WO1997004333A1 - Imaging method and device with parallel processing of data - Google Patents

Abstract

A method comprising the steps of transmitting a wave towards an object to be inspected (1); reading signals from points on the object on a first array (10) of transducers (111-11n); writing the read signals into a memory (14) at a writing rate fo; reading out the signals stored in the memory (14) at a readout rate fi while subjecting them to a time reversal; retransmitting the signals read out of the memory (14) to at least one image medium (18) using a second array (16) of transducers (161-16n); and sensing the retransmitted signals in the image medium (18) using a third array (20) of transducers (201-20n) at a set distance from said second transducer array (16). The writing rate fo and/or the readout rate fi varies so that images of said points on the object are always formed on said third array.

Description

 IMAGING METHOD AND DEVICE WITH PARALLEL DATA PROCESSING

The subject of the present invention is an imaging method, comprising the steps consisting in: - emitting a wave towards the object to be explored;

- read on a first network of transducers the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored;

- store the signals thus read in a memory, at a writing frequency f;

- read the signals stored in the memory, at a reading frequency f: by subjecting them to a time reversal;

- retransmitting the signals read from the memory to at least one image medium using a second network of transducers;

It also relates to an imaging device, comprising:

- means for transmitting a wave to an object to be explored; - a first network of transducers to pick up the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored;

means of temporal inversion of the signals picked up on the first network of transducers, for storing said signals and supplying them after time reversal; a second network of transducers for retransmitting the signals supplied by said time inversion means to at least one image medium

The invention is particularly applicable to imaging by ultrasonic or electromagnetic waves.

Known imaging devices, and in particular ultrasound imaging, whether medical or industrial applications, generally use a sequential process. The structure to be explored is scanned line by line using a narrow beam. The echoes recorded on each line are recorded and an image of a plane of the structure to be explored is obtained when the entire surface of this plane has been scanned. The scanning speed is a function of the cadence of the sounding pulses and the space between each line: in any event, the cadence is limited by the reverberation times in the structure, which determine the minimum duration between two successive lines . The scanning pitch is chosen according to the resolution, and is generally 1 to 2 mm.

Thus, in ultrasound imaging, for reverberation times on the order of a hundred microseconds, and a scanning step on the order of a millimeter, it is difficult to obtain images at a frequency higher than a few tens of Hz ( 10 to 50 Hz), for an image 100 mm wide. It has already been proposed to perform parallel processing to improve the performance of the imaging.

In an article by Hanstead entitled "A new ultrasonic focusing System for materials inspection", in the Journal of Physics D, pages 226-241, vol. 7 of 1974. is described a system implementing such parallel processing. An object to be examined, immersed in water, is irradiated by a plane ultrasonic wave. The reflected waves retransmitted via the transducer to an acousto-optical interaction cell comprising a transparent tank which contains a liquid medium (water) and a system of two acoustic lenses with combined foci (cofocal system). Acoustic waves propagating in the liquid medium and forming an acoustic image are made visible by a Schlieren method, i.e. by interaction between the ultrasonic wave and an orthogonal light beam. The ultrasonic wave behaves like a network which diffracts the light beam: a simple optical assembly makes it possible to eliminate the non-diffracted part of the light beam, in order to visualize an image of the ultrasonic diffracting phenomenon. It is proposed in this device to work by pulses, and to use a stroboscopic lighting synchronized on the pulse for viewing, using a cofocal system whose focal lengths are in a V2 ratio.

This device has drawbacks: it is necessarily integral with the object to be examined; as it is bulky and delicate, it is difficult to make it mobile. The choice of focal lengths in this device results in an image twice as large as the object, which implies the use of a large optical system and therefore expensive. The sensitivity of the system is poor, the intensity of the pulses reflected on small obstacles being too low to make them visible by the Schlieren method. To obtain good image quality, it is also necessary to stabilize the liquid medium in temperature. Finally, the image obtained is affected by an anamorphosis.

FR-A-2 376 419 describes a similar device, in which the reflected ultrasonic waves are detected by a primary piezoelectric network, amplified, and applied after amplification to an identical network coupled to an opto-acoustic display device similar to that from Hanstead. The analysis of the optical image is carried out by a mobile laminar beam, which moves so as to intercept the acoustic pulses when they reach their image point. In this way, the display device can be made independent of the object to be displayed. In addition, the amplification of the echoes makes it possible to carry the amplitude of the echoes at a level sufficient to allow visualization by the Schlieren process. Finally, the choice of a laminar beam makes it possible to adapt the scale of the image by overcoming the constraints inherent in the Hanstead system.

The device of this document remains bulky and fragile. In addition, it has a limited dynamic range of around 20 dB, which is that of the Schlieren process: the images obtained are too contrasting to be able to be used, for example, in medical imaging. Finally, the information obtained is very degraded, the HF carrier being notably lost.

US-A-4,463,608 describes a device similar to that of FR-A-2,376,419, in which the acoustic lenses are replaced by a time reversal device using electronic memories. The reflected ultrasonic waves are detected by a primary piezoelectric network, amplified, undergo a time reversal, and are applied after amplification to a secondary network coupled to an opto-acoustic device of the Schlieren type. The visualization is carried out as in FR-A-2 376 419, using a laminar beam, when working in pulses.

This device is more compact than that of FR-A-2 376 419, but still has the drawbacks of space, limited dynamics and degradation of the information of a Schlieren system. It is proposed in this document to reduce the scale in order to limit the size of the image medium, by varying the reading frequency in the time reversal memories in relation to the writing frequency in these memories: this nevertheless leads to a loss corresponding in resolution, in particular due to the constraints on the size of the laminar lighting beam. US-A-4,463,608 also proposes, in an alternative embodiment, to form the acoustic image after time reversal by synchronous ultrasonic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic excitation; however, this only applies to thin objects, for which the propagation time in the image medium is negligible. US-A-4,463,608 proposes in another variant to form the acoustic image after time reversal by means of surface waves, propagating on a piezoelectric plate, and to read the potential generated by scanning with a electron beam. This is only a variant for which no embodiment is proposed, and the realization of which seems limited by difficult technological problems for large areas. In addition, such a system could only operate in CW, which limits the applications.

