УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВАЯ ДИАГНОСТИЧЕСКАЯ СИСТЕМА ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ С ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННЫМ СОСТАВЛЕНИЕМ ТРАПЕЦЕИДАЛЬНОГО СЕКТОРА

Использование: для получения ультразвукового изображения объекта. Сущность изобретения заключается в том, что ультразвуковая диагностическая система визуализации создает пространственно составные изображения в трапецеидальном секторе посредством объединения составляющих кадров, собранных с разных направлений наблюдения. Формат сканирования в режиме виртуального апекса применяется так, что каждая линия сканирования составляющего кадра исходит из отличающейся точки (E1, En) на рабочей поверхности матричного преобразователя и направляется под отличающимся углом сканирования. Для разных составляющих кадров линии сканирования направляются под соответственно разными углами. В показанном примере линии сканирования каждого составляющего кадра дополнительно отклоняются на пять градусов относительно соответствующих линий сканирования в опорном составляющем кадре. Когда составляющие кадры объединяются для пространственного составления, максимальное число составляющих кадров объединяется по, фактически ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОЙ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ, УПРАВЛЯЕМОЕ МОБИЛЬНЫМ УСТРОЙСТВОМ ОТОБРАЖЕНИЯ, И УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВАЯ СИСТЕМА ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ

Группа изобретений относится к медицинской технике, а именно к средствам ультразвуковой визуализации. Станция для получения ультразвуковых изображений для использования вместе с мобильным устройством в ультразвуковой системе визуализации, в которой мобильное устройство отображения имеет второй блок памяти для хранения второй операционной системы для управления мобильным устройством отображения, при этом станция содержит решетку преобразователей, аппаратный узел для получения изображения для управления решеткой преобразователей, приема принимаемого ультразвукового сигнала и предоставления данных изображения, первый блок памяти, в котором хранится первая операционная система для управления ультразвуковой системой визуализации, и интерфейсный узел для разъемного соединения мобильного устройства отображения со станцией, причем первая операционная система выполнена с возможностью управления ультразвуковой системой визуализации, включающей в себя мобильное устройство отображения, а ультразвуковая ...

СПОСОБЫ И УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ВЫСОКОСКОРОСТНОГО ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЙ ПРИ 3D МЕДИЦИНСКОМ ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ

... 1. Способ сканирования с повышенной скоростью получения изображения объема, представляющего интерес, в объекте, содержащий этапы, на которых ! сканируют срез сектора R-тета, причем R обозначает радиус сектора, тета обозначает угол сектора и является функцией фи, и фи обозначает положение возвышения среза R-тета, причем сканирование осуществляют при первых значениях фи и тета, ! изменяют фи и тета до, по меньшей мере, вторых значений фи и тета, причем повторяют сканирование при измененных значениях, получая, по меньшей мере, одно изображение с повышенной скоростью получения изображения по сравнению со скоростью способов сканирования с использованием постоянного значения тета. ! 2. Способ по п.1, в котором функция является кусочно-непрерывной функцией. ! 3. Способ по п.1, в котором функция является разрывной функцией. ! 4. Способ по п.1, в котором функция приводит к значениям тета, при которых шаблон сканирования, при наблюдении от плоскости фи-тета, является коническим сечением. ! 5. Способ ...

СХЕМЫ ВОЗБУЖДЕНИЯ ДЛЯ НЕДОРОГИХ МАССИВОВ ПРЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЕЙ

... 1. Ультразвуковое устройство (100), содержащее:массив из множества преобразовательных элементов для соответствующего распределения среди одной или более групп соответственно по частям из многочисленных элементов для работы по группам; ипроцессор получения ультразвукового изображения, сконфигурированный, исходя из упомянутого распределения, для упомянутой работы, чтобы осуществлять визуализацию параллельно по времени (S520) с использованием упомянутых элементов текущей упомянутой одной из упомянутых групп и последовательно по времени по группам (S560), причем группы пространственно расположены (408, 412) по отношению друг к другу таким образом, чтобы взаимно поэлементно соединяться друг с другом, отличающийся тем, что работа по осуществлению визуализации параллельно по времени содержит работу упомянутых элементов упомянутой текущей одной из групп с тем, чтобы нефазированным способом осуществлять визуализацию независимо.2. Устройство по п. 1, сконфигурированное для получения медицинского ...

Ultraschall-Diagnose-Gerät zur Erreichung eines Bildes hoher Qualität durch Korrektion der Phasenstörung, anwesend in Ultraschallpulsen

BILDERZEUGUNG MITTELS ULTRASCHALL ZUR ANZEIGE VON GEWEBESPANNUNGEN

Method and device for ultrasonic imaging using combined linear scanning and sector scanning

A combined scanning pattern for ultrasonic imaging comprises a linear scanning pattern and one or more sector scanning patterns. The sector scanning patterns border along their borders on the linear scanning pattern in order to form a generally trapezoidal scanning pattern. The linear scanning pattern can be controlled within a desired angle theta in order to obtain high-quality imaging. For imaging at shallow depths, the sector openings can be reduced in terms of width. The linear scanning pattern can be enlarged in terms of width. The scanning pattern provides a wide (large) field of view both for shallow imaging and for deep imaging.

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Visualisierung einer Bewegung bei einer Ultraschallflussabbildung unter Verwendung einer kontinuierlichen Datenerfassung

Abbildungssystem mit einem Datenerfassungssubsystem (10–20) zur Erfassung von Datenabtastungen, die eine Funktion der Ultraschallenergie sind, die infolge des Sendens jeweiliger Impulse während jeweiliger Abtastungen zurückgegeben wird, einem zeitlichen Hochpassfilter (32), das mit dem Datenerfassungssubsystem verbunden ist, zur Filterung der Datenabtastungen zur Ausbildung hochpassgefilterter Abtastungen, einem ersten Prozessor (34, 36) zur Berechnung eines Satzes von Bewegungssignalabtastungen aus den hochpassgefilterten Abtastungen, einem zweiten Prozessor (22) zur Bestimmung der Größe jeder erfassten Datenabtastung zur Ausbildung jeweiliger Gewebesignalabtastungen und einem Anzeigesystem (30) zur aufeinanderfolgenden Anzeige von Bildwerten an jedem Bildelement, wobei jeder Bildwert als Funktion einer jeweiligen Gewebesignalabtastung und einer jeweiligen Bewegungssignalabtastung hergeleitet ist.

Ultrasonic transducer probe with mechanically steerable ultrasonic beam

An ultrasonic transducer probe having a mechanically steerable acoustic element includes a linear motor having a stationary magnet assembly and a coil bidirectionally linearly movable with respect to the magnet assembly. A mechanical arrangement formed of a pair of spaced apart, rotatably mounted pulleys and a flexible belt connecting the pulleys couples the coil and an ultrasonic transducer or acoustic element. The transducer element is mounted for rotation with at least one of the pulleys so that linear motion of the motor coil is converted to rotative motion of the transducer whereby the transducer and the ultrasonic beam it emits is caused to sweep through a selected angular sector. A position sensor formed of a supplemental stationary magnetic material and a position coil mounted for movement with the motor coil is utilized for detecting the linear position of the coil and, correspondingly, the angular orientation or position of the transducer element.

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS

ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCER PROBE WITH MECHANICALLY CONTROLLABLE ONE ULTRASONIC BUNDLE

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEM WITH HEIGHT BIEBENENBILDERN

PROCEDURE FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF OBJECTS WITH ULTRASONIC

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION OF OBJECT

Multi-dimensional beamforming device

SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE USING LINE-BASED IMAGE RECONSTRUCTION

A system for developing an ultrasound image, comprises a scan head having a transducer capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image at an effective frame rate of at least 200 frames per second (fps) using scan line based image reconstruction.

ULTRASONIC BEAM SCANNING

ULTRASOUND IMAGING WITH VARIABLE LINE DENSITY

The invention generally relates to intravascular ultrasound imaging and to systems and methods to improve line density and image quality. The invention provides an intravascular imaging system that uses a clock device to provide a set of trigger signals for each revolution of the imaging catheter and capture various patterns of scan lines for each set of trigger signals. The system can be operated to capture two scan lines of data for each trigger signal thereby doubling scan line density compared to existing systems. The clock device can be provided by hardware, such as a rotary encoder, that is configured to define a maximum number of trigger signals that the module can provide per rotation of the catheter.

HIGH FRAME RATE QUANTITATIVE DOPPLER FLOW IMAGING USING UNFOCUSED TRANSMIT BEAMS

An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which a method of producing a Doppler velocity image is accomplished by emitting unfocused acoustic signals into a medium over substantially an entire field; receiving scattered and reflected ultrasonic signals on a transducer array in response to the emission; processing the received ultrasonic signals to extract information to construct a Doppler velocity signal corresponding to at least one point in the medium; and generating on a display device the Doppler velocity image from the processed Doppler velocity signal. Acquisition sequences and signal processing algorithms are described that provide improved quantification of fluid flow parameters, including improved discrimination between regions of blood flow and tissue. Very high frame rate Spectral Doppler and Vector Doppler acquisition modes for real-time and postacquisition visualization over a large field of view are described.

Interleaved imaging and tracking sequences for ultrasound-based instrument tracking

Ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a method of generating ultrasonic images

The invention provides an ultrasonic image obtaining device; a Doppler scanner is configured to perform Doppler scanning by serially transmitting and receiving ultrasound toward and from each of a plurality of observation points in a subject at a plurality of respective times. A processor generates a first Doppler spectrum image representing the velocity of a moving body at each observation point by analyzing the frequency of signals received at the plurality of observation points acquired via Doppler scanning. An interpolator acquires a second Doppler spectrum image consecutively at each observation point time when the ultrasound has not been transmitted to and received from each observation point by the Doppler scanner transmitting and receiving the ultrasound toward and from the plurality of observation points at a plurality of respective times, based on interpolation of the first Doppler spectrum image at each observation point. The interpolator generates a third Doppler spectrum at ...

Ultrasonic diagnosing apparatus

超声波诊断设备

... 对已注入造影剂的受检者的扫描平面，超声波发射部件6若干次发射强度能够瓦解造影剂的超声波脉冲。超声波接收部件5从受检者接收基于超声波脉冲的回波信号群，并利用加法器5C，通过回波信号群的相加，产生若干RF数据项。根据所述若干RF数据项，TIC/MTT测量部件25测量时间强度曲线(TIC)，随后根据时间强度曲线，测量血流的平均通过时间(MTT)，以便在显示部件21上显示。 ...

