of distinct ultrasound beam 170 along another, different transmit beam line 250 to form an image over more than one spatial dimension. A specific ultrasound beam 170 is optionally transmitted in several transmit/receive cycles before generating another ultrasound beam 170. Between each transmit phase a receive phase occurs, during which echoes are detected. Since each ultrasound beam 170, included in an ultrasound scan, requires at least one transmit/receive cycle the scanning processes may take many times the pulse return time. This pulse return time, determined by the speed of sound in the material under investigation, is a primary limitation on the rate at which prior art ultrasound images can be generated. In addition, undesirable temporal anomalies can be generated if transducer elements 110A-110H move relative to the material under investigation during the scanning process.
In practice, phased array 310 may include sixty-four, one hundred and twenty-eight, or more transducer elements 110. The resolution of the echolocation data depends on the aperture and the number of transducer element 110, and on the degree to which transmit beam line 250 accurately represents possible echo sources within ultrasound beam 170. Representation of ultrasound beam 170A-E using beam line 250A-E is an approximation that determines the resolution of resulting echolocation data. A poor approximation will limit the resolution of the resulting echolocation data. A maximum width of ultrasound beam 170A-E is, therefore, limited by the desired resolution of the echolocation data. The accuracy of the approximation is a function of distance from focal points 230A-E, the approximation being less accurate at further distances.
Common practice includes generating several ultrasound beams with different focal point 230A-E, and using each set of received echoes to generate data near focal points 230A-E. Prior art data generation may be limited to an area near focal points 230A-E because, at further distances, the transmit beam line 250 approximation may not be sufficiently accurate to provide the echolocation data of a desired resolution. Typically one receive or transmit beam line 250 is generated for each transmit/receive cycle. The number of beams required to image an area is dependent on both the width and depth of the area to be imaged as well as the desired resolution. By using only echoes near focal point 230, only a small portion (e.g. <10%) of the total received signal is used, with the remainder of the received signal being discarded. The prior art makes inefficient use of detected signal. Similar disadvantages occur in systems utilizing synthetic receive lines.
In the prior art the area to be covered, transmit beam width, number of transmit beam 170, and echolocation data resolution are interdependent. The transmit beam width determines the minimum lateral resolution width of the echolocation data. Since each transmit beam 170 covers only a limited area, a greater number of transmit beam 170 are required to image a larger area. Use of a greater number of transmit beam 170 lengthens the minimum time required to generate an image.
Disadvantages of the prior art, such as an image formation rate restricted by pulse return time and inefficient signal use, have prevented prior art ultrasound systems from taking full advantage of advances in micro-processing power. The prior art endures these disadvantages in order to generate images with the highest possible resolution.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of probing a material under investigation. Through this exemplary method, transducers transmit an ultrasound beam into the material under investigation. The ultrasound beam includes components generated by each transducer in a plurality of transducers. Echoes are then received, the echoes having been generated by interactions between the ultrasound beam and the material under investigation. A first set of data from the received echoes is generated, the first data having values that include phase and magnitude information and that is capable of being associated with a time dimension and distributed over at least one spatial dimension. The phase and magnitude information is used to distinguish echoes, among the received echoes, resulting from ultrasound beam components generated by a subset of transducers in the plurality of transducers. The first data is converted into second data using the distinguished echoes, the second data having values distributed over at least one more spatial dimension than the first data.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a method of probing a material under investigation includes transmitting one ultrasound beam into the material under investigation; receiving echoes generated by interactions between the ultrasound beam and the material under investigation; generating first data from the received echoes, the first data having a value that includes phase and magnitude information and that is capable of being associated with time and at least a first spatial dimension; and transforming a portion of the first data into second data using a transform capable of producing second data distributed over at least a second spatial dimension and a third spatial dimension, the transform using the phase or magnitude information to select the portion of first data to be transformed.
