Method and architecture to accelerate multi-element synthetic aperture imaging

Abstract

Multi-element synthetic aperture focusing (n-SAF) methods have been proposed as a suitable way to reduce cost and size for complex ultrasonic imaging systems. In this method, the larger the sub-aperture, the better the image contrast. However, when the number n of elements in the sub-aperture increases, some problems arise due to the great number of signals involved in the beamforming process, demanding a more complex electronic architecture, a higher bandwidth to manage the signals, and a greater computational power to compose the images in real time. This paper presents the n-SAF method in combination with a data reduction algorithm that reduces the number of signals intervening in the image data processing. The proposed method, called nR-SAF, simplifies the beamforming process; the hardware adds all signals in phase from identical coarray elements (similar spatial frequencies) thus a reduction of approximately 2/n of the data intervening in the dynamical focusing process is attained. The phase errors due to the simplified algorithms are also analyzed. We concluded that there are some limitations for sub-aperture size when image points are very near the transducer. Finally, an electronic architecture is presented, which is able to implement high velocity images from nR-SAF methods.