DEVICE Of EXAMINATION BY ULTRASONIC WAVES

APPAREIL DE VISUALISATION D'IMAGES OBTENUES AU MOYEN D'ULTRASONS, FONCTIONNANT SUIVANT LE PROCEDE A ECHOS D'IMPULSIONS

L'invention concerne l'appareil de visualisation d'images obtenues au moyen d'ultrasons, fonctionnant suivant le procédé à échos d'impulsions Dans cet appareil, qui comporte des transducteurs à ultrasons W1 à W6 se déplaçant devant un réflecteur parabolique 3 recevant des signaux d'un émetteur 18 et envoyant des signaux à un récepteur 19 avec transmission à des dispositifs de commande 20, 21, 22 d'un tube image, la plage d'exploration d'une sonde d'application 1 à 6, W1 à W6 est subdivisée en segments comportant un certain nombre de lignes d'exploration, l'enregistrement de lignes d'impulsions d'écho transmis par la sonde etant tel que les différentes lignes des segments sont explorées successivement et que leur image en est formée dans le tube image sous la forme de lignes d'échos. Application notamment aux appareils de diagnostic médical à l'aide des ultrasons.

ADAPTIVE OPTIMIZATION Of IMAGE IN ULTRASONIC IMAGERY HAS INDUCED WAVE

Une optimisation adaptative d'image (34) est prévue dans une imagerie ultrasonore par onde induite (30-33). Les valeurs pour les divers paramètres de transmission et de réception peuvent être réglées de manière adaptative (34). Sur la base d'un retour d'information (36) d'une utilisation avec un patient donné, les valeurs sont réglées (34) pour mieux optimiser un rapport signal-bruit, un temps d'interruption, une précision de suivi ou autre considération. Une fréquence de transmission, une ouverture numérique, un espacement de lignes, une fréquence de répétition d'impulsion de suivi, un compte d'échantillonnage de lignes, et/ou des valeurs d'amplitude d'impulsion de poussée peuvent être adaptés (34).

Method for Zooming Image, Ultrasound Medical Apparatus Therefor

ULTRASONIC REALTIME SLOW-MOTION DISPLAY

PURPOSE: To provide a system and method for acquiring ultrasonic data at a certain acquisition speed and displaying at least part of the ultrasonic data at a display speed slower than the acquisition speed. CONSTITUTION: Ultrasonic data are continuously acquired and stored at a frame rate faster than a recognition speed of people's eyes, and at least part of the acquired ultrasonic data is displayed at a frame rate recognizable by a people. The acquisition and display of the data are synchronized from time to time when a condition for synchronization is satisfied. The condition for synchronization relates to a triggering event produced, for example, by a physiological phenomenon, detected with prescribed intervals of time or for example, in the ECG trace, or a triggering event through the triggering produced by the triggering event. Therefore, the acquired ultrasonic data, maintaining the realtime synchronism, are displayed at a display speed slower than the acquisition speed, or preferably ...

ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR FORMING AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE WITH A WIDE VIEW ANGLE WITHOUT DETERIORATION OF A QUALITY OF THE ULTRASOUND IMAGE AND A FRAME RATE

PURPOSE: An ultrasound system and a method for forming an ultrasound image are provided to control a steering angle of a scan line for each of transducers by setting a plurality of virtual common points. CONSTITUTION: An ultrasound system(100) includes a plurality of transducers, a setting unit(120), a control unit(123), and a processor(140). The plurality of transducers transmits and receives ultrasound signals along a plurality of scan lines during obtainment of frames. The setting unit sets common points where extension lines of the scan lines for each of the transducers meet one another, sets a plurality of virtual common points based on the common points, and sets a plurality of transducer groups, steering angles, and a plurality of scan line groups based on the plurality of virtual common points. The control unit controls the scan lines and the steering angles corresponding to the frames whenever the frame are changed based on the plurality of transducer groups, the steering angles ...

sistema de formação de imagem diagnóstica ultrassônica para análise de onda de cisalhamento e método para operar um sistema de formação de imagem diagnóstica ultrassônica para medir as ondas de cisalhamento

sistema de imagem diagnóstica por ultrassom em 3d para a exibição cardíaca com alta taxa de quadros em 3d

Ultrasound system with high frequency detail

An ultrasound imaging system is configured to interface with a dual frequency ultrasound transducer having one or more low frequency ultrasound arrays and one or more high frequency ultrasound arrays. The imaging system produces driving pulses for both the high frequency ultrasound array and the low frequency ultrasound imaging array. Analog echo signals are processed to produce a low frequency ultrasound image and a high frequency ultrasound image that are simultaneously displayed. Tissue shown in the high frequency ultrasound image is a portion of the tissue shown in the low frequency ultrasound image.

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DEVICE

In an ultrasonographic device having the function for obtaining a tomogram and an elastic image, it is possible to set a fine examination mode and a screening mode for obtaining elastic images appropriate for various examinations. For this, the ultrasonographic device includes: tomogram acquisition means for causing a probe to transmit an ultrasonic wave to an examinee, receiving a reflected echo signal in response to the transmission of the ultrasonic wave, and acquiring a tomogram; elastic image acquisition means having a first acquisition mode for acquiring an elastic image by obtaining a tissue elastic amount of the biological tissue of the examinee according to the reflected echo signal; and display means for displaying at least the elastic image. Furthermore, the elastic image acquisition means has a second acquisition mode which is different from the first acquisition mode.

MULTI-DIMENSIONAL BEAMFORMING DEVICE

A multi-dimensional beamforming device that performs consecutive one-dimensional operations. For example, beamsteering for a two-dimensional array can include a projection of a beam onto each of the respective axes of the array. In such a device, a first beamforming processing element is used to form multiple beams for each array output along a given row. In a preferred embodiment, sequential output vectors from the first processing element are then applied to a transposing or corner turning memory and the data are reformatted such that all elements on a given column of the array are applied to a second beam forming processing element.

Method and system for PDA-based ultrasound system

A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic scanning of an object

An ultrasonic array having a number of juxtaposed transducer elements is used for imaging. The reception aperture of the array is divided into individual sub-arrays. Each of these sub-arrays receives, after emission of an ultrasonic signal correlated with it into the object, echo signals reflected therefrom. The echo signals received by the respective sub-array and which are reflected from a common focal point are added up to form a sum signal. For this purpose, at least for some of the transducer elements the delivered output signals are time-delayed according to given patterns. This procedure is repeated for various points along each scan line. The sequentially obtained sum signals are superimposed at each point of the scan line to form a received signal. With this line-oriented method, the same processing channels (time-delays) can be used several times, i.e. successively for each sub-array. This leads to cost-effective production.

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus

There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted into the subject, the ultrasonic waves reflected within the subject are received to obtain received signals, and an image is produced in accordance with the received signals thus obtained, and particularly to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus having a function of guiding a puncture needle to be introduced into the subject. Of a scanning area formed with a number of scanning lines scanned by ultrasonic waves, within the subject, a first area including a part or a whole of a passage of a puncture needle is scanned with a scanning density higher than that of a second area, excepting the first area, of said scanning area. A sensor which measures the tip length of the puncture needle is used to set up the first area.

Ultrasonic imaging system with interpolated scan lines

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which scans an image region to receive a plurality of spatially arranged lines of ultrasonic image information signals. These ultrasonic line information signals are used in an interpolater to interpolate one or more lines which are spatially interlineated between each pair of spatially adjoining received lines. These interpolated lines are produced using either the received RF or demodulated IF ultrasonic image information signals. The interpolated lines are produced prior to scan conversion, and preferably prior to nonlinear processing such as detection or log compression to reduce spatial aliasing artifacts. In one preferred embodiment the interpolater comprises a transversal filter of four taps which is responsive to received line information signals from a common range or depth. In a second embodiment the interpolater is adaptively responsive to motion to select samples for interpolation which would be spatially at the same range ...

Method of displaying stream lines of an inhomogeneous flowing medium and a device therefor

A method and device to display in real time a stream line of an inhomogeneous flowing medium such as blood flow in a heart, is disclosed. The object is scanned several times by ultrasonic beam pulses. Echoes appearing within a predetermined time interval at each point of the object are combined to produce an image of speckles formed by the flow. The process is repeated several times, to obtain the motion of the speckles. Differences between the images of spatially correlated speckles obtained within the time interval, produce the segments of the stream lines. Differences between successive frames or successive lines can be used to produce the speckle and several methods of scanning are disclosed to produce the differences between the images to produce the stream lines.

Methods and systems for ultrasound scanning using spatially and spectrally separated transmit ultrasound beams

Multiple transmit ultrasound beams are generated by an ultrasound transducer at different frequencies in different directions in a region of a body during a maximum scan range interval. Transmitting multiple transmit ultrasound beams during the maximum scan range interval may provide an increase in the data acquisition rate compared to conventional ultrasound imaging systems. The transmit ultrasound beams are tracked using parallel receive processing and filtered to provide ultrasound scan lines for display. The respective directions of the transmit ultrasound beams are selected to define a separation angle therebetween which may reduce interference between the transmit ultrasound beams. The maximum scan range interval includes a time interval from a first start time to a second start time which is less than a total time for one of the transmit ultrasound beams to propagate to a maximum scan range in the region and a corresponding reflected transmit ultrasound beam to propagate from the ...

ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR GENERATING AN ULTRASOUND IMAGE

A controller makes a scan part scan a three-dimensional first scanning region so as to acquire volume data in the first scanning region and makes the scan part to consecutively scan a second scanning region that is smaller than the first scanning region and is included in the first scanning region more than once so as to consecutively acquire the volume data in the second scanning region. An image generator generates ultrasound image data in the first scanning region including the second scanning region based on the volume data in the first scanning region. Further, the image generator generates new ultrasound image data by updating the volume data in the second scanning region every time volume data in the second scanning region is acquired. The display controller causes a display to update and causes to display an ultrasound image every time new ultrasound image data is generated.