GB-A-2,074,732 describes a device of the same kind as US-A-4,463,608. All these known parallel processing devices are bulky: they involve having a tank of an acoustically and optically transparent medium, most often liquid, the dimension of which is of the order of the size of the object to be viewed. They require very fine adjustment of the optical elements. especially in the case of a mobile laminar beam, and are therefore difficult to transport. Their dynamic range is around 20 dB, which prevents obtaining a highly contrasted image. They all exhibit significant degradation of the acoustic image during its visualization, and in particular a loss of the HF components of the acoustic image. Their precision is limited by the size constraints of the image medium and of the optical beam. Finally, the acousto-optical transformation generates annoying non-linearities in certain applications.

FR-A-2 637 289 describes an acoustic imaging device, in which the reflected signals from a pulsed acoustic field ω are mixed with a signal at a pulsation Ω greater than the pulsation ω of the pulsed acoustic field ; the pulsed signals Ω - ω are isolated from the mixed signals and a real image creation acoustic field is reconstructed by applying these signals to a network of transducers.

This system in fact provides unsatisfactory results; it is limited to continuous wave operation; it can only work if the phase variations of the reflected signals are much less than 2π, which in practice is rarely the case. The resolution then becomes catastrophic.

The invention solves these problems. It provides an easily transportable, robust, compact system, with significant dynamics and good resolution, and which does not necessarily have to operate in CW.

It allows good quality high frequency ultrasound or electromagnetic imaging.

The subject of the invention is an imaging method, comprising the steps consisting in: - emitting a wave towards the object to be explored;

- read on a first network of transducers the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored;

- store the signals thus read in a memory, at a writing frequency f_;

- read the signals stored in the memory, at a reading frequency f by subjecting them to a time reversal;

- retransmitting the signals read from the memory to at least one image medium using a second network of transducers; characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: - Capturing in the image medium the signals retransmitted using a third network of transducers disposed at a fixed distance from said second network of transducers; the frequency of writing f _Q in the memory and / or the frequency of reading f in the memory varying so as to form the images of said points of the object on said third network of transducers, the image of the object to be explored being formed by storing the signals picked up by the third network of transducers.

In one embodiment, the writing frequency f in the memory and / or the reading frequency f _j in the memory varies (s) during writing and / or reading. In another embodiment, the frequency of writing f_ in the memory and / or the frequency of reading f _j in the memory varies (nt) between phases of writing and / or reading.

In one embodiment, the wave emitted towards the object to be explored is an ultrasonic wave. In another embodiment, the wave emitted towards the object to be explored is an electromagnetic wave.

The signals read from the first array of transducers can be the echoes reflected by the points of the object to be explored, the signals diffracted by the points of the object to be explored or even the signals transmitted by the points of the object to be explored. . In one embodiment, the writing frequency f _Q is constant, and the writing frequency f _j varies. In another embodiment, the writing frequency f _Q varies, and the writing frequency f _j is constant.

The signals read in the memory can be retransmitted to a plurality of image media each comprising a third array of transducers, and in this case, the write frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the read frequency f _j in the memory varies so as to form the images of said points of the object on one or the other of said third array of transducers, as a function of the distance between said points and said first array of transducers.

Advantageously, the reading frequency f _j can vary by frequency steps.

In this case, the reading frequency f _j can undergo on each frequency level a frequency modulation, of low amplitude in front of the frequency variation between each level. Advantageously, the frequency modulation is a linear modulation of relative amplitude less than a few thousandths. In one embodiment, the method comprises several passes, each comprising the steps consisting in reading the signals stored in the memory and in retransmitting the signals read in the memory, and during each of said passes, only part of the image of said object to be explored. In that case. it is possible to store during each pass only the part of the signals received on said third network of transducers corresponding to the middle part of each frequency level.

In one embodiment of the method, the first and second arrays of transducers are two-dimensional.

The subject of the invention is also an imaging device, comprising:

- means for transmitting a wave to an object to be explored;

- a first network of transducers to pick up the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored; means of temporal inversion of the signals picked up on the first network of transducers, for storing said signals and supplying them after time reversal;

a second network of transducers for retransmitting the signals supplied by said time inversion means to at least one image medium, characterized in that it comprises:

a third network of transducers arranged in the image medium at a fixed distance from said second network of transducers;

- means for storing the signals received on said third transducer array and in that said time reversal means stores and supplies said signals at frequencies f _Q writing and reading different f _j, for successively forming images of said points of the object on said third network of transducers.

The emission means can emit an ultrasonic wave or an electromagnetic wave.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of image media each with a third array of transducers.

Advantageously, the image medium or media can consist of a thin sheet transparent to the signals retransmitted by the second network of transducers. In one embodiment, the time reversal means include:

- analog-digital converters converting the signals from the transducers of said first network;

- memory means for storing the converted signals;

- digital-analog converters converting the signals read from the memory means and supplying analog signals to the transducers of said second network; means for managing memory addresses in writing and reading, for controlling the writing and reading of the signals in the memory means, at different frequencies, and ensuring a time reversal.

In one embodiment, the first and second networks are two-dimensional and include elements randomly distributed.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment, given by way of example only, and with reference to the appended drawings which show:

- Figure 1, a schematic view of a first device for the implementation of the invention;

- Figure 2, a graphical representation of the variations in the writing frequencies f and reading f _j , for low numerical aperture of the transducer networks;

- Figure 3, a representation similar to that of Figure 2, in the case where two image media are used;

- Figures 4a to 4e graphical representations of the convergence error in a device according to the invention;

- Figure 5, the shape of the variation of the reading frequency f _j , for a constant writing frequency f ₀ ; - Figure 6 a graphical representation of the variations of the reading frequency f _j , in the case of several reading passes in the memory; The description of the invention with reference to Figures 1 to 6 mentions, for the sake of clarity, ultrasonic waves. The invention applies, mutatis mutandis, to electromagnetic waves. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first device for implementing the invention. The device of FIG. 1 comprises a first network 10 of transducers 11 to 11 _n , capable of emitting ultrasonic waves towards an object 1 to be explored situated in an object space, by means of excitation means not shown in the figure. Object 1 reflects towards the first array of ultrasonic echo transducers.