A further exemplary embodiment for probing a material under investigation includes transmitting an ultrasound beam into the material under investigation; receiving echoes generated by interactions between the transmitted ultrasound beam and the material under investigation; generating first data using the received echoes, the first data having values capable of being associated with time and a number of positions in a first spatial dimension, the number of positions being at least 64 and the association with the number of positions being independent of the association with time. The first data is then transformed into second data having values capable of being associated with at least the first spatial dimension and a second spatial dimension.
An exemplary method of generating echolocation data is also disclosed. The method includes generating first data by converting echoes into electronic signals, the first data having a plurality of values capable of being associated with time and separately capable of being associated with a plurality of positions in at least one spatial dimension, the plurality of values including phase and magnitude information. Echolocation data is generated using the first data and a data transform responsive to the phase or magnitude information, the echolocation data having at least one value derived from two or more members of the plurality of values capable of being associated with different positions in the plurality of positions.
In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of probing a material under investigation includes transmitting at least two overlapping ultrasound beams into the material under investigation. The at least two overlapping ultrasound beams may be displaced in at least one spatial dimension. Echoes are received, the echoes having been generated by interactions between the at least two overlapping ultrasound beams and the material under investigation. Data is generated from the received echoes, the data having a value that includes magnitude and phase information and is capable of being associated with the at least one spatial dimension. The generated data from the received echoes is combined prior to receive beam formation. The combining may include adjusting the magnitude and phase of the generated data.
An exemplary method of probing a material under investigation is also disclosed. Through the method, at least two overlapping ultrasound beams into the material under investigation at transmitted, the at least two overlapping ultrasound beams being displaced in at least one spatial dimension. Echoes generated by interactions between the at least two overlapping ultrasound beams and the material under investigation are received and data from the received echoes is generated. The data may have a value that includes magnitude and phase information and is capable of being associated with the at least one spatial dimension. Receive beam formation is performed, wherein identical receive beams are formed from the at least two overlapping ultrasound beams. The generated data is combined from the received echoes subsequent to receive beam formation. The combining may include adjusting the magnitude and phase of the generated data.
An exemplary ultrasound imaging system is also disclosed. The system includes a control device for receiving a user indication of the requirements of analysis of a material under investigation. The control device then determines a number and shape of ultrasound beams for imaging of the material under investigation in accordance with the user indication. A transducer array then transmits ultrasound beams corresponding to the number and shape of ultrasound beams determined by the control device into the material under investigation; echoes produced by the transmitted ultrasound beams are detected and analog channel data responsive to the detected echoes is generated. A multi-channel analog-to-digital converter then generates digital channel data, the digital channel data including amplitude and phase information. The digital channel data is stored in a channel data buffer. A signal processor then generates multidimensional echolocation data through transformation of at least the amplitude and phase information of the stored digital channel. The multidimensional echolocation data may be generated without using transmit, receive, or scan lines. An echolocation data array that includes a pre-selected coordinate system stores the generated multidimensional echolocation data and an image converter generates an image for display on a display device. The multidimensional echolocation data stored in the pre-selected coordinate system of the echolocation data array is mapped to a specific location on the display device as a part of the image generation.
New broad-beam technologies are systems and methods that allow multidimensional (area or volume) echolocation data to be generated from as few as one ultrasound beam. These technologies include generating an ultrasound beam and transmitting it into a material under investigation, generating echo signals from resulting echoes, and processing the echo signals to produce echolocation data distributed in two or more dimensions.
Broad-beam technologies are less complex than prior art ultrasound systems and methods. For example, broad-beam systems and methods are not restricted by the use of transmit lines, scan lines or receive lines, and broad-beam systems and methods can generate multidimensional echolocation data from as few as one transmitted ultrasound beam. Dependence on transmit lines and receive lines is eliminated because broad-beam technologies do not require an assumption that echo sources are located along a one-dimensional line, such as transmit beam line 250 and/or a receive line. Broad-beam systems and methods do not require multiple beam scanning or scan lines to generate a two dimensional image. Also, unlike the prior art, the resulting echolocation data may result from a single transmitted ultrasound beam that may be distributed over two dimensions. Using broad-beam systems and methods, a majority of the received echo signals may be used for image generation.
