Real-time photoacoustic tomograpghy using linear array probe and detection of line structure using Hough transform

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Acoustic Imaging

Background:

• Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) offers unique capabilities for non-invasive imaging.
• Real-time imaging is crucial for observing dynamic processes in biological systems.
• Automated feature detection can enhance the analysis of PAT data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a real-time photoacoustic tomography system.
• To assess the efficacy of Hough transform for detecting linear structures in PAT images.
• To measure the imaging speed and detection accuracy of the developed system.

Main Methods:

• A real-time photoacoustic tomography system was constructed using a linear array probe.
• Phantom images featuring line structures were acquired.
• The Hough transform algorithm was applied to detect these line structures.
• The system's imaging speed was measured during the observation of fluid flow.

Main Results:

• The developed PAT system achieved an imaging speed of approximately 2 frames per second.
• The Hough transform demonstrated a detection rate of about 50% for delineating line structures in the acquired images.
• The system successfully visualized the process of magenta dye passing through a tube.

Conclusions:

• The developed real-time PAT system is capable of acquiring images at a practical speed.
• Hough transform shows potential for automated line structure detection in PAT, though further refinement is needed.
• This system provides a foundation for real-time functional imaging applications.