The transducers of the first array of transducers are connected to signal amplifiers 12 _] to 12 _n ; the outputs of these amplifiers are connected to analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) 13 _] to 13 _n . The CAN output signals are sent to the write inputs of memory means 14, constituted for example for each of the n transducers of a memory 14- with asynchronous read-write.

The read outputs of the memories 14- are connected to analog digital converters (DAC) 15 _] to 15 _n ; analog signals provided by DACs 15 _] to 15 _n attack the transducers 16 _] to 16 _R of a second network of transducers 16.

The transducers 16 _] to 16 _n of the second network of transducers 16 emit towards a display medium or image medium 18, in which is disposed a third network 20 of transducers 20 _d at 20 _m .

The transducers 20 _] to 20 _m are connected to signal amplifiers 21 _] to

21 _m ; the outputs of these amplifiers are connected to analog to digital converters (ADC) 22 _d to 22 _m . The CAN output signals are sent to the write inputs of memory means 23, constituted for example for each of the m transducers of a memory 23:

The device of FIG. 1 further comprises means 25 for managing memory addresses for writing and reading, with for example an adjustable clock

26, an up-down counter 27, and PROMs (programmable read only memories)

28 containing the read write addresses in the memories 14 and 29 containing the read write addresses in the memories 23.

The operation of the device of Figure 1 is as follows. The first array of transducers 10 is excited by a pulse and emits a plane wave towards the object to be explored. The transducers 1 1 _] to 11 _n then go into reception for a period corresponding to twice the depth of exploration, ie the outward and return path of the ultrasound, and receive the echoes coming from the object to be explored.

The corresponding signals are amplified by amplifiers 12 _] to 12 _n and converted into digital signals by ADCs 13 _] to 13 _n . Advantageously, it is possible to apply to the amplifiers 12 _] to 12 _n a gain correction as a function of time.

(TGC) to correct the effects of attenuation due to propagation in the object medium.

The CAN output signals 13 _j to 13 _n are sampled and stored in memories 14 _] to 14 _n , with a write frequency f _Q. A frequency f ₀ high enough to ensure good sampling of the signal is chosen, for example a frequency f _Q of 20 to 40 MHz for an ultrasonic frequency of the order of 3 MHz.

The size of each memory 14 _j is determined as a function of the depth of exploration, the writing frequency f _Q , and the number of bits at the output of the ADCs, so as to be able to store all of the echoes emitted by l object to explore and received on transducers 1 1 _] to ll _n . The memory addresses and write validation signals are supplied by the means 25.

The signals stored in the memories 14 _] to 14 _n are read in the reverse order of the writing order, at a reading frequency f _j . For example, if the addresses memories increase with the writing in memories 14 _] to 14. they decrease during reading, so as to effect a time reversal.

The signals read in the memories are sent to the DACs 15 _d to 15; the analog signals output from the DACs attack the transducers 16 _] to 16 which emit in the image medium 18.

The field re-emitted in the image medium by the transducers of the second array of transducers corresponds to the field received from the object to be explored; due to the time reversal, the direction of propagation is reversed, and the waves in the image medium converge towards image points corresponding to the sources of the echoes in the object medium. In the image medium, reflective points of the object to be explored are obtained, with a minimum of acoustic complications.

According to the invention, there is a third network 20 of transducers in the image medium 18, at a given distance from the second network 16 of transducers, and the reading frequency is varied in the memory 14 when the echoes are re-emitted to the visualization medium. It is also possible in another embodiment to vary the writing frequency, or the two frequencies.

This makes it possible to capture in the visualization medium the echoes re-emitted using the third network of transducers, without it being necessary to use acousto-optical conversion means such as a Schlieren cell. The reading frequency f _j in the memory varies so as to form the acoustic image on the third network of transducers, in successive columns. The signals received on the third array of transducers 20 are amplified, and converted into digital signals. The CAN output signals 22 _] to 22 are sampled and stored in the memories 23 _] at 23 _m at a storage frequency ij, so as to constitute in the memory means 23 a usable image.

FIG. 2 shows a graphical representation of the variations in the writing frequencies f_ and reading frequencies f _j , during the constitution of the image, for a small opening of the transducer network.

We note in the following c _Q and C _j the propagation velocities in the object medium and in the image medium. We consider in the object medium and in the image medium orthonormal references (x, y) whose origin is at the center of the network of transducers, and whose abscissa axis is orthogonal to the network of transducers. We note x _Q and x _j the abscissa of a point on the abscissa axis in the object medium and of the corresponding image point in the image medium. We consider two points of the first network of transducers, with coordinates

(0. 0) and (0, y). The pulses reflected by the point (x 0) reach the two points of the network with a spatial shift D _ro which is _equal to V (x ² + y ² ) - x at which corresponds to a time offset equal to D _ro / c ₀ . and an offset in the memory of dn positions, with dn = f ₀ .D _r0 / c ₀ .

When rereading the time difference is dn / f _j . and the corresponding spatial shift D ,. _{j is} written D _rj = dn.C _j / f _j , or D _rj = D _ro .f ₀ .C _j / (f _j .c ₀ ). For weak openings, ie if y is small in front of x _Q , we have D _ro = y ² /(2.x ₀ ), or x ₀ ^≈ y V (2.D _ro ).

Finally, we obtain: ^x i ^{= x} o- ^D ro ^{/ D} ri ^{= x} o- ^f i- ^c o ^/ ( ^f o ^x i) ( ^a ) This calculation is no longer valid for large numerical openings. It is thus possible, by varying the writing frequency f _j or the reading frequency f _Q , to form the image of the abscissa point x _Q at a constant abscissa X _j , corresponding to the position of the third array of transducers in the middle picture. In other words, the scale in a direction perpendicular to the transducer network (abscissa axis) depends on the ratio f _j .c ₀ / (f _Q .C _j ), while in a plane perpendicular to the abscissa axis, it is constant and depends only on the dimensional ratio between the first and the second network of transducers.

FIG. 2 shows, for a constant writing frequency f _Q , the variations as a function of time of the reading frequency f _j . We take t = 0 when the pulse is emitted by the first array of transducers. We denote by T the total duration of writing in memory 14, which corresponds to 2.L / c _Q , if we denote by L the depth of exploration in object space.

