Method and apparatus for compensation during ultrasound examination

摘要

The time-gain function of an ultrasound receiver for medical examinations is modified to compensate for different attenuation characteristics in body structures. The slope of the time-gain function is increased at times associated with pulse transmission through the highly attenuating body wall and may be decreased at times associated with pulse transmission through fluid filled body structures. The time-gain compensation, in combination with probe focus compensation and a highly linear receiver transfer function provides sharply increased diagnostic quality. The location and attenuating characteristics of body structures may be determined from a prior knowledge of their depth within the body or from distinctive signatures in ultrasound echos.