基于合成孔径技术的内镜超声相控阵成像算法

利用孔径大小为2.32mm的16阵元换能器,搭建了一套16通道的内镜超声相控阵成像实验系统。在此基础上提出了一种适用于内镜成像的相控阵成像算法(PAI),该算法利用延时和叠加算法(DAS)取得扫描线数据,再利用合成孔径技术中的相干样点叠加,得到高分辨率图像。该相控阵成像算法实现了发射和接收的动态聚焦。经FieldII仿真和内镜探头超声成像实验验证,与延时和叠加算法以及动态接收聚焦算法(DRF)相比,图像的理论横向分辨率分别提高了93.68%和17.5%,实验获得的实际横向分辨率分别提高了92.78%和14.69%,验证了相控阵成像算法和实验系统的可行性。     

基于虚拟源技术的双层固体结构超声成像

本文提出虚拟源与合成孔径技术相结合的成像方法来实现对双层结构的内部缺陷成像。通过相控阵探头延时聚焦的方法在界面形成虚拟声源,并对有机玻璃/钢双层结构中的聚焦声场进行了仿真,结果显示聚焦声束穿过界面后形成扩散球面波,适合采用合成孔径聚焦技术成像。实验中采用128阵元探头对含有横穿孔缺陷的有机玻璃/钢样品进行测量和波形采集,应用自适应滤波方法抑制界面回波,最后对波形使用合成孔径聚焦成像,得到的图像比B扫描成像具有较高的信噪比和横向分辨率,并且分辨率不随深度变化。     

合成孔径聚焦超声成像(三)

在合成孔径超声成像中，用小孔径基元换能器发射声波，并继而采集被目标或缺陷散射产生的回波信号．数据采集完成后，通过处理才能得到高分辨的重建声图．对种种不同的合成孔径成像技术而言，成像过程都可以分为两步：1．数据采集和存储；2．图像重建．在第一步中由基元换能器完成的电一声、声一电信号转换功能，及由后续电路完成的信号量化、采集功能，对各种不同的合成孔径成像技术而言，在原理上是没有多少不同的．各种不同的成像系统间的差别，主要在于所应用的图像重建原理及算法．在第一讲及第二讲中，我们分别介绍了基于等效线阵及匹…     

改进的最小方差算法在超声成像中的应用

为了提高最小方差超声成像算法的分辨率、对比度以及对噪声的鲁棒性,提出一种改进的最小方差成像算法。该方法首先基于回波信号中期望信号与噪声信号的可分离性将信号划分为期望信号和噪声信号,然后根据最小方差原理,求出加权向量使期望信号功率最小,同时,为了增加算法对噪声的鲁棒性,对信号方向向量增加一对约束条件,进一步提高图像质量。在全发全收和合成孔径模式下对点目标和吸声斑进行仿真,结果表明所提算法在全发全收模式下,-6 dB处分辨率在最小方差基础上提高了1倍左右,在合成孔径模式下,对比度在特征空间最小方差算法基础上提高了8 dB,且远优于传统延时叠加算法。最后通过实验进一步表明改进的最小方差算法图像在分辨率、对比度及对噪声的鲁棒性等方面表现更优,可以有效的改善超声图像的质量。      

用平面探头发射、聚焦探头接收的线性合成孔径聚焦技术

为了解决现有合成孔径聚焦技术(SAFT)方案中分辨率与灵敏度这一矛盾,在现有SAFT成像的基础上,新提出了一种平面探头发射、聚焦探头接收的线性合成孔径聚焦技术的成像方案。对该方案进行了理论分析,推导出了相应的成像算法,并建立了一套包括超声分析仪、超高速数据采集装置、机械扫描装置和计算机组成的SAFT成像系统,发展了相应的实验方法和计算机软件,对三组具有不同形状的人工缺陷的试块进行了成像实验,结果较好,分辨率至少可达1.5λ.     

基于自适应窗的合成孔径激光雷达联合时频成像方法

传统距离-多普勒算法中观测期间多普勒频率为常量的假设在合成孔径激光雷达系统中不再成立.根据合成孔径激光雷达回波信号模型,推导计算了振动对合成孔径激光雷达回波相位的影响.根据实际情况引入振动频率不超过500 Hz、振幅不超过0.2 mm的机载平台微振动参量,结果表明载机微振动对合成孔径激光雷达成像的方位分辨率影响很大,而对距离分辨率影响不大.采用时频分析成像方法,能够有效克服传统距离-多普勒算法对时变信号处理的局限性.分析比较Wigner-Ville分布、伪WWigner-Ville分布和平滑伪Wigner-Ville分布作为核函数的时频成像结果,均无法兼顾成像分辨率和成像效率.据此本文提出了一种基于自适应窗的联合时频成像方法,根据变异系数和变异阈值的比较自适应地调整子区域窗口大小,从而达到成像分辨率和算法效率的平衡优化.仿真结果表明,本算法对成像分辨率影响不大,成像时间减少近69.87%,适用于合成孔径激光雷达对成像高分辨率和成像效率的要求.     