We start reading in memory 14 at time T + δt, which corresponds to the end of writing in memory. If we have the third network of transducers at a distance x _j = L / 2 from the second network of transducers in the image medium, we see, taking into account formula (a) above, that f _j varies from f _Q .C _j / c ₀ to f .C _j /(2.c ₀ ) when x _Q varies from L / 2 to L.

The chronology of reading the memory is as follows: in the image medium 18, the pulses travel in the opposite direction a path identical, except for the horizontal scale, to that traveled in the object environment. An impulse arrives at the abscissa X _j after a journey with a duration of XJ / CJ. We therefore begin to write into the memories 23 the signals coming from the third network of transducers X _j / c _j seconds after the start of the reading in the memory 14.

The signals received on the third array of transducers are stored in the memory 23 at a storage frequency f _j , which varies like the read frequency f _j , but with a time shift of X _j / c _j seconds. An image of the object 1 to be explored is obtained in the memory 23, which is directly capable of being exploited. Due to the time reversal, the echoes closest to the first array of transducers are re-emitted last by the second array of transducers, and therefore the corresponding points are stored in memory 23 last.

The invention therefore makes it possible, in a device of the type of that of US Pat. No. 4,463,608, to obtain an image by analysis of the signals picked up in a fixed reading plane in the image medium, by avoiding the use of a cell. Schlieren type acousto-optics. As a result, the degradation of the signal is eliminated and all the components, in particular the HF component, are retained. The full dynamic range of the signal is preserved, and a dynamic range which can be greater than 40 dB is obtained, which is largely sufficient for both industrial and medical applications. This dynamic mainly depends on the depth of the digital memory.

As the image is directly provided in the memories 23, it can be used by any type of electronic or computer processing (storage, smoothing, derivation, etc.). From this point of view, it is clear that the "imaging" method according to the invention does not necessarily imply the visualization of the image on a device such as a screen, a printer or the like. The term “imaging device or method” means a device or method for obtaining an image in all the forms that it can present: computer image, video, photographic, etc. In some cases, it is not even necessary that the image as such be preserved in fine: for example, in non-destructive testing, the image of a part is not necessarily preserved if the analysis of this image revealed that it had no defects.

The acquisition of a complete image is done at the same time as the acquisition of a single line in the usual sequential processes. We can therefore reach frame rates of 1000 Hz and more at output. Such a rate makes it possible, in the case of B imaging, to perform three-dimensional ultrasound by moving the section plane between each image, or to perform high quality Doppler imaging. In non-destructive testing, high-speed examinations are possible.

As the entire surface of the network contributes to the formation of the image, the digital aperture is important: the resolution is high and uniform over the entire surface of the image.

The structure of the device of the invention, such as for example described in FIG. 1, involves a large number of components, but it is in fact the meeting of relatively simple identical circuits - amplifiers, DACs, ADCs, memories - and the manufacturing cost of the device of the invention remains moderate.

The elimination of the acousto-optical cell allows according to the invention to obtain a compact and robust device, which can easily be transported. This is particularly the case if one uses as image medium sheets - metallic for example - very thin in which ultrasound propagates at constant group velocities. The sheets can then be rolled up, to reduce the size of the device. It is also possible to use as image medium other materials, such as solids, liquids, gels, etc., transparent to ultrasound and on which the transducer network can be coupled. Surface wave devices can also be used as the image medium: the invention then makes it possible to simplify the reading of the image, compared with the solution proposed in US-A-4463 608, by avoiding a complete scan which is difficult to carry out. .

Of course, and as is clear from relation (a) above, one can choose to vary not the reading frequency f _j in the memory 14, but the writing frequency f _Q , or both , to ensure image formation on the third array of transducers, at a constant distance from the second array of transducers.

Advantageously, it is possible to use a plurality of image media, each with a third network of transducers, located at different distances from the second network of transducers, or in media with different propagation speeds. In this case, the reading frequency f _j is varied so that during a given time interval, the pulses reflected by an area of the object are focused on the same third network of transducers. For example, for an exploration depth L of the object between 40 and 80 mm, two image media can be used with third networks of transducers at respective distances X _j] and XJ2 of 30 and 60 mm; the reading frequency f _j is varied to focus in the first image medium on the network at 30 mm the images of objects between 20 and 40 mm, and to focus in the second image medium on the network at 60 mm the images of objects between 40 and

80 mm.

Amplifiers 21, ADCs 22, and memories 23 may be common or partially common to the different third network of transducers.

This solution is particularly easy to implement when the image media consist of thin sheets: the same second array of transducers can transmit at the same time in all the image media and the signals received on each of the third array of transducers are considered successively. This solution has the advantage of limiting the variations in reading frequency, as well as the necessary distortions and bandwidths of the transducer networks. Advantageously, the number of image media is chosen so that the reading frequency varies from 1 to 3. and preferably from 1 to 2.

FIG. 3 shows a representation similar to that of FIG. 2, in the case where two image media are used, with the values of the numerical example below. above. To form the image on the third array of transducers at X _j , = 30 mm. the frequency f _j varies between 3.f ₀ .C _j /(2.c ₀ ) and 3.f ₀ .c _j /(4.c ₀ ) when x _Q varies from 20 to 40 mm; on the third network of transducers at X _j7 = 60 mm. the frequency f also varies between 3.f ₀ .C _j /(2.c _Q ) and 3.f ₀ .C _j /(4.c _Q ) when x _Q varies from 40 to 80 mm. The description of the invention with reference to Figures 2 and 3 applies particularly in the case of small digital openings, ie when the size of the network is small compared to the distance to the objects to be checked. We will now describe other embodiments of the invention, making it possible to use a large digital aperture. We will return to the notations adopted above. In the case of a large numerical aperture, the approximation y small before x or X _j is no longer necessarily justified. We denote in the following k the ratio X ₀ / XJ.

