Means for increasing sensitivity in non-linear ultrasound imaging systems
AssigneeHewlett-Packard Company
InventorsGeorge A. Brock-Fisher, Mckee D. Poland, Patrick G. Rafter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An image with increased sensitivity to non-linear responses, particularly second harmonic responses, can be achieved by measuring the ultrasound response under multiple excitation levels. The responses gathered from the multiple excitation levels are gain corrected in an amount corresponding to the difference in excitation levels, then subtracted. Because of this subtraction, most of the linear response will be removed, and what remains corresponds to the non-linear response.
Claims12
A method for measuring a non-linear response of tissue and bubbles comprising the steps of:
- exciting and measuring a first response at a first power setting;
- exciting and measuring a second response at a second power setting, wherein the second power setting is different than the first power setting;
- scaling the first response for the second power setting to produce a projected response;
- and
- subtracting the projected response from the second response to determine the non-linear response.
A method for measuring a non-linear response of tissue and bubbles comprising the steps of:
- exciting and measuring responses at each one of a group of power levels, wherein the group has at least two different power levels;
- scaling each response according to its power setting to produce a projected response;
- and
- subtracting linear combinations of the projected responses to determine the non-linear response.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.