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and tomographic image processing apparatus

A two-dimensional drawing module (25) (i) periodically reads acoustic line data (S401), (ii) checks a scanning method of a physical structure of a probe and acoustic line data, and (iii) selects the optimum coordinate conversion algorithm (S402). After that, the two-dimensional drawing module (25) (i) selects an interpolation algorithm, based on a display rate (S403), (ii) generates display data by performing a two-dimensional DSC process using the selected coordinate conversion algorithm and the like (S404a, 404b or 404c), (iii) performs a persistence process for the display data (S405), a frame interpolating process for a B mode image data (S406) and a display color conversion process (S407), and (iv) transmits the display data after such processes as described above to the display unit (14) (S408).

METHOD FOR ADAPTIVELY SCHEDULING ULTRASOUND SYSTEM ACTIONS

A method of adaptively scheduling ultrasound device actions starts with an electronic circuit included in an adaptive scheduler selecting a next task in a task list. The task list may include tasks scheduled to be performed by an ultrasound system. Each of the tasks may include a plurality of task actions. The electronic circuit may then determine if a task action included in the next task can start. This determination may include determining if the task action can be completed without interfering with a start of a higher priority task in the task list. When the electronic circuit determines that the next task action can start, the electronic circuit may signal to a beam associated with the task action to start and perform the task action. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Aberration correction with broad transmit beams in medical ultrasound

Aberration estimation uses cross correlation of receive-focused transmit element data. A set of sequentially fired broad transmit beams insonify an object from different steering angles. Each transmit beam emanates from an actual or a virtual transmit element. For every firing, a receive beamformer forms a transmit element image of the insonified region by focusing the received signals. An estimator estimates aberration by cross correlating or comparing the transmit element images. Where a virtual transmit element is used, the virtual transmit element images are back propagated to an actual transmit element position before aberration estimation. The estimations are used to form corrected transmit element images which are then summed pre-detection to form a high-resolution synthetic transmit aperture. Alternatively, the estimations are used to improve conventional focused-transmit imaging.

SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUISITION APPARATUS

A subject information acquisition apparatus includes an electromechanical conversion element which receives an elastic wave generated by irradiating with an electromagnetic wave an object in a subject and converts the received elastic wave into an electric signal; a moving device moves the electromechanical conversion element; a signal processing device calculates an image value based on the electric signal. The moving device moves the electromechanical conversion element from a first position to a second position, the electromechanical conversion element receives the elastic wave at the first position and converts the received elastic wave into a first electric signal, and receives the elastic wave at the second position and converts the received elastic wave into a second electric signal; when the electromechanical conversion element is situated at the second position, the signal processing device calculates a first image value at a specified position inside the subject based on the first ...

Ultrasound imaging methods and systems

An ultrasound imaging system may include a probe, a transmitting circuit which may excite the probe to transmit ultrasound beams towards a scanning target in at least three ultrasound propagation directions; a receiving circuit and a beamforming unit which may respectively receive the echoes of the ultrasound beams in the ultrasound propagation directions to obtain the echo signals in each of the ultrasound propagation directions; a data processing unit which may obtain velocity vectors of target points in the scanning target using the echo signals in each of the ultrasound propagation directions and obtain ultrasound images of at least a portion of the scanning target using the echo signals; and a display which may display the velocity vectors and the ultrasound images.

Method and apparatus for providing real-time calculation and display of tissue deformation in ultrasound imaging

An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of tissue deformation parameters are disclosed. The tissue deformation parameter strain is determined by an accumulation of strain rate estimates for consecutive frames over an interval. The interval may be a triggered interval generated by, for example, an R-wave in an ECG trace. Three quantitative tissue deformation parameters, such as tissue velocity, tissue velocity integrals, strain rate and/or strain, may be presented as functions of time and/or spatial position for applications such as stress echo. For example, strain rate or strain values for three different stress levels may be plotted together with respect to time over a cardiac cycle. Parameters which are derived from strain rate or strain velocity, such as peak systolic wall thickening percentage, may be plotted with respect to various stress levels.

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and non-transitory storage medium

According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitter/receiver and processing circuitry. The transmitter/receiver sequentially transmits a first transmission beam group and a second transmission beam group and receives at least one reception beam for each transmission beam, via an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducers arranged along an azimuth direction and an elevation direction. The processing circuitry combines a first reception beam based on a first transmission beam included in the first transmission beam group and a second reception beam based on a second transmission beam included in the second transmission beam group. Transmission beams that are adjacent to each other in the azimuth direction or the elevation direction belong to transmission beam groups that are different from each other.

CURVED 2-D ARRAY ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND METHOD FOR VOLUMETRIC IMAGING

VARIABLE DENSITY SPATIAL SCANNING AND ELECTRO-MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED ULTRASOUND SCAN DENSITY DEVICE

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A SINGLE ULTRASOUND IMAGING DEVICE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY MEASURE A MATERNAL HEART RATE AND FETAL HEART RATES OF MULTIPLE FETUSES

An ultrasound system (10) includes a single transducer (14). The single transducer (14) includes a flexible substrate (48). The single transducer (14) also includes an array of transducer elements (52) disposed on the flexible substrate (48) and configured to be disposed on an abdomen of a subject having one or more fetuses disposed within a single uterus and to acquire scan data. The ultrasound system (10) also includes a processor (44) coupled to the single transducer (14) and configured to receive the scan data and to determine a respective fetal heart rate of each fetus of the one or more fetuses based on the scan data.

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accurately, simply trace the position of a specified part by calculating respective moving speeds of a plurality of parts on ultrasonic beams based on echo signals of the ultrasonic beams, tracing the aging effect of the position of a specified part based on its speed, finding the locus, and displaying it. SOLUTION: A speed of a position of a start point P1 is read out in a tracking processor 19A from a memory 18A, the speed is multiplied by a unit time ΔT, and the moving distance (displacement) of a part dependant on the point P1 which moves for a unit hour is calculated. Secondly, this moving distance is added to the depth y1 of the point P1, the depth y2 of the next point P2 is calculated, and the depth y2 is quantized by the unit distance so that the depth y2 is converted in terms of the Y coordinates Y2 and the obtained value is written into a overlay memory 18B. The position of the point P1 is traced successively so that the moving locus of the part positioned ...

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

PURPOSE: To improve a frame rate in a wide visual field width while maintaining the resolution of images by transmitting ultrasonic waves to plural raster columns and synthesizing obtained blood flow information. CONSTITUTION: A scanning control part 5 controls the operation of a transmission/reception part 7 and makes ultrasonic beams be transmitted from an ultrasonic probe 3 to odd-numbered rasters and even-numbered rasters. The ultrasonic beams for one frame are transmitted to the odd-numbered rasters first, then the ultrasonic beams for one frame are transmitted to the even- numbered rasters and thereafter, the ultrasonic beams for black and white images for one frame are transmitted. The ultrasonic probe 3 converts reflected waves to ultrasonic echo signals and supplies them to the transmission/reception part 7 and the transmission/reception part 7 supplies the ultrasonic echo signals of the odd-numbered rasters and the ultrasonic echo signals of the even- numbered rasters to a CFM ...

СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ТРЕХМЕРНОГО УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОГО ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ

... 1. Способ формирования ультразвукового изображения в медицинских целях, содержащий этапы, на которых: ! a) собирают, с первым разрешением, первые данные ультразвукового изображения, представляющие объем интересующего органа, в течение сердечного цикла пациента, ! b) собирают, со вторым разрешением, более высоким, чем первое разрешение, вторые данные ультразвукового изображения, представляющие трехмерный сектор упомянутого объема, в течение другого сердечного цикла пациента, ! c) сравнивают первые и вторые данные ультразвукового изображения упомянутого сектора для выявления подобия между первыми и вторыми данными ультразвукового изображения и, в зависимости от результата сравнения, ! подтверждают вторые данные трехмерного ультразвукового изображения, если первые и вторые данные ультразвукового изображения, по существу, подобны, или в противном случае ! дополнительно обрабатывают сектор. ! 2. Способ формирования ультразвукового изображения в медицинских целях по п.1, в котором этап сравнения ...

УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВАЯ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИЯ ВОЛН СДВИГА С ФОРМИРОВАНИЕМ СФОКУСИРОВАННЫХ ПУЧКОВ СКАНИРУЮЩИХ ЛИНИЙ

... 1. Система диагностической ультразвуковой визуализации для анализа волн сдвига, содержащая:ультразвуковой матричный датчик, который посылает толкающий импульс вдоль предварительно заданного вектора для создания волны сдвига, посылает следящие импульсы вдоль линий слежения, соседних с вектором толкающего импульса, и принимает эхо-сигналы из точек вдоль линий слежения;многолинейный формирователь пучка, соединенный с матричным датчиком, который управляет матричным датчиком для посылки сфокусированных следящих импульсов, которые облучают ультразвуком множество соседних линий слежения, и для одновременного приема когерентных эхо-сигналов вдоль соседних линий слежения в последовательности с чередованием во времени;память A-линий для сохранения данных эхо-сигналов линий слежения;детектор движения, реагирующий на данные линий слежения, для обнаружения движения в результате волны сдвига, проходящей через позиции линий слежения;детектор скорости, который измеряет скорость волн сдвига, проходящих ...

СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ МНОГОСТРОЧНОГО ЦВЕТНОГО УЛЬТРАЗВУКОВОГО ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЯ КРОВОТОКА И КРОВЕНОСНЫХ СОСУДОВ

... 1. Способ формирования многострочного ультразвукового изображения, содержащий этапы, на которых: ! реализуют многострочное формирование диаграммы направленности с некоторым количеством ансамблей, причем каждый ансамбль включает в себя последовательность лепестков диаграммы направленности передачи заданного направления передачи и первое кратное количество лепестков диаграммы направленности приема на пучок передачи; и ! формируют многострочное изображение перекрытия с частотой кадров, эквивалентной второму кратному количеству неперекрывающегося многострочия, при этом второе кратное количество является кратным количеством, отличным от первого кратного количества. ! 2. Способ по п.1, в котором лепестки диаграммы направленности приема первого ансамбля предписанным образом перекрывают лепестки диаграммы направленности приема соседнего ансамбля. ! 3. Способ по п.1, в котором первое кратное количество содержит четырехкратное (4x) многострочие, а второе кратное количество содержит трехкратное (3x ...