We note as above D _rj = V (x _j ² + y ² ) - x _j , the path difference in the image medium between two the two points (0, 0) and (0, y) of the network which would correspond to focusing at (X _j , 0) in the image medium. When y is no longer small in front of x or x _j , ie in the case of large numerical apertures, it becomes impossible to assimilate the theoretical path difference D _rj ensuring good focusing and the real path difference D _rnr If the difference between these two values is greater than a quarter of a wavelength, the echoes corresponding to a point (x _Q , 0) in the object medium no longer form in the image medium a point image, but a spot. In this case, the focus of the image degrades. This degradation increases with the numerical aperture and with the difference between x _j and x _Q.

A new problem then appears, focusing the image for large digital apertures.

The invention proposes a simple solution to this new problem. To maintain good focus, even for large openings, the invention proposes to vary the reading frequency f _j no longer in a linear manner as explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3, but in steps. In addition, the invention proposes to use, in each level of the reading frequency, a low frequency modulation. According to the invention, this frequency modulation depends on the digital aperture.

According to the invention, the reading frequency f _j varies in stages: during each stage of the reading frequency, we read in memory 14 echoes of the object to be explored whose distance x _Q to the first network of transducers varies d 'an amount dx ₀ of a few millimeters, for example 3 mm. This corresponds to a time window with a width of 2.dx _Q / c ₀ , or a number of values stored in the memory of 2.f ₀ .dx _Q / c ₀ .

The total reading time in the memory 14 is therefore divided into equal intervals with a duration of 2.dx _Q / c ₀ ; in each interval, the reading frequency f _j is chosen so as to form the images of the objects in the image medium on the third network of transducers at the distance x _j from the second network of transducers. So. in the time range corresponding to the reading in the memory of the echoes coming from a distance between x _Q and x ₀ + dx _Q , a reading frequency f _j is chosen calculated according to the formula (a) above as fi = X _j .f ₀ .C _j / (x ₀ .c ₀ ). In the next step, between x ₀ + dx ₀ and x ₀ + 2.dx ₀ , we choose a frequency f _j = X _j .f ₀ .C _j / [(x ₀ + dx ₀ ) .c ₀ ].

In this way the stages of variation of the frequency fi are determined. These frequency steps can be calculated otherwise, for example with the frequency corresponding to the middle position of the abscissa read, or the right position, or an average, or other.

FIGS. 4a to 4e show graphical representations of the convergence error in a device according to the invention, for different values of x ₀ and X _j . and in the case where c = c :. In FIGS. 4a to 4e, the numerical aperture y of the first and second transducer networks appears on the abscissa axis; the ordinate axis is graduated in mm. The curve in bold lines represents the difference dx at an image point, between the theoretical position of an ultrasonic signal and its actual position. The difference dx is representative of the focusing defect of the image in the image medium. Figure 4a shows the difference dx for a value x _Q of 30 mm and a value X _j of

50 mm, when fi has a value of X _j .f ₀ / x ₀ . It can be seen that the difference dx remains acceptable for the low values of y, ie for small openings, but that the difference dx becomes large as it increases.

Figure 4b is similar to Figure 4a, but for x _Q values of 50 mm and an X _j value of 80 mm. and a corresponding value of f _j .

Figure 4c is similar to Figure 4a, but for values x _Q and X _j of 50 mm. In this case, the difference remains substantially zero.

The difference dx or the focusing defect is all the more important as the ratio x _j / x ₀ is different from 1. To reduce the difference dx and maintain good focusing, even for large apertures, the invention proposes to use, in each step of the reading frequency, a low frequency modulation. This low frequency modulation makes it possible to correct focusing faults, even for large digital apertures. Advantageously, this frequency modulation on each level of the reading frequency is linear: this makes it possible to simplify the implementation of the invention, while nevertheless ensuring good focusing. We call f _j half the relative variation of the relative reading frequency f _j . in a given level, for a variation of X _j of 1mm.

FIG. 4d is similar to FIG. 4a, but shows the difference dx the same values of x ₀ and X _j , when a frequency modulation with a value f of 0.0096 is applied to the reading frequency fi. It can be seen that the difference dx remains acceptable, even for large values of the opening y. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to maintain good focusing, thanks to the modulation of the reading frequency.

FIG. 4e is analogous to FIG. 4b, but shows the difference dx for the same values of x _Q and X _j , when a frequency modulation with a value f ^ of -0 is applied to the reading frequency fi , 0085. It is again noted that the modulation makes it possible to maintain the focusing.

The value of the frequency modulation on each level of the reading frequency fi is easily determinable by optimization on computer, by calculating for a given level of frequency the differences between the theoretical paths D _rj and real D _rm , for a given opening. It appears that a value of f ^ of a few thousandths is sufficient to maintain good focusing of the image on the third array of transducers.

The tables of values of f J, and of the maximum error e _maχ , for different values of X _j and x _Q (in mm) will be found in the appendix to this description. These tables correspond to calculations allowing the error to be canceled when y = 25 mm and also corresponds to the end of the network. When the ratio X _j / x ₀ varies from 0.5 to 2, the variations in f _j are all the stronger as X _j is small. This is logical since the digital opening then increases. For x _j = 60 mm, the maximum values of f J are of the order of ± 1%.

FIG. 5 shows the shape of the variation of the reading frequency f _j , for a constant writing frequency f _Q. FIG. 5 recognizes the steps of the reading frequency, and the frequency modulation of each step. The total variation of frequency on each stage is much lower than the variation of linear frequency which would be given by the formula (a) in the case of weak numerical openings, and which is represented in dotted lines.

As a numerical example, for a value x _j of 50 mm, for a bearing width dx _Q of 3 mm, and a value f _j of 0.0096, the reading frequency f _j varies between l, 66.f _Q and 1.59.f _Q when x _Q varies from 30mm to 33mm. When x _Q reaches 33 mm, we pass to the next level, for which the frequency f _Q has an initial value of

50.f _Q / 33 = 1.51.f ₀ .

The invention also proposes to read the memory 14 in several read passes. This improves the focus and quality of the image obtained, ignoring the artefacts linked to reading the memory in stages at different frequencies.

Indeed, for a point of the object of the object to explore, the echoes reflected towards the first network of transducers have the shape of a spherical wave; they arrive on the first network with a path difference noted above D _ro , and are therefore stored in the memory 14 at separate time intervals, typically by spreading over a time range of D _ro / c ₀ seconds.