地基多孔径成像系统验证实验设计

基于工程实践中高分辨率目标成像技术的需求,讨论了光学合成孔径成像技术的成像原理以及在提高成像分辨率方面的优越性,阐述了国内外在相关领域取得的科研成果及存在的技术难点。在现有加工工艺及装调检测条件下,设计了基于两个子望远镜的合成孔径成像实验。以斐索型多孔径望远镜为研究对象,从几何光学理论出发,讨论了地基斐索型合成孔径成像系统实验的可行性。分析实验中关键组件的调整精度,提出了合成孔径成像系统精确成像的方案。实验中设计了分辨率±0.03mm的微调机构来保证系统获得清晰的像,并使用分辨率达到0.05μm的压电直线精密驱动器来保证两束光相位同步。分析结果表明,本文设计的地基多孔径成像系统实验切实可行,可得到合成孔径成像系统分辨率的确切值,为进一步研究合成孔径成像系统奠定了基础。     

基于自适应窗的合成孔径激光雷达联合时频成像方法

传统距离-多普勒算法中观测期间多普勒频率为常量的假设在合成孔径激光雷达系统中不再成立.根据合成孔径激光雷达回波信号模型,推导计算了振动对合成孔径激光雷达回波相位的影响.根据实际情况引入振动频率不超过500Hz、振幅不超过0.2mm的机载平台微振动参量,结果表明载机微振动对合成孔径激光雷达成像的方位分辨率影响很大,而对距离分辨率影响不大.采用时频分析成像方法,能够有效克服传统距离-多普勒算法对时变信号处理的局限性.分析比较Wigner-Ville分布、伪WWigner-Ville分布和平滑伪Wigner-Ville分布作为核函数的时频成像结果,均无法兼顾成像分辨率和成像效率.据此本文提出了一种基于自适应窗的联合时频成像方法,根据变异系数和变异阈值的比较自适应地调整子区域窗口大小,从而达到成像分辨率和算法效率的平衡优化.仿真结果表明,本算法对成像分辨率影响不大,成像时间减少近69.87%,适用于合成孔径激光雷达对成像高分辨率和成像效率的要求.     

阵元固体指向性补偿对超声全聚焦成像的 优化研究*

超声全聚焦成像中,声波的传播受到阵元指向性的影响,位于阵元不同方位的缺陷成像幅度不同。缺陷相对阵列中心偏角越大,回波幅度越低,容易造成漏检。为提高超声全聚焦算法对固体中大偏角缺陷的成像能力,该文引入了矩形阵元固体指向性函数,建立了基于固体指向性补偿的超声全聚焦优化算法,利用指向性系数对不同角度区域的成像进行幅值补偿。实验结果表明,相对于基本超声全聚焦和传统指向性补偿的超声全聚焦算法,该文固体指向性优化算法对大偏角缺陷的成像幅度补偿效果更好,检测灵敏度更高,有效避免了缺陷漏检,扩展了超声全聚焦算法检测范围。     

渐进式频率-波数域全聚焦超声成像

为了提高全聚焦超声成像的质量和速度,提出了渐进式频率波数域全聚焦超声成像方法（GTFM-FW）。首先通过逐次激励超声相控阵各阵元并全孔径采集回波,得到全矩阵数据;然后通过傅里叶变换将全矩阵数据中的一组或多组对角线数据变换到频率波数域,对各组对角线数据的变换结果进行对齐并叠加;最后利用Stolt变换和二维逆傅里叶变换得到全聚焦成像结果。为了验证算法的有效性,对仿真点目标以及试块进行了详细成像实验。结果表明:本文方法可以通过改变全矩阵数据的使用量来实现成像分辨率与旁瓣干扰间的折中。并且由于采用频率波数域处理,在成像分辨率优于传统全聚焦成像算法的情况下,运算量大大降低。      

多传感器数字超声成像方法研究

论文介绍了Multi-SAFT超声成像原理,利用Multi-SAFT算法。对试块成像,得到了具有较高分辨率和拟合度的图像。     

Synthetic aperture imaging using sources with finite aperture: deconvolution of the spatial impulse response

A method for ultrasonic synthetic aperture imaging using finite-sized transducers is introduced that is based on a compact, linear, discrete model of the ultrasonic measurement system developed using matrix formalism. Using this model a time-domain algorithm for deconvolution of the transducer's spatial impulse responses (SIRs) is developed that is based on a minimum mean square error (MMSE) criterion. The algorithm takes the form of a spatiotemporal filter that compensates for the SIRs associated with a finite-sized transducer at every point of the processed image. A major advantage of the proposed method is that it can be used for any transducer, provided that its associated SIRs are known. This is in contrast to the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), which treats the transducer as a point source. The performance of the method is evaluated with simulations and experiments, performed in water using a linear phased array. The results obtained using the proposed method are compared to those obtained with a classical time-domain SAFT algorithm. For a finite aperture source, it is clearly shown that the resolution obtained using the proposed method is superior to that obtained using the SAFT algorithm.     