Unlike prior art embodiments, broad-beam systems and methods do not necessarily depend on a transmitted ultrasound beam's shape or width to determine the resolution of echolocation data. This independence arises because broad-beam systems include no assumption that a transmitted ultrasound beam is approximated by a transmit line or a column surrounding a transmit line. Generally, ultrasound beams (broad-beams) used in broad-beam systems and methods are wider than the finely focused ultrasound beam 170 used in the prior art.
Broad-beam systems and methods manipulate data differently than the prior art. Broad-beam systems and methods are based on multidimensional de-convolution algorithms that convert echoes received at receiving transducers into echolocation data, thereby generating multidimensional echolocation data from a single transmitted ultrasound beam. For example, in one embodiment a de-convolution algorithm (calculation) affects a transform from two dimensional (time, ultrasound transducer) raw data to two dimensional (X,Y position) echolocation data. The two dimensional (time, ultrasound transducer) raw data is optionally generated using a single transmitted ultrasound beam, and without assuming a transmit line or a receive line. The two dimensional echolocation data is distributed over an area requiring at least two spatial dimensions for representation. The data manipulation included in broad-beam systems and methods is capable of using a single transmitted ultrasound beam to produce a two-dimensional image configured for display on a display device.
Broad-beam systems and methods take advantage of increases in micro-processor power and advances in integrated circuit technologies. Current micro-processors are capable of performing broad-beam data analysis at a rate that is faster than the rate at which individual ultrasound beams can be transmitted and received using prior art beamforming technologies. While prior art technologies are restricted by the pulse return time and the number of individual ultrasound beams needed to image an area, embodiments of the broad-beam approach leverage ongoing advances in computing technology. Broad-beam systems and methods achieve image generation rates that are not primarily limited by the use of narrowly focused ultrasound beams, as in the prior art.
For example, in a conventional system imaging to a depth of 200 mm, 128 transmit/receive cycles require 33.3 milliseconds based on a speed of sound of 1.54 mm/microsecond. This rate yields a frame rate of approximately 30 frames/second with an image resolution across the image area, perpendicular to the axis of element array 105, of 128 lines. In comparison, using an embodiment of the invention to image the same depth, a similar resolution can be obtained using five to seven transmit/receive cycles requiring a total of 1.3 to 1.8 milliseconds. These times limit the resulting frame rate to 769 and 549 frames/second respectively. In various embodiments, images, with image resolutions of 128 lines as above, are obtained in less than 25, 17, 10, 5, or 2 milliseconds.
Some embodiments of broad-beam technologies result in images that minimize the occurrence of undesirable temporal anomalies associated with prior art scanning processes. The multidimensional echolocation data derived from a broad-beam ultrasound beam is representative of a section of the material under investigation during the short period of a pulse return time. Since this time is shorter then the time required to accomplish a two-dimensional (multiple beam) scan in the prior art, the probability of relative movement between the transducers and the material under investigation during the data collection is reduced relative to the prior art.
Broad-beam systems and methods do not depend on the prior art approximation that an ultrasound beam can be represented by a line, such as beam line 250. Therefore, the resolution of resulting echolocation data is not a function of distance from a focal point, such as prior art focal points 230A-E. Broad-beams are typically wider, and capable of imaging areas larger, than each of the focused beams of the prior art.
Since each broad-beam is capable of imaging an area larger than prior art ultrasound beams, the number of ultrasound beams required to image a specific area is reduced relative to prior art. Because fewer, such as only one, ultrasound beams are required, broad-beam systems and methods may use less power to image a material under investigation than prior systems. Using less power decreases the amount of energy deposited in the material under investigation, and decreases the amount of electricity required to generate each image. Reduced electrical requirements may benefit devices using self-contained power sources, such as batteries.