АВТОМАТИЧЕСКИЙ ВЫБОР ПЛОСКОСТИ ВИЗУАЛИЗАЦИИ ДЛЯ ЭХОКАРДИОГРАФИИ

... 1. Устройство (146) обработки изображения, выполненное с возможностью:трехмерной визуализации в реальном времени с использованием множества пучков таким образом, что указанную визуализацию выполняют с пространственной плотностью (156) указанных пучков;на основе распознавания (S510) анатомической структуры из указанной визуализации объема, автоматически и без необходимости вмешательства пользователя, в ответ на указанную визуализацию, выбора одной или более частей указанного объема; иавтоматически и без необходимости вмешательства пользователя, в ответ на выбор и с использованием плотности пучка, более высокой, чем указанная пространственная плотность, выполнения визуализации одной или более выбранных частей в реальном времени;отличающееся тем, что указанное устройство выполнено с дополнительной возможностью, автоматически и без необходимости вмешательства пользователя, избирательного прерывания (308) визуализации части для повторного выполнения визуализации (S508) объема и, на основе повторно ...

Medical diagnostic ultrasonic imaging for expanded observation field involves combining two images in overlapping area, producing image with expanded field of observation in response to combination

The method involves selecting first and second medical ultrasonic images, whereby the first and second images overlap partly in response to first and second transducer positions and each of the first and second/ images is combined with several acquisition angles, combining the first image with the second image in an overlapping area and producing an image with an expanded field of observation in response to the combination step.

Verfahren zum Erzeugen einer Abbildung mit Hilfe einer Ultraschall-Abtastanordnung

Ultraschall-Diagnose-Gerät zur Erreichung eines Bildes hoher Qualität durch Korrektion der Phasenstörung, anwesend in Ultraschallpulsen

Improved real time ultrasonic scanning method and apparatus

A compound ultrasonic scan of an object is effected with a pair of transducers (17A, 17B) mounted adjacent to the object but spaced apart from each other. Each transducer (17A, 17B) transmits pulses of ultrasonic energy into the object and receives echoes from acoustic discontinuities in the object while the transducer is oscillated mechanically, through a predetermined angle, about an axis which passes through the transducer. The oscillation of the transducers is in synchronism with each other but out of phase with each other, so that when one transducer is at the edge of its angular scan, the other transducer is at the centre of its angular scan. The transducers are activated by a stream of electrical pulses so that when a transducer is at the centre of its angular scan, it receives most of the activating pulses and when it is at the edge of its angular scan, it receives a small proportion of the acting pulses. A programmed microprocessor is used. ...

ULTRASONIC ILLUSTRATION WITH RADIAL SCANNING OF A TRAPEZOIDAL SECTOR.

PORTABLE ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT

EFFICIENT ULTRASONIC SYSTEM FOR THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL C-SCAN-REPRESENTATION AND USED PROCEDURES

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE SPEED ESTIMATION DURING SYNTHETIC APERTURE ILLUSTRATION

DEVICE TO THE ULTRASONIC PICTURE GIVING OF MEANS OF A LINEBASED PICTURE RECONSTRUCTION

A method and apparatus for providing real-time calculation and display of strainin ultrasound imaging

Three-dimensional imaging method and system

A three-dimensional imaging method and system. The method comprising the following steps: acquiring, by means of an orthogonal scan probe, at least two orthogonal two-dimensional images of a scanning target (S1); moving the orthogonal scan probe along a specific spatial direction, and acquiring at least two orthogonal two-dimensional images of the scanning target (S2); comparing the two-dimensional images of a corresponding direction obtained from step S1 and step S2, and obtaining movement information of the orthogonal scan probe along the direction (S3); repeating steps S1 to S3 until the scanning target is completely scanned (S4); and reconstructing, by means of the acquired two-dimensional image and three-dimensional motion information of the probe, a three-dimensional image of the scanning target (S5). The system comprises at least two scan probes (201) for acquiring orthogonal images, a computing unit (202) for analyzing continuous motion information of a two-dimensional imaging probe ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND C-SCANNING

An ultrasound system and related method for forming 2D C-scan images and/or collecting 3D image data from 2D transducer arrays. The system including in part a 2D transducer array of elements (50), transmit voltage generation means (51) for each element, a memory buffer (56) with or part of channels for each element, and a receive beamformer (58). On a time serial or sequential basis, several times for each line of firing, the contents of the per element memory buffer are read into the beamformer with different focusing values for each buffer reading cycle. In this way, the beamformer can calculate beamformed image values for multiple points per line firing cycle-or per each line of signals between the transducer array and receive beamformer.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND C-SCANNING

... ²²²An ultrasound system and related method for forming 2D C-scan images and/or ²collecting 3D image data from 2D transducer arrays. The system including in ²part a 2D transducer array of elements (50), transmit voltage generation means ²(51) for each element, a memory buffer (56) with or part of channels for each ²element, and a receive beamformer (58). On a time serial or sequential basis, ²several times for each line of firing, the contents of the per element memory ²buffer are read into the beamformer with different focusing values for each ²buffer reading cycle. In this way, the beamformer can calculate beamformed ²image values for multiple points per line firing cycle-or per each line of ²signals between the transducer array and receive beamformer.² ...

HIGH FREQUENCY HIGH FRAME-RATE ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM

... ²²²A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head (106) having ²a transducer (124) capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of ²at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor (134) for receiving ultrasound ²energy and for generating an ultrasound image (116) at a frame rate of at ²least 15 frames per second (fps).² ...

APPARATUS FOR EXAMINING AN OBJECT BY MEANS OF ULTRASONIC WAVES

... 22 The apparatus comprises a cylindrical carrier (1) which is rotatable about a supporting shaft (5) and is provided with n transducers (3) regularly distributed around its periphery, a first display device (35) for the display of a circular sector scan ultrasonic image with m radial picture lines in the B-mode, and a second display device (37) for an M-mode display of an ultrasonic image which consists of images relating to a single selected picture line (k) of the former image relating to succes sive instants in time, the successive line images being arranged parallel to one another with the same interline spacing. In order to obtain a line image repetition quency in the M-mode for the selected picture line (k), which is n times greater than the picture frequency in the B-mode, the device is arranged so that each of the n transducers provides data for the formation of a corresponding group of mn picture lines during one revolution of the carrier, the transducers taken as a whole together ...

MULTI-PLANE AND MULTI-MODE VISUALIZATION OF AN AREA OF INTEREST DURING AIMING OF AN ULTRASOUND PROBE

A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe; select a first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; select at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; toggle between obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode and obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; receive a selection of a three-dimensional (3D) scan mode; and perform a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe, in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode.

BLADDER WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS

An ultrasound transceiver (10) scans a bladder in a three dimensional array to measure the thickness and surface area ot the bladder to determine bladder mass. The bladder wall thickness and the masses may be determined for anterior, posterior, and lateral locations of the bladder.

ULTRASONIC IMAGING COMPRESSION METHODS AND APPARATUS

To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and an output data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as a digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. The on-chip digitization of received signals also enables the on-chip integration of ultrasound processing and/or pre-processing to reduce the burden on off-chip computing. Data compression architectures are disclosed to facilitate the transfer of data off-chip as a digital data stream in accordance with the bandwidth requirements of standard commercially- available output interfaces.

ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IMAGE FORMATION USING QUALIFIED REGIONS OF OVERLAPPING TRANSMIT BEAMS

A method and related system for improving resolution and frame rate of ultrasound images that includes specifying individual element transmit characteristics for each transmit beam in a set of transmit beams; determining various attributes of the transmit beams at field points in the field of view; using one or more of the attributes to determine if received ultrasound echo signals contributed by each transmit beam are qualified for use in image formation, and if so, how the signal should be processed; storing the determined information for each field point for repeated use with each new image frame; using the stored information to select and process subsequent received echo signals for each field point to produce an image parameter at the field point for each qualified echo signal; and combining multiple image parameters from overlapping transmit beams for a field point to produce a final image parameter that constitutes the field point value for the image frame.

Rib blockage delineation in anatomically intelligent echocardiography.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE MAPPING OF FIBROUS MEDIA

IMPROVEMENTS BRING TO the SYSTEMS OF SWEEPING DEVICES Of ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

방광내 요량 측정 장치 및 방법

... 본 발명은 방광내 요량 측정 방법 및 장치에 관한 것이다. 상기 방광 내 요량 측정 방법은, (a) 외부로부터 입력되는 동작 모드를 확인하는 단계; (b) 외부로부터 입력된 동작 모드가 방광 위치 확인 모드인 경우, 요량 측정 모드가 선택될 때까지 사전 설정된 일련의 동작을 반복하여 수행하는 단계; (c) 외부로부터 입력된 동작 모드가 요량 측정 모드인 경우, 다수 개의 스캔 면에 대하여 초음파 신호들을 획득하는 스캔 동작을 수행하고, 상기 스캔 동작에 의해 획득된 초음파 신호들을 이용항여 방광의 부피를 추정하여 제공하는 단계; 를 구비한다. 상기 (b) 단계의 사전 설정된 일련의 동작은, (b1) 트랜스듀서를 이용하여 단일의 스캔 면을 구성하는 복수 개의 스캔 라인들에 대한 초음파 신호들을 획득하는 사전 스캔 동작을 수행하는 단계, (b2) 사전 스캔 동작에 의해 획득된 초음파 신호들을 사용하여 단일면에 대한 초음파 영상을 생성하여 디스플레이하는 단계, (b3) 상기 스캔 면에 대해 획득된 초음파 신호들을 이용하여 방광에 대한 위치 정보들을 추출하는 단계, (b4) 상기 추출된 방광의 위치 정보들로부터 방광의 중심점을 검출하는 단계, 및 (b5) 상기 디스플레이된 초음파 영상에서 방광의 중심점을 표시하는 단계를 포함하여, 초음파 영상에서 방광의 중심 위치를 시각적으로 알려준다.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GUIDING SCAN LINE USING COLOR DOPPLER IMAGES

CURVED 2-D ARRAY ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER AND METHOD FOR VOLUMETRIC IMAGING

An ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging probe having an array of transducer elements that is flat and relatively elongated in the azimuth direction and is curved outwardly in the elevation direction. As a result, when the transducer elements are scanned in a step-wise manner, the acoustic pattern of the probe diverges in the elevation direction. The probe therefore provides a large field of view in the near field despite using relatively few transducer elements. The probe also includes sub-array beamformers to delay signals transmitted and received from the transducer elements in respective sub-arrays. The received signals are coupled to an imaging system which includes a signal path that processes the received signals into signals corresponding to a volumetric image. A display coupled to the signal path can then show a volumetric image of anatomical features in a volumetric region adjacent the array of transducer elements.

