Image matching for pulse echo measurement of ultrasonic velocity

摘要

Diagnostic ultrasound is a pulse echo imaging system similar to radar, sonar or exploration seismology. It has its most widespread use in the examination of pregnancy, but also finds routine use in the examination of the organs of the upper abdomen and its use is increasing in other areas. Using current techniques the information obtained is largely anatomical. Information about the propagating properties of the tissue is obtained only indirectly. Recently a system has been developed in which quantitative information about the velocity of propagation may be obtained. The technique uses the amount of apparent shift between the two images of the structure obtained from different directions to deduce the apparent velocity within the tissue. Techniques are described for matching the two images obtained from different scan directions from which the apparent shift in the displayed image can be measured.