Embodiments of broad-beam technology include an area forming™ process of producing, receiving, and analyzing an ultrasound beam wherein a set of echolocation data, distributed over an area requiring two spatial dimensions for representation, is generated using as few as one ultrasound beam. The receive points at which echo detection occurs and echolocation data is generated may be anywhere within the probed region. The receive points optionally lie along a variable grid whose granularity and regularity vary with position. Other embodiments of broad-beam technology include a volume forming process similar to area forming except that three spatial dimensions are required to adequately represent the echolocation data generated using as few as one ultrasound beam. Area forming and volume forming are optionally combined with non-spatial dimensions, such as time and velocity to achieve multidimensional forming processes.
In a transmit step 420, the broad-beam designed in step 410 is generated and transmitted into a material under investigation. Transmit step 420 includes generation of an electronic waveform using, for example, a digital or analog waveform generator. This waveform is coupled to multiple channels, each of which may be independently delayed and amplified using devices such as a multi-channel delay generator and a multi-channel power amplifier. Typically, delay times are selected responsive to the desired shape, width and direction of the broad-beam. The amplified waveforms excite transducer elements 110 causing the broad-beam to be transmitted into a material under investigation.
A receive step 430 uses transducer elements 110 to detect echoes produced by the transmitted broad-beam. Transducer elements 110 generate electronic signals responsive to the detected echoes. The resulting electronic signals (analog channel data) are optionally filtered using an analog filter and digitized, typically with a multi-channel A/D converter, to generate digital channel data. In one embodiment, the channel data preferably includes both amplitude and phase information. In a store data step 440, the channel data is stored in a channel data buffer. This channel data buffer is located in memory such as RAM, magnetic media, optical media, or the like.
An echo area calculation step 450 includes manipulation of the stored channel data using multidimensional de-convolution algorithms. These algorithms are mathematical techniques that transform the channel data into multidimensional echolocation data. Echo area calculation step 450 can generate the multidimensional echolocation data without using the transmit lines, receive lines, or scan lines that characterize the prior art.
Method 400 continues with a store echolocation data step 460 wherein the resulting echolocation data are stored using an echolocation data array that utilizes a pre-selected coordinate system. The echolocation data is typically located in memory such as RAM, magnetic media, optical media, or the like.
In a step 465, method 400 tests whether the data collection process is complete (e.g. the data required to generate the desired image has been collected). If the data collection process is incomplete the method returns to broad-beam design step 410 wherein another broad-beam is designed. If, at step 465, the data collection process is complete an image may be generated in an optional generate image step 470 and displayed, on a display device such as a computer monitor, in an optional display step 480.
In an alternative embodiment, broad beam design step 410 includes calculation of characteristics for several broad-beams. In this embodiment a return to step 410, between steps 465 and 420 is optional. The method may proceed directly from step 465 to transmit step 420 because the desired characteristics for a next broad-beam are pre-calculated in a prior instance of step 410.
Transducer array 530 is configured to transmit the broad-beam into a material under investigation 535. The transmission of the broad-beam occurs in step 420 of
After amplification, signals are passed through an optional analog filter 545 to an A/D converter 550, where the amplified signals are digitized. Analog filter 545 may be any analog filter known in the art such as a band-pass filter, a notch filter, or the like. A/D converter 550 is typically a commercially available analog to digital converter, or the like.
The resulting digital data are stored, in step 440 (
The image generation process may be analogous to prior art techniques of image generation using echolocation data generated through beam forming methods. For example, a specific position in echolocation data storage 565 is optionally mapped to a specific location on a display screen. Intensity and/or color of a position within the image may indicate the intensity or other characteristic of echoes detected from within material under investigation 535. This image is optionally shown, in step 480 (
Data used by image converter 575 may result from a series of ultrasound beams or alternatively from a single ultrasound beam. Data in additional data storage 570 is coupled to other components of broad-beam system 500 such as image converter 575, communications electronics 585 and user interface electronics 590. Components of broad-beam system 500 are controlled and coordinated by control electronics 595 through connections not shown in
Also, coverage determination step 610 may determine a number of broad-beams required to image an area (or volume) within material under investigation 535. For example, in one embodiment coverage determination step 610 includes a calculation configured to simulate coverage in the far field that determines that an area is best imaged using three broad-beams displaced from each other using block-switching techniques. In other embodiments the calculation determines that an area is best imaged using one, two or more broad-beams. When the user has selected a mode of operation that includes several different broad-beams, repeated imaging or continuous monitoring, coverage determination step 610 is optionally performed once for each broad-beam.