LOW POWER ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD

An ultrasound diagnostic device according to one embodiment is provided with an ultrasonic probe (1) and a control unit (18). The ultrasonic probe (1) transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The control unit (18) causes the ultrasonic probe (1) to implement a first ultrasonic scan for acquiring information pertaining to the movement of a moving body within a first scanning range, and causes the ultrasonic probe (1) to implement a second ultrasonic scan for acquiring information pertaining to the form of the tissue in a second scanning region, in which the second scanning region is divided into a plurality of divided regions and each of the sub-regions is subjected to an ultrasonic scan in the periods between the first ultrasonic scans. The first ultrasonic scan implemented by the control unit (18) is based on a method in which the reception signals acquired for each of the plurality of scanning lines that form the first scanning range are subjected to high-pass filtering in the frame direction ...

MANUAL, PORTABLE ULTRASONOGRAPHY DEVICE, WITH CENTRALIZED CONTROL AND PROCESSING IN THE HARDWARE AND WITH DISPLAY OUTPUTS, WHICH OPERATES IN REAL TIME WITH A HIGH IMAGE REFRESH RATE

The invention relates to a manual, portable ultrasonography device that comprises: a power source; a transducer, composed of piezoelectric elements that emit ultrasonic waves and pick up the echoes from tissue inside a patient; an FPGA (field programmable gate array) processing unit, which is composed of a general control module for the device, a pulse emission control module, a wave shaping module and an image processing module; a front-end pulse generation unit that has a pulse generator, a plurality of transmission/reception switches, and a front-end circuit that generates digitized signals; an image and transmission unit; and a display apparatus; wherein the general control module for the device coordinates the operations of the pulse emission control, wave shaping and image processing modules; the pulse emission control module activates the pulse generator; the wave shaping module receives the digitized signals or stream of samples from the front-end circuit, applying selective delays ...

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE

Provided is an ultrasonic diagnostic device with which it is possible to appropriately allocate group transmission delay times to oscillators without complicating wiring. An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to one embodiment comprises a plurality of oscillators, a timing pulse generation means, a switch means, and a switch control means. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the oscillators. The timing pulse generation means has output terminals for outputting timing pulses, based on a delay time, to channels corresponding to each oscillator, the output terminals being separated into output terminal groups, each of at least two terminals, and the timing pulse generation means generating a transmission delay time, which is within a specific time range, for each group. The switch means selectively connects the channels and the output terminals. The switch control means separates the plurality of channels into channel regions having the same number of channels as a specified number, ...

HIGH SPEED ULTRASONIC THICK SLICE IMAGING

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region which are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce a "thick slice" image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. Thick slice images are displayed at a high frame rate of display by combining a newly acquired slice with slices previously acquired from different elevational planes which were used in a previous combination. A new thick slice image may be produced each time at least one of the slice images is updated by a newly acquired slice. Frame rate is further improved by multiline acquisition of the slices.

HIGH FREQUENCY HIGH FRAME-RATE ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM

A system for producing an ultrasound image comprises a scan head (106) having a transducer (124) capable of generating ultrasound energy at a frequency of at least 20 megahertz (MHz), and a processor (134) for receiving ultrasound energy and for generating an ultrasound image (116) at a frame rate of at least 15 frames per second (fps).

SYSTEM SIMPLIFICATION FOR AN ULTRASOUND-BASED PERFUSION DETECTION SYSTEM

A method and apparatus for medical ultrasound diagnostics use time multiplexing of ultrasonic transducers of a multi-transducer array (108) disposed upon or in an application pad. Embodiments of the invention facilitate low excitation power and low wire count electrical interfaces (106, 306, 406) to the transducers and reduce electromagnetic interference between the transducers, as well as increase reliability and accuracy of positioning the application pad on the body of a patient. In one exemplary application, the invention facilitates assessment of blood perfusion.

ULTRASOUND IMAGING METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS

Ultrasound methods devices and systems are described which support a useful compromise in terms of spatial resolution and temporal resolution for capturing motion in tissue structures. A particular application is electromechanical wave imaging (EWI).

UNIFORM VOLUMETRIC SCANNING ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING SYSTEM

L'invention concerne un système d'imagerie diagnostique ultrasonore et un procédé destinés à balayer plus uniformément une région volumétrique pour imagerie 3D ultrasonore. Un plan image des faisceaux de balayage orientables est tourné autour d'un axe s'étendant à travers la région volumétrique, les faisceaux à proximité de l'axe étant plus largement séparés que les faisceaux plus distants de l'axe. L'espacement non uniforme des faisceaux de balayage induit des densités d'échantillonnage moins disparates dans la région de balayage volumétrique. Le procédé selon l'invention peut être mis an oeuvre au moyen d'ensembles transducteurs 1D et 2D.

System for collecting ultrasound imaging data at an adjustable collection image frame rate

Ultrasound imaging data is collected at an adjustable collection image frame rate. Echoes produced from transmission of ultrasound energy into a subject's body are processed by an image frame acquisition device to produce a series of image frames. Each image frame comprises data representing an image of a portion of the subject's body at a given time. The image frames include collection image frames and interrogation image frames. The interrogation image frames are for sampling the subject's body between collection of at least some collection image frames. The difference between the current image frame and at least one preceding image frame is determined and a frame correlation coefficient is output based upon the difference. The collection image frame rate of the image frame acquisition device is adjusted in inverse proportion to the most recent frame correlation coefficient.

BLADDER WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHODS

An ultrasound transceiver scans a bladder in a three dimensional array to measure the thickness and surface area of the bladder to determine bladder mass. The bladder wall thickness and masses may be determined for anterior, posterior, and lateral locations of the bladder.

HIGH SPEED ULTRASONIC THICK SLICE IMAGING

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region which are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce a thick slice image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. Thick slice images are displayed at a high frame rate of display by combining a newly acquired slice with slices previously acquired from different elevational planes which were used in a previous combination. A new thick slice image may be produced each time at least one of the slice images is updated by a newly acquired slice. Frame rate is further improved by multiline acquisition of the slices.

Methods and apparatus for 3D cardiac ultrasound imaging

Methods and apparatus are provided for medical ultrasound imaging. An ultrasound beam is scanned in a fast scan direction and is scanned in a slow scan direction concurrently with scanning in the fast scan direction. During scanning of the ultrasound beam, ultrasound data samples, representative of two-dimensional slices of a volume of interest in a patient, are acquired at different points in the slow scan direction and at different times in the patient's cardiac cycle. Scanning in the slow scan direction is controlled relative to the patient's cardiac cycle so that the acquired data samples have a desired spatial distribution over the volume of interest and a desired temporal distribution over the patient's cardiac cycle. The acquired data samples are converted to three-dimensional image data sets which represent the volume of interest at different times in the patient's cardiac cycle. Scanning in the slow scan direction may be controlled by starting scanning at uniformly-spaced time ...

Method for reducing vector density based on image size

In a method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus, ultrasound B and color mode vector density are reduced. Initially, an actual displayed image size is determined. A minimum vector density requirement is then determined for B which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size. The number of vectors in the image is then adjusted to meet the minimum vector density requirement.

Providing an ultrasound spatial compound image based on center lines of ultrasound images in an ultrasound system

Embodiments for providing an ultrasound spatial compound image are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire ultrasound data by transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit, the processing unit being configured to set a plurality of center lines based on a virtual common point corresponding to predetermined scan-lines, move the virtual common point along each of the center lines to set a plurality of scan-lines, form a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to the center lines based on the ultrasound data, and perform spatial compounding upon the ultrasound images to form an ultrasound spatial compound image, wherein the ultrasound data acquisition unit is configured to acquire the ultrasound data based on the plurality of scan-lines.

Ultrasonic Signal Processor for a Hand Held Ultrasonic Diagnostic Instrument

A hand held ultrasonic instrument is provided in a portable unit which performs both B mode and Doppler imaging. The instrument includes a transducer array mounted in a hand-held enclosure, with an integrated circuit transceiver connected to the elements of the array for the reception of echo signals. A digital signal processing circuit performs both B mode and Doppler signal processing such as filtering, detection and Doppler estimation, as well as advanced functions such as assembly of multiple zone focused scanlines, synthetic aperture formation, depth dependent filtering, speckle reduction, flash suppression, and frame averaging.

Object information acquiring apparatus

Provided is an object information acquiring apparatus including: a probe in which a plurality of elements transmitting an ultrasound wave to a measurement target region of an object and receiving a reflected wave is arranged in a first direction; a mechanical scanning unit that moves the probe in the first direction and a direction crossing the first direction; a transmission processor that, to each element included in a transmission aperture element row transmitting the ultrasound wave, inputs an input signal for driving the element; a received signal processor that combines received signals obtained by the elements included in a reception aperture element row receiving the ultrasound wave; a generator that generates property information on the object from the combined signal; and a controller that determines at least one of the number of elements included in the transmission aperture element row.

ULTRASOUND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUISITION PARAMETER DETERMINATION

A method for ultrasound imaging acquires an initial set of ultrasound images of a region of interest at an initial time t0 using a pulsed wave velocity imaging mode and one or more subsequent sets of ultrasound images in pulsed wave velocity imaging mode over the same region at a predetermined frame rate. The relative displacement between acquired frames is computed. A pulse wave velocity distribution is generated according to the computed displacement by comparing arrival times of the pulse wave at different locations over the region. A subset of pulse wave velocity values from the distribution is identified according to standard deviation or other statistical criterion. Statistical results are computed according to the subset of pulse wave velocity values. Computed statistical results are displayed. 1. A method for ultrasound imaging , comprising:a) accessing an initial set of ultrasound images of a region of interest at an initial time t0 acquired using a pulsed wave velocity imaging mode;b) accessing at least one subsequent set of ultrasound images of the region of interest acquired using a pulsed wave velocity imaging mode at a predetermined frame rate;c) computing a relative vessel wall displacement induced by pulse waves between frames acquired in steps a) and b);d) generating a pulse wave velocity distribution according to the computed relative vessel wall displacement by comparing arrival times of the pulse wave at two different locations within the region of interest;e) identifying a subset of pulse wave velocity values of the generated pulse wave velocity distribution according to a statistical criterion;f) computing at least one statistical result according to the identified subset of pulse wave velocity values; andg) displaying, on a display, the computed at least one statistical result.2. The method of further comprising discarding outlier values from the pulse wave velocity distribution prior to identifying the subset of pulse wave velocity values.3. ...

OBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING APPARATUS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING METHOD

An object information acquiring apparatus comprising: a processor generating image data representing characteristic information on an object, based on signals acquired by receiving an acoustic wave generated from an object by a plural light irradiations; and a display controller allowing a display to display an image, wherein the display controller performs first display in which an image is displayed in parallel with irradiation and second display in which an image is displayed based on more signal than in the first display, and the processor acquires the characteristic information for a smaller number of units of reconstruction when generating image data. 1. An object information acquiring apparatus comprising:a processor configured to generate image data representing characteristic information on an object, based on signals acquired by receiving an acoustic wave generated from an object by a plurality of times of light irradiation to the object; anda display controller configured to allow a display to display an image based on the image data, whereinthe display controller is configured to perform first display in which an image is displayed in parallel with irradiation with the light and reception of the acoustic wave and second display in which an image is displayed based on more signal than in the first display, andthe processor is configured to acquire the characteristic information for a smaller number of units of reconstruction when generating image data used for the first display than when generating image data used for the second display.2. The object information acquiring apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to generate the characteristic information for three-dimensionally arranged units of reconstruction claim 1 , and during the first display claim 1 , generate the image data by projecting the characteristic information acquired with the small number of units of reconstruction.3. The object information acquiring apparatus ...

ULTRASONIC IMAGING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising: an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a target object and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the object; a beamforming unit for beamforming the received ultrasonic wave and outputting a beamforming signal; a sampling unit for adjusting the number of sampling times of the beamforming signal according to the amount of motion of the object; and an image processing unit for matching and synthesizing the sampled signals. 1. An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a target object and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the object;a beamforming unit for beamforming the received ultrasonic wave and outputting a beamforming signal;a sampling unit for adjusting the number of sampling times of the beamforming signal according to the amount of motion of the object; andan image processing unit for matching and synthesizing the sampled signals.2. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 ,a motion detection unit for dividing the beamforming signals into groups and comparing beamforming signals of one group and the remaining groups to calculate and store motion vectors.3. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 2 ,wherein the motion detecting unit compares a beamforming signal of each group divided for each group with a previous beamforming signal to calculate and store a motion vector.4. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 2 ,wherein the sampling unit adjusts a sampling period of the beamforming signal to be less than a predetermined period when the motion vector of the divided group is less than a predetermined value and adjusts a sampling period of the beamforming signal to exceed the predetermined period when the motion vector of the divided group exceeds a preset value.5. The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to ...

ULTRASOUND IMAGING BEAM-FORMER APPARATUS AND METHOD

In some illustrative embodiments, an incoming signal from a transducer in an ultrasound imaging beam-former apparatus is applied to an in-phase sample-and-hold and a quadrature sample-and-hold. The quadrature sample-and-hold may be clocked a quarter period behind the in-phase sample-and-hold. The output of the sample-and-holds are applied to in-phase and quadrature analog-to-digital converters. A magnitude calculator receives the in-phase and quadrature digital values, and outputs a magnitude. A phase calculator receives the in-phase and quadrature digital values, and outputs a phase. An apodizer applies a difference between an amplitude of the outgoing signal and the magnitude and applies a first illumination to a image point in substantial proportion to the difference, and a phase rotator applies a second illumination to the image point in substantial proportion to the phase. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus , comprising:a plurality of transducers configured to convert reflected ultrasound pulses to at least one incoming electrical signal; a first sample-and-hold circuit configured to sample a first amplitude of the at least one incoming electrical signal from a transducer amongst the plurality of transducers at a first specified instant, the first sample-and-hold circuit configured to acquire at most one amplitude sample per an ultrasound transmit pulse; and', 'a separate second sample-and-hold circuit configured to sample a second amplitude of the at least one incoming electrical signal from the transducer at a second specified instant, the second specified instant offset in time from the first specified instant, the second sample-and-hold circuit configured to acquire at most one amplitude sample per the ultrasound transmit pulse/receive acquisition cycle, the second amplitude representing an approximation of an amplitude component of the incoming electrical signal in phase quadrature with the first amplitude., 'a signal receiver comprising3. The apparatus of claim ...

Ultrasound Imaging Transducer Array with Integrated Apodization

A transducer array () includes at least one 1D array of transducing elements (). The at least one 1D array of transducing elements includes a plurality of transducing elements (). A first of the plurality of transducing elements has a first apodization and a second of the plurality of transducing elements has a second apodization. The first apodization and the second apodization are different. The transducer array further includes at least one electrically conductive element () in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transducing elements. The transducer array further includes at least one electrical contact () in electrical communication with the at least one electrically conductive element. The at least one electrical contact concurrently addresses the plurality of transducing elements through the at least one electrically conductive element. 1. A transducer array , comprising: 'a plurality of transducing elements, wherein a first of the plurality of transducing elements has a first apodization and a second of the plurality of transducing elements has a second apodization, and the first apodization and the second apodization are different;', 'at least one 1D array of transducing elements, the at least one 1D array of transducing elements, includingat least one electrically conductive element in electrical communication with each of the plurality of transducing elements; andat least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the at least one electrically conductive element,wherein the at least one electrical contact concurrently addresses the plurality of transducing elements through the at least one electrically conductive element.2. The transducer array claim 1 , further comprising:a plurality of the 1D array of transducing elements, physically arranged with respect to each other in a 2D array, wherein each of the plurality of 1D array of transducing elements is independently addressable.3. The transducer array of claim 2 , wherein ...

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND PROGRAM

To improve the frame rate of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for displaying an elasticity image by detecting shear waves generated by push pulses. After first and second push pulses have been simultaneously transmitted to different positions, each of a first ultrasonic detecting pulse DP and a second ultrasonic detecting pulse DP for detecting each respective shear wave generated by each of the first and second push pulses is transmitted in a different acoustic line, and in a period after the first ultrasonic detecting pulse DP has been transmitted and before the first ultrasonic detecting pulse DP is transmitted again in the same acoustic line, the second ultrasonic detecting pulse DP is transmitted. 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:a processor for executing a program conducting transmission control for, after transmitting an ultrasonic push pulse to biological tissue of a subject by an ultrasonic probe, transmitting a plurality of ultrasonic detecting pulses for detecting a shear wave generated in said biological tissue by said push pulse in the same acoustic line in said biological tissue by said ultrasonic probe;said processor executing a program conducting transmission control for, after simultaneously transmitting a plurality of said push pulses to different positions, transmitting each of said ultrasonic detecting pulses for detecting each respective shear wave generated by each of said push pulses in a different acoustic line;and in a transmission of each of said ultrasonic detecting pulses, transmitting, in a period after transmitting an ultrasonic detecting pulse for detecting a shear wave generated by one of said plurality of push pulses in a certain acoustic line and before transmitting said ultrasonic detecting pulse again in the same acoustic line;an ultrasonic detecting pulse for detecting a shear wave generated by a push pulse different from said push pulse in another acoustic line.2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus as recited ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING MULTIPLE MODES OF ULTRASOUND IMAGING USING A SINGLE ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER

The present embodiments relate generally to ultrasound imaging methods and apparatus that allow for multiple modes of imaging using a single ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer elements. In an embodiment, there is provided an ultrasound imaging machine that is: operable in a first imaging mode in which the plurality of transducer elements are activated; and operable in a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode, and in the second imaging mode, a subset of the plurality of transducer elements are activated so that ultrasound signals are steered from the subset of the plurality of transducer elements, where any remaining transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements not part of the subset are inactive when operating in the second imaging mode. 1. An ultrasound imaging method comprising , by an ultrasound imaging machine:imaging in a first mode using a sequential transducer comprising a plurality of transducer elements, wherein when imaging in the first mode, the plurality of transducer elements are activated; andimaging in a second mode different from the first mode, wherein when imaging in the second mode, a subset of the plurality of transducer elements are activated and a plurality of ultrasound signals are steered from the subset of the plurality of transducer elements, and wherein any remaining transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements not part of the subset are inactive when imaging in the second mode.2. The ultrasound imaging method of claim 1 , whereinthe imaging in the first mode further comprises pulsing groups of adjacent transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements in a sequential manner, andthe imaging in the second mode further comprises pulsing the subset of the plurality of transducer elements in a phased manner to generate the plurality of ultrasound signals.3. The ultrasound imaging method of claim 2 , whereinwhen imaging in the first mode, the pulsing of the groups of ...

Ultrasound system and method for controlling ultrasound system

An ultrasound system 1 includes an ultrasound probe 2 and an image display device 3 . The ultrasound probe 2 includes a transducer array 11 , a transmitting and receiving unit 14 that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves using the transducer array 11 to generate a sound ray signal; a frame image information data generation unit 20 that generates frame image information data from the sound ray signal; and a wireless communication unit 19 that transmits a plurality of frame image information data items to the image display device. The image display device 3 includes a frame type determination unit 33 that determines frame types of the plurality of frame image information data items, a combination determination unit 34 that determines whether or not to combine the frame image information data items on the basis of the frame types, a compound image data generation unit 35 that combines the plurality of frame image information data items, and a display unit 37 that displays a compound image.

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ULTRASONIC PROBE

Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including a probe configured to transmit a plurality of plane waves at a plurality of steering angles and a controller configured to determine the plurality of plane waves so that a grating lobe of a synthetic transmit focusing beam pattern using the plurality of plane waves is located outside a region of interest. 1. An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus comprising:a probe configured to transmit a plurality of plane waves at a plurality of steering angles; anda controller configured to determine the plurality of plane waves so that a grating lobe of a synthetic transmit focusing beam pattern using the plurality of plane waves is located outside a region of interest.2. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller determines the plurality of plane waves so that an interval between sine values of the plurality of steering angles is equal to or less than a first reference value.3. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the controller sets a value obtained by dividing a wavelength by a size of an aperture of the probe as the first reference value.4. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller fixes a minimum steering angle and a maximum steering angle claim 1 , and determines the plurality of plane waves so that a number of the plurality of steering angles is equal to or greater than a second reference value.5. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller adjusts a size of the region of interest so that the size of the region of interest is less than a position of the grating lobe.6. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the probe receives echo signals claim 1 , andthe controller applies an apodization window having a low side lobe to the echo signals.7. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller determines the plurality of plane waves so that an intensity of the grating lobe is less than ...

