High Contrast Ultrasound Imaging

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案旨在开发和测试新的信号处理方法，以提高图像对比度，同时保持或改进超声成像的上述优势。在初步工作中，所提出的技术已被证明优于最近发表的杂波抑制技术。该技术与大多数提出的技术相反，因为它是第一个以有益的方式使用众所周知的杂波源光栅瓣。在过去的50年里，超声系统和换能器工程师长期致力于消除这些杂波源。虽然违反直觉，但这些新方法是第一次使用以前不需要的光栅瓣杂波和相位误差来实际提高图像对比度。如果成功，这些方法将在超声信号和图像处理方面开辟新的道路。为了测试这些方法的局限性，我们提出了一系列关于幻影的计算机模拟和实验工作。一项小型体内研究也被提出，以测试评估左心室射血分数和主动脉斑块或血栓发展的可行性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal aims to develop and test new signal processing approaches to improve image contrast while maintaining or improving on the aforementioned advantages of ultrasound imaging. In preliminary work, the proposed techniques have been shown to outperform recently published clutter suppression techniques. This technique is contrary to most proposed techniques in that it is the first to use grating lobes, a well-known source of clutter, in a beneficial manner. In the last 50 years, ultrasound system and transducer engineers have long worked to remove these clutter sources. Although counterintuitive, these new methods are the first to use previously unwanted clutter from grating lobes and phase errors to actually improve image contrast. If successful, these methods will forge new trails in ultrasound signal and image processing. An extensive series of computer simulations and experimental work on phantoms is proposed to test the limits of these approaches. A small in vivo study is also proposed to test feasibility in assessing left ventricular ejection fraction and development of aortic plaque or thrombus.