Coverage determination step 610 is followed by a characteristic determination step 620 in which further characteristics of broad-beam(s) determined in coverage determination step 610 are specified. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, ultrasound frequencies, direction, dispersion, pulse shape, phase relationships, aperture, intensity, duration, repetition rate and/or other properties of an ultrasound beam. The characteristics are typically dependent on the imaging mode of analysis being performed, the required resolution, and options selected by a user. For example, a continuous monitoring mode may require a broad-beam generated at a specific pulse rate, high resolution may require use of multiple ultrasound frequencies, and a user may choose to investigate a narrow region best probed by a broad-beam with low dispersion. In addition to the characteristics discussed above, characteristic determination step 620 may include selection of a coordinate system with which to represent the area covered by the broad-beam and an origin of this coordinate system. Such a coordinate system may be used to store echolocation data. Selection of a coordinate system is optionally responsive to the shape of a broad-beam. Examples of possible coordinate systems are illustrated in
Coverage determination step 610 and characteristic determination step 620 are optionally responsive to resolution and dynamic range requirements. For example, in one embodiment these steps are responsive to user input that specifies an image zoomed in on a specific area. In another embodiment these steps are responsive to user input that specifies a higher image resolution for part or all of an image. In another embodiment coverage determination step 610 includes a determination that a single ultrasound beam should be generated but that, for instance to enhance resolution, the echoes generated by the single ultrasound beam should be detected by several different sets of receive transducers in multiple transmit/receive cycles.
Coverage determination step 610 and characteristic determination step 620 are optionally responsive to feedback generated in other steps of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, echolocation data indicates that a region of the covered area is poorly imaged and that the poor imaging is caused by a highly reflective boundary disposed between the poorly imaged region and the closest of transducer elements 110. In response to this feedback, coverage determination step 610 and characteristic determination step 620 include defining a steered broad-beam that probes the region from alternative ultrasound transducers that are not inline with the reflective boundary and the region to be probed.
Broad-beam selection step 630 includes selection of a broad-beam for transmission. The broad-beam is selected from those defined in characteristic determination step 620. If several broad-beams have been characterized in characteristic determination step 620 then broad-beam selection step 630 is optionally performed more than once before the next occurrence of characteristic determination step 620. In such a case broad-beam selection step 630 is repeated after step 465 of
Broad-beam design step 410 concludes with a calculate excitation step 640. Calculate excitation step 640 includes determining the proper physical parameters required to generate the broad-beam selected in broad-beam selection step 630. These physical parameters include, for example, which transducer elements 110 to excite, electronic pulse voltages, pulse delay times, multiplexer 527 settings, and/or the like. For example, in one embodiment a selected ultrasound beam, having a particular desired shape and direction, requires use of a specific set of transducer elements 110, excited by a particular electronic waveform characterized by amplitudes, frequencies and phases, each of the required set of transducer elements 110 being excited with an appropriate delay. The proper physical parameters are determined, for example, using a mathematical model to calculate a voltage, waveform, and delay used for exciting a particular member of transducer elements 110. In one embodiment the voltage is responsive to a distance into the material under investigation 535 the broad-beam is expected to penetrate.
In contrast with the prior art, where the maximum intensity is found at the center of an ultrasound beam, the maximum intensity of a broad-beam, such as broad beam 710B or 710C, may be at points other than along the beam's center.
The electronic signals coupled to variable gain amplifier 540 are amplified in a variable amplification step 930. Variable amplification step 930 optionally includes feedback based on data obtained using a prior broad-beam 710. The feedback provides adaptive processing and can be used to adjust signal within each channel such that the dynamic range of subsequent data manipulation steps are maximized. For example, in one embodiment, if previous execution of variable amplification step 930 resulted in the saturation of a specific channel, then amplification in that channel is optionally reduced in a following execution of variable amplification step 930. The reduction, or adaptive front end gain, is compensated for in later data manipulation that occurs after digitization of the amplified signal. In another embodiment, transducer elements 110 near the center of transducer array 530 are found to systematically respond to echoes more strongly than transducers elements 110 near an edge of transducer array 530. Variable amplification step 930 optionally includes compensation for this systematic difference.