Method and apparatus for compounding ultrasonic images

A method and an apparatus for compounding ultrasound images are disclosed. A method and an apparatus for compounding ultrasound images are provided to compound frames generated based on reflection signals generated upon receiving reflected transmissions of focused ultrasounds and unfocused ultrasounds to a subject so as to prevent a decreased frame rate as well as moving artifacts from affecting the ultrasound imaging due to movements of the subject.

ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS WITH IMAGE SELECTOR

An ultrasound imaging system includes a cine buffer in which image frames produced during an examination are stored. A processor is programmed to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator for approval and inclusion in a patient record or other report. The operator can accept the proposed image frames or can select one or more other image frames from the cine buffer. The processor may select image frames at spaced intervals in the cine buffer for presentation. Alternatively, the processor compares image frames in the cine buffer with one or more target image frames. Image frames that are similar to the target image frames are presented to the operator to confirm. Alternatively, image frames can be selected by the processor that contain a specific feature or that are similar to image frames that were previously selected by the operator when performing a particular type of examination. 1. A ultrasound imaging system comprising:a transducer that is configured to transmit ultrasound signals to and receive ultrasound signals from a region of interest;receive circuitry that is configured to convert the received ultrasound signals into image frames of ultrasound data for display to a user;a display for displaying the image frames of ultrasound data;a cine buffer in which image frames of ultrasound data produced during an examination are stored; anda processor that is configured to select one or more image frames from the cine buffer for presentation to an operator and to receive confirmation from the operator whether to mark one or more of the selected image frames for inclusion in a patient record or other report.2. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the image processor is configured to select image frames for presentation that are stored at equal intervals in the cine buffer.3. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , further comprising a memory that stores one or more target image frames that are associated ...

BEAMFORMING METHOD AND APPARATUS USING UNFOCUSED ULTRASONIC WAVES

A method and an apparatus for performing a beamforming by using unfocused ultrasounds are disclosed. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for performing a beamforming, when processing an ultrasound image obtained by transmitting unfocused ultrasounds to a field-of-view and receiving reflection signals from the field-of-view, which include calculating transmission delay times taken by ultrasounds transmitted by transmit elements of a transducer to arrive at a receive focusing point, calculating reception delay times taken by reflection ultrasound signals reflected at the receive focusing point to arrive at receive elements of the transducer, and applying the calculations of the transmission delay times and the reception delay times to reception signals at the receive elements. 1. A method for performing a beamforming by an ultrasound medical apparatus , the method comprising:transmitting, by a transducer, an unfocused ultrasound to a field-of-view;calculating a transmission delay time of a transmission path through which an ultrasound transmitted by one of a plurality of transmit elements of the transducer arrives at a receive focusing point and calculating reception delay times of reception paths through which the ultrasound reflected at the receive focusing point arrives at a plurality of receive elements respectively;generating a plurality of delay signals for respective reception signals of the receive elements by applying the calculating of the transmission delay time and the reception delay times to remaining transmit elements of the plurality of transmit elements; andperforming the beamforming by summing the plurality of delay signals.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the transmit elements are determined based on a depth of the receive focusing point.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein a number of the transmit elements increases as a depth of the receive focusing point increases.4. The method ...

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and non-transitory storage medium

According to one embodiment, an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a transmitter/receiver and processing circuitry. The transmitter/receiver sequentially transmits a first transmission beam group and a second transmission beam group and receives at least one reception beam for each transmission beam, via an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducers arranged along an azimuth direction and an elevation direction. The processing circuitry combines a first reception beam based on a first transmission beam included in the first transmission beam group and a second reception beam based on a second transmission beam included in the second transmission beam group. Transmission beams that are adjacent to each other in the azimuth direction or the elevation direction belong to transmission beam groups that are different from each other.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NON-CONTACT BIO-SIGNAL DETECTION USING ULTRASOUND SIGNALS

This disclosure relates generally to bio-signal detection, and more particularly to method and system for non-contact bio-signal detection using ultrasound signals. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring an in-phase I(t) baseband signal and a quadrature Q(t) baseband signal associated with an ultrasound signal directed from the sensor assembly towards the target. Magnitude and phase signals are calculated from the in-phase and quadrature baseband signals, and are filtered by passing through a band pass filter associated with a predefined frequency range to obtain filtered magnitude and phase signals. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) of the filtered magnitude and phase signals is performed to identify frequency of dominant peaks of spectrum of the magnitude and phase signals in the ultrasound signal. Value of the bio-signal associated with the target is determined based on weighted values of the frequency of the dominant peaks of the magnitude and phase signals. 2. The processor implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the bio-signal comprises one of a heart rate and breath rate of the target.3. The processor implemented method of claim 2 , wherein the predefined frequency range of the band pass filter for heart rate is about 0.9-3 Hz claim 2 , and the predefined frequency range of the band pass filter for the breath rate is about 0.2-0.9 HZ.4. The processor implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the in-phase baseband signal and the quadrature baseband signal are acquired using a sensor assembly located in a line-of-sight of the target claim 1 , and wherein the sensor assembly comprises a first transducer for excitation of the target with the ultrasound signal and a second transducer for receiving a reflected signal from the target.5. The processor implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the magnitude and phase signals are obtained from the In-phase I(t) and the quadrature Q(t) baseband signals using the equations:{'br': None, 'i': I', 't', 'Q', 't, ' ...

Two-Dimensional Ultrasound Imaging Transducer Array with a Non-Rectangular Active Sensing Region

An ultrasound imaging system () includes a transducer array () with a two-dimensional array of rows () of transducer elements (). The transducer elements of each row extend along a long axis (). The rows are parallel to each other. The transducer array includes a non-rectangular set of active transducer elements. The ultrasound imaging system further includes transmit circuitry () that actuates the transducer elements to transmit an ultrasound signal. The ultrasound imaging system further includes receive circuitry () that receives echoes produced in response to an interaction between the ultrasound signal and a structure and received by the transducer elements. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a beamformer that processes the echoes and generates one or more scan lines indicative of the structure. 1. An ultrasound imaging system , comprising:a transducer array including a two-dimensional array of rows of transducer elements,wherein the two-dimensional array includes outer rows with end regions and rectangular shaped elements between the end regions and at least one inner row of rectangular shaped elements disposed between the outer rows, the transducer elements of each row extend along a long axis, the rows are parallel to each other, and the transducer array includes a non-rectangular set of active transducer elements;transmit circuitry that actuates the transducer elements to transmit an ultrasound signal;receive circuitry that receives echoes produced in response to an interaction between the ultrasound signal and a structure and received by the transducer elements; anda beamformer that processes the echoes and generates one or more scan lines indicative of the structure.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the outer rows includes partial transducer elements in the end regions claim 1 , and the partial transducer elements are not circular in shape.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the partial transducer elements include a plurality of sides claim 2 , ...

Ultrasound Transducer Array

A transducer array for an ultrasound imaging system includes a substrate and a single array comprising individual sub-sets of transducer elements disposed on the substrate, wherein the individual sub-sets are physically separate from each other and spatially arranged contiguous to each other. An apparatus includes a transducer array with a substrate and a single array comprising individual sub-sets of transducer elements disposed on the substrate, wherein the individual sub-sets are not in physical contact with each other and are serially arranged with respect to each other. The apparatus further includes transmit circuitry that conveys an excitation pulse to the transducer array, receive circuitry that receives a signal indicative of an ultrasound echo from the transducer array, and a beamformer that processes the received signal, generating ultrasound image data.

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, IMAGE PARAMETER SETTING METHOD AND STORAGE MEDIUM

An ultrasound diagnostic device, including: a transmitter which outputs a drive signal to an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves; a receiver which obtains a reception signal from the ultrasound probe; a first hardware processor which generates ultrasound image data from the reception signal and performs image processing to the generated ultrasound image data; an operator which receives input of a depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed; and a second hardware processor which obtains a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth, and controls the transmitter, the receiver and the first hardware processor to generate the ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth according to the obtained plurality of image parameters. 1. An ultrasound diagnostic device , comprising:a transmitter which outputs a drive signal to an ultrasound probe that transmits and receives ultrasound waves;a receiver which obtains a reception signal from the ultrasound probe;a first hardware processor which generates ultrasound image data from the reception signal and performs image processing to the generated ultrasound image data;an operator which receives input of a depth of an ultrasound image to be displayed; anda second hardware processor which obtains a plurality of preset image parameters corresponding to the input depth, and controls the transmitter, the receiver and the first hardware processor to generate the ultrasound image data corresponding to the input depth according to the obtained plurality of image parameters.2. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of image parameters are image parameters corresponding to at least one image mode among a B-mode claim 1 , an M-mode claim 1 , a color Doppler mode claim 1 , a power Doppler mode claim 1 , a CW mode and an Elastography mode.3. The ultrasound diagnostic device according to claim 1 , wherein the second hardware processor obtains ...

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus

The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in different directions and the diagnostic apparatus body combines a plurality of images captured in the different directions of transmission and reception to produce an ultrasound image. In this process, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus measures the temperature of the ultrasound probe to change the ultrasound transmission and reception for producing a composite ultrasound image or makes the directions of transmission and reception in the last ultrasound image in one composite ultrasound image coincide with those in the first ultrasound image in its temporally adjacent composite ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus thus enables consistent ultrasound diagnosis against heat generated in the integrated circuit board of the ultrasound probe while simplifying the control of the ultrasound transmission and reception.

CLUTTER SUPPRESSION IN ULTRASONIC IMAGING SYSTEMS

Methods of ultrasound imaging, some of which comprise: generating one or more transmit beams, wherein the boresight of each of the transmit beams points to a direction associated with a target region generating one or more receive beams using a probe () comprising a transducer array (); for each receive beam or group of receive beams, sampling the received signal one or more times, wherein each sample is associated with a certain volume within the target region (“volume-gate”), and wherein multiple space-dependent samples are taken over the probe for each volume-gate; and processing the space-dependent samples, said processing comprising: applying beamforming sample alignment such that each space-dependent sample associated with a volume-gate is aligned; for each aligned volume-gate, computing one or more clutter suppression features, wherein a clutter suppression feature is dependent on the signal variability of the space-dependent samples; for each aligned volume-gate, computing a metric value wherein the metric value depends on values of one or more of the one or more clutter suppression features for the aligned volume-gate, and performing a beamforming summation step in accordance with the metric value. 1. A method of ultrasound imaging , said method comprising: generating one or more receive beams using a probe comprising a transducer array;', 'for each receive beam or group of receive beams, sampling the received signal one or more times, wherein each sample is associated with a certain volume within the target region (“volume-gate”), and wherein multiple space-dependent samples are taken over the probe for each volume-gate; and', 'processing the space-dependent samples, said processing comprising:', 'applying beamforming sample alignment such that each space-dependent sample associated with a volume-gate is aligned;', 'for each aligned volume-gate, computing one or more clutter suppression features, wherein a clutter suppression feature is dependent on the ...

