EP0220631A1
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Adaptive time gain compensation system for ultrasound imaging
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1986-10-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2006-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A gain control system for use in an ultrasound imaging system includes a histogram analyser (30) for identifying image pixel populations attributable to fluid, soft tissue, specular reflectors and artifacts. The histogram analyser establishes mean peak values. Nulls between image populations are identified for setting gain versus depth break points. A comparator (28) uses a threshold level to compare image information corresponding to soft tissue. A TGC generator responds to a preselected slope, a brightness level, and the tissue identification to generate a time gain control signal for variable-gain amplifier (22).
Inventors
- 👤 James Kenneth Riley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52023; G01S7/52033
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
In an ultrasound imaging system including a gain controlled amplifier and image formation means responsive to signals from the gain controlled amplifier, a gain control system comprising means for identifying a mean image population level of soft tissue for controlling gain of the gain controlled amplifier, and means for identifying nulls between image populations of fluid and soft tissue for setting gain versus depth break points.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
In an ultrasound imaging system including a gain controlled amplifier and image formation means responsive to signals from the gain controlled amplifier, a gain control system comprising means for identifying a mean image population level of soft tissue for controlling gain of the gain controlled amplifier, and means for identifying nulls between image populations of fluid and soft tissue for setting gain versus depth break points.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
142 words
The gain control system as defined by Claim 1 wherein said means for identifying a mean image population level of soft tissue includes a histogram analyzer connected to receive image data, said analyzer identifying image pixel population attributable to fluid, image pixel population attributable to soft tissue, image pixel population attributable to specular reflectors, and image pixel population attributable to artifacts, said analyzer establishing mean peak values of pixel populations and threshold levels of power, said means for identifying nulls between image populations of fluid in soft tissue for setting gain versus depth breakpoints comprising a feedback control means connected to receive said mean peak values and threshold levels from said histogram analyzer and providing amplifier gain and threshold level based on said mean peak values in population and threshold levels and providing an adjusted gain output and an adjusted threshold output.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The gain control system as defined by Claim 2 and further including time gain control signal generator means responsive to said adjusted gain output for controlling the gain of the gain controlled amplifier, comparator means for comparing prior image data and said threshold level and means responsive to said comparator and said feedback controller for controlling gain of said variable amplifier.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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