To ensure good focusing in the image medium after time reversal, it is preferable to retransmit by the second network of transducers during the same frequency step all the echoes coming from a given point.

Therefore, and using the notation used above, it is preferable that when reading the echoes of the points between x ₀ + dx _Q and x _Q , the distance dx corresponding to the width of a plateau of the frequency of reading is sufficient to contain all the echoes coming from the abscissa points around x ₀ + dx _Q / 2. This is why one preferably chooses according to the invention a bearing width dx _Q of the order of a few millimeters, and for example three millimeters.

The invention proposes to read the memory 14 in several read passes, storing in each pass only the information received on the third network of transducers corresponding to the central part of each level. By way of example, the memory can be read in two passes.

During the first pass, the echoes stored in memory 14 are read and re-emitted with reading frequency steps corresponding to abscissas in intervals [p.dx _Q , (p + l) .dx _Q [, p being an integer varying so as to sweep all the echoes of the object to be explored. During the second pass, the echoes stored in memory 14 are read and re-emitted, with reading frequency steps corresponding to abscissas in intervals [(p + l / 2) .dx ₀ , (p + 3 / 2) .dx _Q [, p being an integer varying in the same way. In this way, all of the information stored in memory 14 is read and re-emitted twice, with a shift in frequency steps. During the first pass, only half of the information received is stored in the memories 23 associated with the third transducer network, in other words only half of the image: more precisely, the acoustic image information is stored on the third array of transducers for a period corresponding to half of each frequency level, in the middle of each frequency level. In other words, if the points of the abscissa object in intervals [p.dx _Q , (p + l) .dx _Q [form an image on the third network between the moments t and t + dt, we store in the memory 23 the information received between the times t + dt / 4 and t + 3.dt / 4. Similarly, during the second pass, only half of the image is stored, and more precisely, as during the first pass, the acoustic image information formed on the third array of transducers for a corresponding duration at half of each frequency step, in the middle of each frequency step.

As the frequency steps are precisely offset by dx „/ 2, the whole image is thus reconstructed.

The advantage of these two passes is as follows: the echoes coming from a point of the object can be found, during a pass, both in two stages, which leads to poor focusing; by storing only half of the image, it avoids storing the poorly focused points during a pass, which are stored well focused during the second pass.

For example in the first pass, the echoes coming from a point M of the object can be found in steps p = 10 and p = l 1, with the notations above. In this case, the image of the point M on the third array of transducers will be formed a first time when the reading of the level p = 10 ends, and a second time when the reading of the level p = l 1 begins. , and will be badly focused when reading the level p = 10 as when reading the level p = ll. However, if we store only the images formed for a period corresponding to half of each frequency level, in the middle of each frequency level, we do not store the poorly focused images of point M.

During the second pass, the set of echoes coming from this point M is found, due to the offset of the stages with respect to the first pass, in the middle of the reading stage p = 10. The image of point M is then formed when reading the level p = 10, roughly in the middle of the level (in time terms), and is well focused.

This well focused image is stored during the second pass.

It is understood that reading in several passes makes it possible, with a reading frequency varying in almost constant steps, to keep good focusing of the image. We have described an example with two passes, storing half of the image on each pass: the corresponding teaching clearly extends to three, four, etc. passes, each time storing a third, a quarter, etc. of the image.

FIG. 6 shows a graphical representation of the variations in the reading frequency f _j , in the case of several reading passes in the memory; FIG. 6 corresponds to the case of two read passes, and two separate image media, with two third networks of transducers. Time axes are plotted on axes 30 and 40. On the axes 31 and 41 are carried the reading frequencies f _j . The graphs 30, 31 and 40, 41 are arranged one above the other to clearly highlight the offsets: it is clear that the two passes take place successively. Curves 32 and 42 show the variations in the reading frequency f _j , during the first and the second pass respectively.

During the first pass (curve 32), between t = 0 and Î≈TQ, f _j varies so as to form the image in the first medium; areas 33 and 34 represent, for example for two levels, the moments of image storage: for a simpler representation, we considered a zero propagation time in the image medium, an offset is obviously necessary In practice. Between _Î = TQ and t == 2T _Q , f _j varies so as to form the image in the second medium.

During the second pass (curve 42), between t = 0 and t≈Tφ, f _j varies so as to form the image in the first medium; zones 43, 44 and 45 represent, by way of example for three stages, the moments of image storage. Between t≈T _n and t = 2T _Q , f _j varies so as to form the image in the second medium.

It is clear from FIG. 6 that the entire image is stored during the two passes. Of course, the number of reading passes and the number of image media are independent, and can be chosen as required.

The fact of carrying out several readings to reconstruct the image does not slow down the acquisition process: there is always between two successive transmissions by the first network of transducers, a dead time equal to several times the reception time , and therefore several times the time required for a read pass.

In the foregoing description, only the echoes reflected by the points of the object to be explored have been considered. The invention is not limited to the analysis of echoes, but can be used for the analysis of all types of signals coming from the points of the object to be explored: one can use echoes, but also diffracted signals or transmitted, depending on the constraints on access to the object to be explored.

For example, if the transmitted signals are used, the transmission means and the first array of transducers will advantageously be on opposite sides of the object to be explored. When the signals received on the first network of transducers are retransmitted, with a time reversal, we see obstacles appearing in negative object: in fact an obstacle in transmission generates a disturbance comparable to a negative wave. A negative image is obtained at the output of the device of the invention, compared with the case of the analysis of echoes.

It may be advantageous to use the diffracted signals if it is impossible for the transmission means and the first array of transducers to lie in the same plane. In this case, as in oblique incidence, adjustments are made to the read or write frequencies to take account of the lateral position of the object.

We now give several examples of applications of the invention. Rail control at very high speed. The invention allows non-destructive testing of the rails at a high speed, for example at 280 km / h.

Between two shots, the train therefore travels a distance of 16 mm, for a firing rate equal to 5000 Hz. With conventional sequential equipment, if one wants to obtain an acceptable sensitivity, the diameter of the sounding beam must not exceed 5 mm. A minimum of 4 probes must be used to be sure to intercept all faults.