In an optional analog filtering step 940 the electronic signals, amplified in variable amplification step 930, are processed using analog filter 545. This processing includes, for example, I/Q mixing, removal of unwanted frequencies and shifting of signals into frequency ranges more suitable for further data manipulation.
In a data conversion step 950 the electronic signals, optionally filtered in analog filtering step 940, are digitized using A/D converter 550. The generation of digital data completes receive step 430 (
Channel data storage buffer 555 optionally includes several channel data array 1000. Additionally, the information stored in channel data array 1000 may be used to average or sum received signals. In various embodiments channel data array 1000 is configured to store multidimensional data. For example, in one embodiment transducer array 530 is a two dimensional array of transducer elements 110. In this embodiment channel data array 1000 includes two axes representing the two dimensions of transducer array 530 and one axis representing time channels.
Echo area calculation step 450 uses data stored in store data step 440 to generate echolocation data indicating the positions and strengths of echo sources within material under investigation 535. This generation of echolocation data includes transformation of multidimensional time-channel data, within channel data array 1000, to multidimensional positional (echolocation) data. For example, in one embodiment two-dimensional time-channel data is transformed into echolocation data represented by two-dimensional spatial coordinates. The data transform of echo area calculation step 450 is performed using a variety of alternative transform algorithms, examples of which are disclosed herein. These transforms are optionally used to generate two-dimensional echolocation data using signals received as the result of a single broad-beam 710. In an alternative embodiment echo area calculation step 450 is replace by an analogous echo volume calculation step including an additional spatial dimension. Echo Volume calculation includes the generation of three-dimensional echolocation data using signals received as the result of a single broad-beam, the broad-beam covering a three dimensional volume.
In contrast,
The granularity of data bins is dynamic. In some embodiments echolocation data array 1100 represents a Nyquist sampled space wherein the density of bins 1250 is varied such that the number of samples just satisfies Nyquist criteria for un-aliased sampling throughout a region of interest. In some embodiments the density of bins 1250 is varied such that the resolution of resulting echolocation data is greater in a specific region. For example, in one embodiment a user specifies a particular region where more image detail is desired. In response, broad-beams systems and methods use an echolocation data array 1100 with greater density of bins 1250 in this region.
Some embodiments of the present invention include extrapolation and interpolation between data bins 1250. For example, in one embodiment interpolation is used in the far field, where each of data bins 1250 represent a greater area, to increase the density of echolocation data. Optionally, less interpolation is used in the near field were the density of data bins 1250 is greater.
The resolution (sampling frequency) of channel data generated in receive step 430 fundamentally limits the resolution of resulting echolocation data as a result of the Nyquist theorem. However, the resolution of data generated in receive step 430 is optionally improved through signal averaging or up-sampling techniques. Up-sampling techniques include the use of additional data and optionally include feedback such that additional data is collected in regions where improved resolution is most needed.
In several embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 including data transform methods it is assumed that the primary contributor to detected echoes from each location within the material under investigation 535 is the member of transducer elements 110 closest to that location. This element is referred to as the main contributing element (MCE). Typically, the member of transducer elements 110 that is closest to a location is the MCE for that particular location, and any ultrasound reflective object at that location. However, the identity of the MCE may also be dependant on the direction of broad-beam 710 and the shape of transducer array 530. In such a case, the MCE may not be the transducer element 110 closest to the particular location. The data transform methods, of echo area calculation step 450 (
Although
In embodiments of echo area calculation step 450, echolocation data is calculated by summing data along a line such as data location line 1440A, data location line 1440B, or the like. For example, summation of data along data location line 1440B generates a result indicative of the magnitude of echoes 1315 generated at the position occupied by ultrasound reflecting object 1310B and represented by a data bin, such as data bin 1220 or data bin 1240. The sum is stored in the representative data bin. A similar summation is optionally performed for each data bin in echolocation data array 1100. Through multiple summations echolocation data array 1100 is populated with echolocation data representing ultrasound reflective objects within material under investigation 535.
