Title :
Efficient synthetic aperture imaging from a circular aperture with possible application to catheter-based imaging
Author :
Donnell, Matthew O. ; Thomas, L.J.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng. & Comput. Sci., Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
fDate :
5/1/1992 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Phased-array imaging, including complete dynamic focus, is explored for imaging using a circular aperture. Based on the constraints of catheter-based systems, an efficient synthetic aperture method has been developed for imaging using a single wire connection between the imaging array and external electronics. The method employs a highly sampled array with an element pitch small compared to the acoustic wavelength. On any given firing of the array, however, a large number of channels are electrically connected on both transmission and reception. From firing to firing, one element is dropped and one new element is included, in analogy to a classic linear array system. Using an optimal filtering approach for synthetic aperture reconstruction, a dynamically focused image exhibiting diffraction limited resolution is produced. The results of detailed simulations are presented demonstrating the capabilities of the method. In addition, the prospects for real-time implementation of the reconstruction are discussed.<>
Keywords :
acoustic imaging; biomedical ultrasonics; digital simulation; medical diagnostic computing; acoustic wavelength; catheter-based imaging; circular aperture; classic linear array system; diffraction limited resolution; dynamically focused image; intravascular ultrasonic imaging system; medical imaging; optimal filtering approach; phased array imaging; real-time implementation; simulation; single wire imaging; synthetic aperture imaging; synthetic aperture reconstruction; Acoustic arrays; Acoustic imaging; Acoustic waves; Apertures; Diffraction; Filtering; Focusing; Image reconstruction; Image resolution; Wire;
Journal_Title :
Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, IEEE Transactions on