Method of visualizing reflection characteristic in ultrasonic examination

Abstract

A prior art computerized ultrasonic examination is performed by moving an ultrasonic probe over the surface of an object, transmitting short pulses of ultrasonic energy into the material. Combined digital position and echo pulse signals are electronically stored, processed, and used for the display of a first video sectional flaw image of a selected sectional plane through the object. Representatives of reflected echo amplitudes from a chosen location are now shown, either in said first flaw image, or in at least one separate sectional view, as lengths of line segments originating at an image pixel representing said location, and drawn in the directions of the projections on said selected sectional plane of the incoming pulses at said location. In typical examples it is demonstrated, how reflected waves can be visualized and evaluated, and how the corresponding flaw images can be superimposed on said first video flaw image, thereby adding important information which is normally disregarded in the prior art. This visualization can be made on line during the examination or in later post processing and closer analysis of the results of the examination.