Steps 1610 through 1640 are optionally repeated for all echolocation data bins 1520 in echolocation data array 1100.
Alternative embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 include alternative methods of data transformation. These methods use, for example, calculations performed in the frequency domain, use of phase relationships between received signals, use of apodization functions to weigh contributions of each of transducer elements 110, feedback mechanisms, correlation analysis and consideration of transmitting transducer elements 110 other than the MCE. These other transducer elements 110 are used to improve both the quality and speed of the transformation from channel data to echolocation data.
In one embodiment, echo area calculation step 450 includes use of an apodization function to weigh contributions of each transducer element 110. Weighting may be desirable because those transducer elements 110 closer to an MCE receive stronger echoes from a particular reflective object 1310 than do transducer elements 110 further from the MCE. Signals detected at an MCE and the transducer elements 110 nearby are therefore given greater weight than transducer elements 110 further from the MCE.
In alternative embodiments, echo area calculation step 450 is performed at least in part in the frequency domain. Data is converted using invertible transforms, for example sine transform, Fourier transform, wavelet transform, or the like.
In some embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 phase relationships between received signals are used to distinguish between those signals resulting from ultrasound transmitted by the MCE and those signals resulting from secondary contributing elements (SCEs). SCEs are transducer elements 110, other than the MCE, that contribute to signal arising from a given ultrasound reflective object, such as ultrasound reflective object 1310.
In various embodiments, data resulting from SCEs are used to improve results obtained in echo area calculation step 450. For example, in some embodiments, data resulting from an SCE is added to data resulting from an MCE. Thus, data laying along data location line 1910, as shown in
In other embodiments signal resulting from an SCE is subtracted from signal resulting from an MCE. For example, if a large MCE signal is detected along data location line 1440A as shown in
Several embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 use feedback. For example, in one embodiment calculated echolocation data is processed in a “reverse” data transform using techniques that produce a simulated echo signal (simulated channel data) based on the calculated echolocation data. This reverse transform produces a simulation of the channel data that would be expected if the calculation of echolocation data was optimal. The reverse transform is optionally preformed using ray-tracing methods known in the art. The simulated channel data is compared with the actual echo data stored in channel data array 1000. Similarity between these two data sets is indicative of the quality of the calculation used to produce the echolocation data. In an optional iterative process, the calculation of echolocation data is repeated using varying parameters responsive to this similarity. These parameters may include different weighting factors, apodization functions or SCEs, manipulated to optimize the similarity between the data in channel data array 1000 and simulated echo signals.
In other embodiments feedback includes use of echolocation data to control broad beam design step 410. For example, in one embodiment the direction of an ultrasound beam designed in step 410 is responsive to the location of reflective boundaries in material under investigation 535. In other examples, the focus, width, frequency, intensity, or number of beams designed in step 410 are responsive to calculated echolocation data.
Several embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 include data transforms employing correlation analysis. Correlation methods are known in the data analysis art and are useful for enhancing similarities and making comparisons between data. Correlation is particularly useful for comparing data that systematically differs, for example by a change in phase. A cross-correlation analysis of two data sets, differing by a constant degree along one coordinate, identifies the constant difference and the similarity of the data after accounting for that difference. An auto-correlation analysis of a data set exemplifies periodic or repetitive signals within the data.
Echolocation data generated using alternative embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 are optionally compared, and the comparison may be used to determine the consistency of calculations or to provide feedback. For example, in one embodiment two repetitions of echo area calculation step 450 include consideration of different SCEs. The accuracy of these calculations is checked by comparing the results of each repetition. The closer the results the more likely the use of SCEs is producing an accurate result. In another example, echolocation data calculated using two different embodiments of echo area calculation step 450 are found to be significantly different. These differences are used as feedback affecting other steps in the broad-beam technology. For example, irreproducibility of echolocation data in a specific region is optionally used to provide feedback to broad-beam design step 410 such that a characteristic (intensity, frequency, direction, etc.) of a broad-beam probing that region is modified.
