Real-time angular scatter imaging system

A novel real-time angular scatter imaging system has been developed for improved tissue contrast between neighboring tissue layers in diagnostic ultrasound images. The system uses one phased array transducer in transmit, and a second, separate phased array transducer in receive. In order to form a line of an image, the transmit transducer sends into the body a steered pulse which is tracked dynamically from the side by the receive transducer. The final display format is a B-mode sector originating from the transmit transducer. Real-time angular scatter images of phantom targets are given. It is shown that for a small aperture spacing of 12 mm, the angular scatter system compares favorably to a backscatter system in terms of resolution, dynamic range, and signal strength. At transmit angles greater than 25°, this unique system outperforms the backscatter system, possessing better resolution and greater signal strength