Abstract
Real-time ultrasound involves rapid scanning through the body and easy control manipulation is essential. The sensitivity settings of a scanner (also referred to as the time gain compensation (TGC) settings) are crucial in obtaining good image quality. However, many ultrasound scanners only allow the operator a limited scope for adjusting the sensitivity, and often it is only possible to change the slope or overall level of the TGC or to alter the TGC at a few depth ranges. No commercially available scanners allow the operator to alter the sensitivity in small regions of the image despite the common experience that a diagnosis is often made by examining in detail a particular area of an image. One approach to this problem is to automate fully the sensitivity controls (McDicken et al, 1974; DeClercq & Maginness, 1975; Pye et al, 1988). Another approach is to make the sensitivity controls more flexible and easier to use. In order to explore the potential of more flexible methods of sensitivity control, an infrared touch-screen has been used in conjunction with a microcomputer to control the sensitivity of a real-time scanner. This system has been evaluated clinically in routine obstetric scanning. The touch-screen is manufactured by Microvitec Ltd, and comprises an array of infrared emitters and detectors plus control logic mounted in a frame that fits around a 14-inch monitor screen. The maximum resolution of the array is 120 divisions horizontally by 90 vertically.
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