Data stored in echolocation data array 1100 is optionally used in generate image step 470 (
From the description of the various embodiments of the process and apparatus set forth herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that variations and additions to the embodiments can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. For example, transducer elements 110 can be replaced by alternative ultrasound generating elements and transmit/receive switch 515 can be replaced by separate transmit and receive switches. The number of transducer elements 110 shown in the figures is not meant to be limiting. Typical embodiments include larger numbers of transducer elements 110. Likewise, the resolution of shown data arrays is selected for illustrative purposes only. Typical embodiments include data arrays with larger numbers of data bins.
Broad-beam technology is applicable to systems configured to use both area forming and conventional beam forming. Some embodiments include means for switching between theses two approaches. For example, area forming may be used to survey and area and conventional beam forming techniques may be used to focus energy onto a specific area of interest. In some embodiments, including two dimensional transducer arrays, area forming is used at the same time as conventional beam forming techniques. For example, one set of transducer elements may be used for area forming while another set of transducer elements may be used for conventional beam forming. In another example, area forming may be used to gather data in one spatial dimension while conventional beam forming is used to gather data in an other spatial dimension. An ultrasound beam may be configured for area forming in one dimension and conventional beam forming in another dimension. In these examples, more than one method of echolocation is performed at the same time, each method optionally being associated with a specific spatial dimension.
Broad-beam technology is applicable to any system limited by the use of phased arrays to scan a focused beam over an area or volume. These systems may include sonic systems such as sonar, as well as electromagnetic systems such as radar. Embodiments of broad-beam technology are used with two dimensional transducer arrays. In these embodiments echo volume calculations replace echo area calculations and the transform of step 450 includes conversion of a three dimensional (Transducer, Transducer, Time) array of echo data to a three dimensional (x, y, z) echolocation data array. In one embodiment a single three dimensional ultrasound beam is used to perform volume forming and thus produce echolocation data covering a volume in space.
This application is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/759,558 entitled “Broad Beam Imaging Methods,” filed Jan. 16, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,157, which is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,391 entitled “Broad-Beam Imaging,” filed Aug. 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,685,645, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/370,632 entitled “Broad-Beam Imaging,” filed Apr. 5, 2002; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,391 is also a continuation-in-part and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/039,922 entitled “Block Switching in Ultrasound Imaging,” filed Oct. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,773,399; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,391 is also a continuation-in-part and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/039,862 entitled “Simultaneous Multi-Mode and Multi-Band Ultrasonic Imaging,” filed Oct. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,658; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,391 is also a continuation-in-part and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/039,910 entitled “Ultrasound System with Cableless Coupling Assembly,” filed Oct. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,936,008, which is a continuation-in-part and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/860,209 entitled “Miniaturized Ultrasound Apparatus and Method,” filed on May 18, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,102, which is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/378,175 entitled “Miniaturized Ultrasound Apparatus and Method,” filed on Aug. 20, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,073. The subject matter of these applications is incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,866,631 for a “System for Phase Inversion Ultrasonic Imaging” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,567 for a “System and Method for Post-Processing Ultrasound Color Doppler Imaging.” The subject matter of these commonly owned and related patents is hereby incorporated by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20070213615 A1 | Sep 2007 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60370632 | Apr 2002 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10759558 | Jan 2004 | US |
| Child | 11592702 | US | |
| Parent | 10211391 | Aug 2002 | US |
| Child | 10759558 | US | |
| Parent | 09378175 | Aug 1999 | US |
| Child | 09860209 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10039922 | Oct 2001 | US |
| Child | 10211391 | US | |
| Parent | 10039862 | Oct 2001 | US |
| Child | 10039922 | US | |
| Parent | 10039910 | Oct 2001 | US |
| Child | 10039862 | US | |
| Parent | 09860209 | May 2001 | US |
| Child | 10039910 | US |
