AbstractID: 9308 Title: Zone Acquisition Imaging as an Alternative to Line-by-Line Acquisition
Imaging
OBJECTIVE: An imaging system was designed that overcomes rate of image acquisition
constraints imposed by the speed of sound in tissue. METHODS: An ultrasound system was
designed which utilizes a novel method of echo acquisition and image formation. The desired
field of view is insonified with less than 10 pulse-echo cycles per frame instead of the normal 100200 pulse-echo cycles. On receive, phase and amplitude echo data (RF) from individual
transducer elements are stored in a channel domain memory. Digital Signal Processors (DSP)
perform de-convolution algorithms, which include all mathematical operations for element phase
correction, focusing, apodization, and other image formation functions, and stores the resulting
echo location data using an x-y coordinate system. Echo location data is then processed using
conventional techniques to generate an image for display, storage, or network distribution.
RESULTS: Images have been produced in all modes and are characterized by high spatial
resolution with reduced motion artifacts. Because all data is acquired with only a few pulse-echo
cycles and each frame is processed as a whole, the rate of image formation is directly related to
image processor speed. With less than 10 pulse-echo cycles per frame, the electronics operate
at much lower power levels, enabling major miniaturization and practical battery operation of the
scanner. CONCLUSIONS: A fundamentally different strategy for image acquisition has been
developed that utilizes more information embedded in received data. It overcomes velocity
propagation constraints that limit image acquisition requirements and takes full advantage of
progress in DSPs for electronic array focusing.