Digital ultrasonic image construction using electronic ordered dither techniques

The use of a digital microprocessor based system for the acquisition of ultrasonic C-scan information is investigated. The C-scan information is displayed on a binary display device using electronic ordered dither techniques to represent gray levels. The digital system with a binary display increases system flexibility and yields better reproducibility and constant image quality independent of the display medium. Images may be stored on magnetic tape or disk for later retrieval and image processing. The techniques which are described allow for image magnification and a reduction in scan time by replacing the mechanical linkage between the scanner and the display with digital signals. A detailed comparison is made between two dither signals, and the advantages of each are discussed. The combination of digital signal processing and imaging techniques produces results which utilize the capabilities of ultrasonic inspection to the point where the transducer becomes the limiting factor.