Ultrasound imaging method and apparatus for forming color images by using a variable power threshold level

An ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:

• one or more transducer(s) for transmitting an ultrasound signal to a target object;
• means for receiving a first signal including a reflected signal from the target object mixed with a noise;
• means for measuring a noise power profile;
• means for determining a power threshold level that is varied depending on said noise power profile;
• and
• means for forming an ultrasound image of the target object corresponding to the first signal when a power level of the first signal is greater than said variable power threshold level.

An ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising:

• one or more transducer(s) for transmitting an ultrasound signal to an object;
• means for receiving a first signal including a reflected signal from the object mixed with a noise;
• and
• means for forming an ultrasound image of the object corresponding to the first signal when a power level of the first signal is greater than a variable power threshold level,
• wherein said variable power threshold level is varied depending on pixel position in the ultrasound image.

An ultrasound imaging method, comprising the steps of:

• (a) transmitting an ultrasound signal from one or more transducer to an object;
• (b) receiving a first signal including a reflected signal from the object mixed with a noise;
• and
• (c) forming an ultrasound image of the object corresponding to the first signal when a power level of the first signal is greater than a variable power threshold level, wherein said variable power threshold level is predefined based on a level of the noise.