High resolution electronic-linear-scanning ultrasonic diagnostic equipment

Electronic linear-scanning ultrasonic diagnostic equipment so far has suffered from low resolution. In the study presented here, improvement in resolution was obtained by electronic focusing and improved image quality by small-angle deflection. Electronic focusing is a method obtaining a narrow ultrasonic beam by means of phase control. Small-angle deflection is a method to increase scanning line density by deflecting slightly the ultrasonic beam also by means of phase control and thus to obtain information existing between the successive scanning lines of a conventional linear scanning system. Both experimental investigation and clinical application have shown that these techniques are highly effective in increasing lateral resolution and image quality. It has been confirmed that the equipment is practical for routine use.