A frequency diversity process for speckle reduction in real-time ultrasonic images

A pair of concurrent real-time B-mode image lines has been formed using a parallel processing system. In this system a wideband received echo is partitioned by a frequency diversity process and separate image lines are formed. Due to their differing constituent frequencies, these image lines have decorrelated speckle patterns. Upon averaging these filtered lines, the amount of speckle in the resultant displayed image is reduced. The reduction in image speckle and its accompanying improvement in perceived resolution is accomplished with no sacrifice of temporal resolution or real-time format. The effects of filter separation and filter quality factor (Q) are investigated through statistical analysis of images containing speckle-producing targets. A measurable improvement in image signal-to-noise ratio has been achieved.<>