Ultrasonic synthetic aperture focusing using planar pulse-echo transducers

The lateral resolution of digital data from the planar (unfocused) pulse-echo transducers used in conventional ultrasonic inspections can be improved using the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT).

For practical applications it is important to minimize the level of sidelobes (artefacts) introduced by SAFT, without significant loss of resolution. This may be achieved by the inclusion of a suitable aperture-weighting function in the SAFT algorithm, combined with a synthetic aperture size related to the width of the transducer beam-spread.

The properties of the resulting optimized SAFT algorithm are quantified using experimental data from a series of artificial flaws (slots) of different sizes.     

互相关自适应加权的医学超声成像算法研究

根据超声成像系统的超声回波信号互相关性,提出互相关自适应加权超声成像算法.该算法根据散射点回波信号之间的空间相关性设置加权系数,对不同位置的散射点进行自适应加权成像,从而降低了成像系统的旁瓣,抑制了相关性较差的噪声.通过Field II仿真的点目标和吸声斑目标处理结果表明该方法成像的横向和纵向分辨率高,成像速度快.相对于延时叠加(DAS)算法,该算法对散射点成像可提高对比度16 dB,对于吸声斑成像可提高对比度0.85 dB.最后采用完备数据集进行实验,结果表明该算法成像分辨率优于DAS算法,对比度提高了17 dB.     

Ultrasonic actuators for nanometre positioning

This paper deals with ultrasonic motors based on bimodal plate vibrations and their application to nanometre resolution stepper positioning systems. The concept of a linear ultrasonic motor drive capable of nanometric steps, long-range travel and reversible controlled motion is presented. The motor concept developed is based on the superposition of a longitudinal and bending vibrations of a rectangular resonator. The ultrasonic motor model based on system identification via discrete observations and prediction has been developed for control applications. The control algorithm for ultrasonic motors has been developed and theoretical investigations have been made. The open loop positioning system with designed stepper ultrasonic drive produced 10 nm resolution and 5% displacement repeatability. The system with computer controlled position feedback has shown 0.3 micron positioning accuracy over the 100 mm positioning range.     

特征空间最小方差波束形成与相关系数特征值加权相融合的超声成像算法

为了进一步提高超声成像的质量,提出一种信号特征空间的最小方差波束形成与相关系数特征值加权相融合的超声成像算法。利用超声回波信号具有一定的相关性,而相关系数空间最大特征值可以反映回波信号相关性较强的性质,将该特征值作为自适应加权系数对信号特征空间最小方差波束形成(EIBMV)的结果进行加权成像,得到高质量的成像结果。通过对散射点目标和斑目标的Field II仿真,结果表明该算法相对于EIBMV算法,亮斑对比度提高了4.22 dB,暗斑对比度提高了1.88 dB,并且进一步提高了横向分辨率。      

Synthetic aperture focusing for defect reconstruction in anisotropic media

Ultrasonic inspection plays an important role in numerous industrial fields. One of the prominent tasks with respect to quantitative nondestructive evaluation is the determination of location, shape, size and orientation of defects. In this respect, the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) has been successfully applied to isotropic materials over the years. In anisotropic media, however, its application suffers from several phenomena, which are the direction dependence of the ultrasonic velocities, the beam skewing effect and the modified transducer radiation characteristics. In this article, a SAFT imaging algorithm is presented which fully accounts for the nature of wave radiation and propagation within anisotropic materials. For three-dimensional defect reconstruction, the spatial dependence of the ultrasonic group velocities as well as the radiation characteristics of the transducer are exploited--respective algorithms have been implemented for orthotropic material symmetry. Tests have been performed on unidirectional composite material.     

An amplitude correlation and differencing method for the monitoring of flaws in repeat ultrasonic inspections

A new amplitude correlation and differencing (ACD) method for the detection of flaw changes using digital pulse-echo ultrasonic data is proposed. The ACD method is based on signal processing techniques applied to digitized pulse amplitudes from scans of the same transducer recorded during two separate ultrasonic inspections. Changes in flaws with a wide variety of sizes and other characteristics can be detected, provided the change is in a direction perpendicular to the centre line of the ultrasonic beam.Practical experience of this method was gained by analysis of ultrasonic data from two inspections of a weld, separated by a year. The effectiveness of the ACD method for flaw monitoring is compared with that of the 6 dB drop sizing method, before and after resolution improvement by the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT).     

Photoacoustic microscopy by scanning mirror-based synthetic aperture focusing technique

Photoacoustic imaging with a synthetic aperture focusing technique(SAFT) is an effective method to improve the lateral resolution for out-of-focus regions in scanning microscopy systems, which commonly require a decent motorized scanning stage for a lateral scan of a transducer to obtain a cross-sectional image. In this study, we propose and test a photoacoustic imaging system with a scanning mirror-based SAFT(SM-SAFT) for simple and fast data acquisition, without the need for a physical scan of the transducer. Photoacoustic images of hair phantoms acquired by SM-SAFT are demonstrated, serving as a proof-of-concept experiment to show the feasibility and potential of the proposed approach.