Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Glenn, William E.

Thesis/Dissertation Co-Chair

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Abstract

This dissertation presents a new type of two-dimensional, real time, color ultrasonic scanner able to measure and display brain metabolism by monitoring amplitudes of localized changes of intracranial interfaces. A real time image is obtained with a flexible array of transducers which eliminates the strong reflection from the skull due to a shape mismatch, and reduces the topological mislocations in the image. The image is generated by a superposition of a gray scale image representing static structures, and a color coded pattern representing motion information. The new technique of motion detection based on image subtraction features high accuracy and gives the scanner the unique capability to detect multidirectional motion of the intracranial interfaces, and to display the amplitude of the motion in real time. A series of experiments performed with the scanner demonstrates outstanding agreement between theoretical design and hardware performance. The scanner has been measured to have a lateral resolution of 4 mm, a temporal resolution of 30 fr/s, a motion detection resolution of 5 $\mu$m, a time gain compensation of 40 dB, and a signal/noise ratio of more than 40 dB. Successful tests, performed on a live human brain, show a well defined echo pattern arising from intracranial structures within the brain, and a strong correlation between the detected surface pulsations and heart beat has been observed. Monitoring the image synchronously with the heart beat and the external stimulus presence gives clinicians the unique opportunity of visualization of detailed cross-sectional anatomy of portions of the human brain, permitting direct observation, mapping the structure and function in a normal human brain, and studying the pathophysiology of mental illness by demonstrating structural metabolic, and neurochemical abnormalities. Additional experiments, performed on other parts of the human body, demonstrated clearly the advanced features of the scanner and its successful application to other areas of medicine beyond neurology. Furthermore, this new real time, two-dimensional brain scanner will be suitable for remote diagnosis and consultation, and long-distance delivery of quality health care via teleconferencing and telecommunication equipment. The modular design of the scanner allows blocks, such as multidirectional motion detection, and the flexible transducer array to be used as stand alone units or to be built into already existing ultrasonic equipment such as sonars, motion sensors, nondestructive testing of materials, etc.

Extent

226 p.

Comments

College of Engineering and Computer Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1996.|College of Engineering and Computer Science

Identifier

FADT12485

Format

pdf

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