Reversible back-propagation imaging algorithm for postprocessing of ultrasonic array data.
The paper describes a method for processing data from an ultrasonic transducer array. The proposed algorithm is formulated in such a way that it is reversible, i.e., the raw data set can be recovered from the image. This is of practical significance because it allows the raw-data to be spatially filtered using the image to extract, for example, only the raw data associated with a particular scatterer. The method is tested on experimental data obtained from a commercial 64-element, 5.5-MHz array on an aluminum specimen that contains several machined slots and side-drilled holes. The raw transmitter-receiver data corresponding to each scatterer is extracted, and the scattering matrices of different scatterers are reconstructed. This allows the signals from 1-mm-long slot and a 1-mm-diameter hole to be clearly distinguished and the orientation and the size of the slots to be determined.
Velichko
Alexander
A
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, United Kingdom. a.velichko@bristol.ac.uk
Wilcox
Paul D
PD
D000465:Algorithms; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*