Implementation of adaptive transmit parameter adjustment in ultrasound imaging

The coherence of signals received by neighboring transducer array elements, the lag-one coherence (LOC), provides a local measure of clutter and temporally varying noise. Increasing transmit intensity decreases the impact of temporal noise on image quality, but does not eliminate stationary clutter. By assessing changes in LOC with acoustic intensity, acoustic exposure can be minimized without compromising image quality, achieving the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. In this study, adaptive intensity adjustment based on LOC is integrated into B-mode imaging. Hepatic imaging tests in two volunteers provide preliminary support for the stability and specificity of intensity updates, potentially relieving the physical and workload demands placed on sonographers while ensuring both high-quality imaging and limited acoustic exposure.