But these probes always have a diameter greater than that of the useful beam, and, consequently, the latter are not contiguous, from which risks not to intercept all the faults.

Even in the most favorable case, each defect is only intercepted once and cannot be confirmed. Interference suppression devices cannot be used.

The situation is much more comfortable with the new technique.

Large probes, 100 mm for example, can be used. Over the entire length of the probe, the sensitivity remains constant and high, as well as the resolution, which can be better than 2 mm if we work at 5 Mhz.

The same fault will be detected 8 times at maximum speed, hence the reliability of the control.

Control of circular section products: tubes, bars, etc. Currently, this control is often carried out by means of rotary heads. The product running speed is limited by the rotation speed, it is often insufficient. The mechanics are fragile and expensive.

In the case of parallel processing according to the invention, it is possible to use a network of circular and static shape. The realization of a survey under oblique incidence is easy to obtain by introducing a time offset between the excitation signals of the various elements of the network. In this case, points located at the same distance from the network, but offset laterally, will not be reached simultaneously by the ultrasonic wave, and will therefore be recorded at different positions in the memories. When reading, this phenomenon is taken into account, for example by shifting the addresses as a function of the lateral position.

This material becomes mechanically very simple and robust (more moving parts), and the speed of control can greatly exceed the needs (a complete section of the product is checked with each shot. Three-dimensional imaging.

By moving the probe between two shots, it is possible to quickly scan a volume. At 100 Hz, for example, 100 different cuts can be obtained in 1/10 seconds, almost in real time. The information can be processed in real time, or in deferred time after storage, to obtain a view in any cutting plane inside the volume examined.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described: it applies to all types of non-destructive testing or imaging.

It is not possible to emit a plane wave, but a wave of any shape, since the use of time reversal makes it possible to easily reconstitute in the image medium the images of the reflecting points of the object. It is also possible in the object medium to use a transmitter different from the receiver: the transmission means can be constituted by the first network of transducers, or by a part of it, as described above. They can also be distinct, as for example in the case of analysis of the signals transmitted or diffracted by the points of the object to be explored.

As explained above, you can choose to vary the frequency of writing, reading or both. A variation can be chosen in stages of different length, for example as a function of the ratio X _Q / XJ, without however departing from the teaching of the invention.

It is possible to vary the writing frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the reading frequency fi in the memory during writing and / or reading: it is the simplest embodiment which is described above with reference to Figures 2. 3 and 5.

It is also possible to vary the writing frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the reading frequency f _j in the memory between writing and / or reading phases: this can be the case for example if l 'an object is analyzed in several successive reading and writing phases; one can then choose to proceed to each phase of reading / writing at a fixed frequency, and to vary the frequency of writing and / or reading between each phase. In this case, it is advantageous to store during each phase only a part of the image formed. An image is thus formed in several successive passes. The invention is not limited to a plane incidence, but can, as in the example of the control of the tubes, be used in oblique incidence. If we use a plane wave under oblique incidence, or a spherical incident wave, points located at the same distance from the network, but offset laterally, will not be simultaneously reached by the ultrasonic wave, and will therefore be recorded at different positions in memories. When reading, this phenomenon is taken into account, for example by shifting the addresses as a function of the lateral position.

The case of transducer network with n, n has been described. and m elements respectively. We can for the first and second network vary the size relative of the different transducer elements. It is also possible to vary the numbers n and m of transducers in the different networks as a function of the precision required.

One-dimensional tranducer networks can be used, as in the examples described above. It is also possible to use two-dimensional transducer networks, i.e. arrays or plane of transducers.

In this case, it may be advantageous to use first and second networks of two-dimensional transducers, having transducers distributed randomly. In fact, it is not necessarily necessary to have a very large number of transducers to correctly reconstruct the wave in the image medium, which makes it possible to reduce the number of ADCs, memories and DACs. The choice of a random distribution of the transducers makes it possible to limit the formation of secondary lobes.

In the case where first and second networks of two-dimensional transducers are used, of course, medium objects and volume images are required. The third transducer network does not have to be two-dimensional, even if it is possible. If the third array of transducers is one-dimensional, using first and second arrays of two-dimensional transducers improves lateral focusing. Finally, the invention is described with reference to ultrasound imaging: it applies to other types of waves, and in particular electromagnetic waves.

APPENDIX Tables of values of f _j ^x i 20 mm

10 15 20 25 30 0.0224 35 0.0084 0.0000 40

-0.0062 -0.0112 -0.0156

"max 0.0172 0.0359 0.0000 -0.0198

0.0486 0.0227 0.0073 0.0349

Xj = 40 mm

20 25 30 35 0.0154 40 45 0.0098 50 0.0058 0.0026 -0.0000 -0.0024

"max 0.0632 0.0434 0.0425 -0.0044 0.0466 0.0000 0.0205 0.0356

55 60 f ° 65 70 75

-0.0064 80, ^d -0.0082 -0.0100 -0.0116 -0.0134 -0.0148 ^; max 0.0176 0.0307 0.0089 0.0315 0.0295 0.0204 ^x i ⁼ 60 mm

30 35 40 45 50 0.0112 55 0.0084 60 0.0062 0.0044 0.0028 0.03 0.0012

"max 90 0.0464 0.0194 -0.0000 0.0253 0.0347 0.0506 0.0000

65 70 75 80 85

-0.0012 90

-0.0024 95

-0.0034 -0.0044 -0.0052 -0.0062

'max 0.0027 0.0397 -0.0070

0.0196 0.0216 0.0319 0.0003 0.0260

100 105 110 115 120

-0.0080 -0.0088 -0.0096 -0.0104 -0.0112

'max 0.0198 0.0097 0.0059 0.0069 0.0116

X _j = 80 mm

40 45 50 55 60 0.0088 65 0.0072 70 0.0058 0.0044 0.0006 0.0034 0.0541 0.0024

'max 0.0016 0.0052 0.0592 0.0097 0.0272 0.0166

75 80 f ° 85 90 95 0.0008 100 105, ^d -0.0000 -0.0008 -0.0014 0.0216 -0.0020

0.0000 -0.0026 "max -0.0032 0.0397 0.0078 0.0082 0.0123 0.0075

110 115 120 125

-0.0038 130

-0.0044 135 140 ^• 0.0048 -0.0054 -0.0060

"max 0.0040 0.0204 -0.0064 0.0237 -0.0068

0.0015 0.0285 0.0009 0.0256

1SUBSTITUTE SHEET (REGIE 26) 8

1

Xj = 100 mm

2 9

1"4

1

, o 120 125 130 135 140

-0.0018 145

-0.0022 -0.0026 150

-0.0030 -0.0032 -0.0036

"max 0.0172 0.0169 0.0211 -0.0040

0.0288 0.0279 0.0131 0.0032

155 160 165 170 175

-0.0044 180

-0.0046 -0.0050 185

-0.0054 -0.0056

0.0206 0.0201 -0.0060

'max 0.0006 -0.0062

0.0215 0.0115 0.0111 0.0177

, o 190 195 200

-0.0066 -0.0068 -0.0072

"max 0.0059 0.0196 0.0045

x; = 120 mm

; o 60 65 70 75 80 0.0060 85 0.0052 0.0046 90 0.0040 0.0034

"max 0.0564 0.0597 0.0028 0.0196 0.0024 0.0401 0.0201 0.0277 0.0247

95 100 105 110 0.0020 115 0.0014 120 0.0010 125 0.0008 0

'max 0.0532 0.0004 0.0446 -0.000 0.0429 -0.0004 0.0473 0.0265 0.0000 0.0308

SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

1.- Imaging process, comprising the steps of: - emit a wave towards the object to be explored (1); - read on a first network (10) of transducers (ll ι -ll _n ) the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored (1); - store the signals thus read in a memory (14), at a writing frequency f _Q ; - Reading the signals stored in the memory (14), at a reading frequency fi by subjecting them to a time reversal; - retransmitting the signals read from the memory (14) to at least one image medium (18) using a second network (16) of transducers (16 _d - 16 _n ); characterized in that it comprises the step consisting in: - picking up in the image medium (18) the signals retransmitted using a third network (20) of transducers (20 _d -20 _m ) disposed at a fixed distance from said second network (16) of transducers; the writing frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the reading frequency fi in the memory varying so as to form the images of said points of the object on said third network of transducers, the image of the object to be explored being formed by storing the signals picked up by the third array (20) of transducers. 2.- An imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that the writing frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the reading frequency f _j in the memory varies (s) during writing and / or reading 3.- imaging method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the writing frequency f _Q in the memory and / or the reading frequency f _j in the memory varies (nt) between writing phases and / or reading. 4. An imaging method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the wave emitted towards the object to be explored is an ultrasonic wave. 5. An imaging method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the wave emitted towards the object to be explored is an electromagnetic wave. 6.- imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the signals read from the first network (10) of transducers (ll _j -1 1) are the echoes reflected by the points of the object to explore (1). 7.- imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 5. characterized in that the signals read on the first network (10) of transducers (ll _j -1 1) are the signals diffracted by the points of the object to explore (1). 5 8.- imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 5. characterized in that the signals read on the first network (10) of transducers (lli -ll) are the signals transmitted by the points of the object to explore (1). 9. An imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the writing frequency f _Q is constant, and in that the writing frequency fi varies. 10.- Imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the writing frequency f _Q varies, and in that the writing frequency fi is constant. 1 1.- imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the signals read from the memory (14) are re-transmitted to a plurality of image media (18) each comprising a third network of transducers, and in that the 0 frequency of writing f in the memory and / or the frequency of reading fi in the memory varies so as to form the images of said points of the object on one or the other of said third network of transducers, as a function of the distance between said points and said first array of transducers. 5 12.- imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the reading frequency f _j varies by frequency steps. 13. An imaging method according to claim 12, characterized in that the reading frequency f _j undergoes on each frequency level a frequency modulation, of low amplitude in front of the frequency variation between each level. 14.- An imaging method according to claim 13, characterized in that said frequency modulation is a linear modulation of relative amplitude less than a few thousandths. j? 15.- imaging method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises several passes, each comprising the steps consisting in reading the signals stored in the memory (14) and in re-transmitting the signals read in the memory (14), and in that during each of said passes, only part of the image of said object to be explored is formed. 16.- An imaging method according to claim 15. characterized in that only part of the signals received on said third network (20) of transducers corresponding to the middle part of each level is stored during each pass. frequency. 17 '.- Imaging method according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that said first and second transducer networks are two-dimensional. 18.- Imaging device, comprising: - means for transmitting a wave to an object to be explored (1); - a first network (10) of transducers (ll _j -1 1) for picking up the signals coming from the points of the object to be explored (1); - means for temporal inversion of the signals picked up on the first array (10) of transducers, for storing said signals and supplying them after time reversal; - a second network (16) of transducers (16 _d - 16 _n ) for retransmitting the signals supplied by said time inversion means towards at least one image medium (18) characterized in that it comprises: - a third network (20) of transducers (20 _] -20 _m ) disposed in the image medium (18) at a fixed distance from said second network (16) of transducers; - means for storing the signals received on said third network (20) transducers and in that said time reversal means stores and supplies said signals at frequencies f _Q writing and reading different f _j, to successively form the images of said points of the object on said third network of transducers. 19.- Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the emission means emit an ultrasonic wave. 20.- Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the emission means emit an electromagnetic wave. 21.- Device according to one of claims 18 to 20. characterized in that it comprises a plurality of image media each with a third network of transducers. 22.- Device according to one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that said one or said image media consist of a thin sheet transparent to the signals re-transmitted by the second network of transducers. 23.- Device according to one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that said time reversal means comprise: - analog-digital converters (13 _d -13 _n ) converting the signals from the transducers of said first network; - memory means (14 _] -14 _n ) for storing the converted signals; - digital-analog converters (15 _] -15 _n ) converting the signals read from the memory means (14 _] -14 _n ) and supplying analog signals to the transducers of said second network; - Means (25) for managing memory addresses for writing and reading, for controlling the writing and reading of signals in the memory means, at different frequencies, and by ensuring a time reversal. 24.- Device according to one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that said first and second networks are two-dimensional and include elements distributed randomly.