GENERATING A SOURCE POINT OF SHEAR WAVES FOR SHEAR WAVE ELASTICITY IMAGING

A method for generating a source point of shear waves for shear-wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) of an object. The method includes placing an ultrasound transducer on a surface of the object, vibrating the ultrasound transducer along a vibration axis utilizing a vibrator when the ultrasound transducer is placed on the surface of the object, and generating a shear wave in the source point by applying an acoustic radiation force on the source point. Applying the acoustic radiation force includes focusing an ultrasonic beam of the ultrasound transducer at a first focus point. The first focus point is located at the source point. The acoustic radiation force is applied simultaneously with vibrating the ultrasound transducer. 1. A method for generating a source point of shear waves for shear-wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) of an object , the method comprising:placing an annular array transducer (AAT) on a surface of the object, the AAT comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements;vibrating the AAT along a vibration axis utilizing a vibrator when the AAT is placed on the surface of the object;generating a shear wave in the source point by applying an acoustic radiation force on the source point, applying the acoustic radiation force comprising focusing a first plurality of ultrasound waves propagated from the plurality of piezoelectric elements at a first focus point located at the source point simultaneously with vibrating the AAT;moving the source point from the first focus point to a second focus point in an axial direction at a supersonic speed by focusing a second plurality of ultrasound waves at the second focus point, the second plurality of ultrasound waves propagated from the plurality of piezoelectric elements;rotating the AAT in a lateral direction at a supersonic speed utilizing a motor; andmoving the source point along one of an arch-shaped path or a linear path by focusing the AAT at a plurality of focal points simultaneously with rotating the AAT, the ...

Multiple sensor catheter assembly

An ultrasound imaging device includes a substrate, an ultrasound transducer array mounted on the substrate, a pressure sensor mounted on the substrate, and an integrated circuit mounted on the substrate and operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer array and to the pressure sensor. The integrated circuit includes a memory that is programmable to store a transmit-receive sequence and operational codes to optimize a sub-aperture of the ultrasound transducer array to support an ultrasound scanning modality that is selected for the ultrasound imaging device.

Ultrasound imaging pickup apparatus

Reception beamforming is executed using delay times that complexly vary in accordance with differences between transmission conditions. An irradiation area 32 of a transmission beam is calculated, and the lengths of segments, using which delay times are calculated, are set in accordance with the positional relationships between the calculated irradiation area 32 and reception scanning lines 31 . For example, the reception scanning lines 31 are divided into areas A to C, and the lengths of segments 40 b in the outer area B located outside of the irradiation area 32 are set shorter than the lengths of segments 40 a and 40 c in the inner areas A and C.

METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE SHEAR WAVE ULTRASOUND IMAGING

Methods, systems and computer program products for determining a mechanical parameter for a sample having a target region using constructive shear wave displacement is provided. The method includes generating a first shear wave in the target region at a first excitation position and a second shear wave in the target region at a second excitation position; transmitting tracking pulses in the target region at a tracking position that is between the first and second excitation positions; receiving corresponding echo signals for the tracking pulses at the tracking position in the target region; and determining at least one mechanical parameter of the target region based on at least one parameter of a constructive shear wave displacement from the first and second shear waves simultaneously displacing tissue at the tracking position. 1. A method for determining a mechanical parameter for a sample having a target region using constructive shear wave displacement , the method comprising:generating a first shear wave in the target region at a first excitation position and a second shear wave in the target region at a second excitation position;transmitting tracking pulses in the target region at a tracking position that is between the first and second excitation positions;receiving corresponding echo signals for the tracking pulses at the tracking position in the target region; anddetermining at least one mechanical parameter of the target region based on at least one parameter of a constructive shear wave displacement from the first and second shear waves simultaneously displacing tissue at the tracking position.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter of the constructive shear wave displacement comprises at least one of a time of a peak displacement of tissue claim 1 , an inflection in a displacement slope of tissue displacement at the tracking position and a relative or absolute displacement amplitude of the constructive shear wave displacement from ...

LOCATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR LOCATING AN ACOUSTIC SENSOR

A location device is provided for determining the location of an acoustic sensor. A location process makes use of a plurality of transmit beams (wherein a beam is defined as a transmission from all transducers of an ultrasound array), with a frequency analysis to identify if there is a signal reflected from the acoustic sensor. A location is obtained from the plurality of frequency analyses. 1. A location device for determining the location of an acoustic sensor , comprising:an ultrasound transducer array arranged to transmit a plurality of ultrasound beams and receive corresponding reflected echo signals; a transmit controller for controlling transmitted signals of the transducer array to provide a transmit beam comprising a transmission from each transducer of the array;', 'a receive controller for analyzing the received reflected signals,, 'a controller arrangement, said arrangement comprisingwherein the controller arrangement is adapted to implement a location process which comprises, for each of the plurality of transmitted ultrasound beams, performing a frequency analysis of the received reflected signals to identify if there is a signal reflected from the acoustic sensor and to identify a location area of said acoustic sensor, and to derive a progressively more accurate final location within said location area from the plurality of frequency analyses.2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller arrangement is adapted to implement a location process which comprises:providing a first, non-focused, transmit beam and obtaining a first location area;providing at least one further, focused, transmit beam for a smaller region of interest within the first location area and obtaining at least one more accurate location of the acoustic sensor.3. The device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the controller arrangement is adapted to implement a location process which comprises iteratively providing multiple transmit beams for successively smaller regions of ...

Ultrasonic signal processing device and ultrasonic signal processing method

An ultrasonic signal processing method includes: measuring a sound velocity in a subject according to transmission/reception data acquired in ultrasonic transmission of M times (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and less than N) along different transmission focus lines among ultrasonic transmission of N times (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) along multiple transmission focus lines in a case where ultrasonic transmission is sequentially performed at least one time on each of multiple transmission focus lines to create an ultrasonic image for one frame.

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and doppler waveform image generating method

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a quadrature detection section configured to perform quadrature detection on reception radio-frequency data generated by a reception circuit to generate complex data, a frequency analyzer configured to perform a first frequency analysis using the complex data of a set number of sample points starting from a first start point and a second frequency analysis using at least one group of the complex data of the set number of sample points starting from a second start point that is different from the first start point, and to acquire a spectral signal corresponding to each pixel of a Doppler waveform image based on results of the first frequency analysis and the second frequency analysis, and a Doppler waveform image generator configured to generate the Doppler waveform image using the spectral signal.

CONTRAST IMAGING

The present disclosure describes ultrasound systems configured to perform microbubble-based contrast imaging with enhanced sensitivity. The systems can enhance echo signals derived from microbubbles while suppressing echo signals derived from tissue by detecting phase shifts exhibited by microbubbles in resonance. To detect the phase shifts, and thereby distinguish between microbubble-based signals and tissue-based signals, the systems can transmit a series of ultrasound pulses into a target region in accordance with a predefined sequence. The sequence can include an initiation pulse configured to stimulate microbubbles into nonlinear oscillation, a detection pulse configured to detect the nonlinear oscillation, and a summation pulse formed by transmitting an initiation pulse and detection pulse with a small time delay therebetween. A signal processor included in the system can determine phase shifts exhibited by the signals generated in response to the series of pulses and mask non-microbubble-based signals based on the magnitude of the detected phase shifts. 1. An ultrasound imaging system comprising:an ultrasound transducer array configured to acquire echo signals responsive to a series of ultrasound pulses transmitted toward a target region containing microbubbles;a controller configured to control the ultrasound transducer array to transmit the series of ultrasound pulses in accordance with a sequence including:an initiation pulse configured to stimulate the microbubbles into resonance;a summation pulse comprised of the initiation pulse and a detection pulse, wherein the detection pulse is transmitted after the initiation pulse and is configured to detect nonlinear oscillation signals of the microbubbles; anda second detection pulse transmitted alone; andone or more signal processors in communication with the ultrasound transducer array and configured to selectively mask non-microbubble-based signals generated in response to the initiation pulse.2. The ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHEAR WAVE ELASTOGRAPHY AND MEDIUM STORING CORRESPONDING PROGRAM

The present invention relates to a method and system for shear wave elastography and a medium storing a corresponding program. The method comprises: obtaining an initial image of an object; defining a region of interest in the initial image; performing shear wave elastography on the object at a plurality of different vibration frequencies, and generating a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of different vibration frequencies; and determining an image corresponding to a specific vibration frequency in the plurality of different vibration frequencies as an optimized image based on the region of interest. The present invention further provides a corresponding system and a medium storing a corresponding program. 1. A method for shear wave elastography , the method comprising:obtaining an initial image of an object;defining a region of interest in the initial image;performing shear wave elastography on the object at a plurality of different vibration frequencies, and generating a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of different vibration frequencies; anddetermining an image corresponding to a specific vibration frequency in the plurality of different vibration frequencies as an optimized image based on the region of interest.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of determining an image corresponding to a specific vibration frequency in the plurality of different vibration frequencies as an optimized image based on the region of interest comprises:for each of the plurality of different vibration frequencies, separately calculating an average velocity of a shear wave in the region of interest in each image corresponding to each of the vibration frequencies;fitting a curve describing a frequency-velocity relationship according to each of the vibration frequencies and the corresponding average velocity; andselecting one or a plurality of vibration frequencies in the plurality of different vibration frequencies as the specific ...

Measurement Method of Ultrasonic Wave Using Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer

Disclosed is a measurement method of ultrasonic waves using a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer. The method includes measuring a ultrasonic wave by applying a bias voltage to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer in each of a plurality of first periods, and applying a voltage that is equal to or greater than 0V and smaller than the bias voltage to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer in a second period between two first periods among the plurality of first periods. 1. A measurement method of an ultrasonic wave using a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer , comprising:measuring an ultrasonic wave by applying a bias voltage to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer in each of a plurality of first periods; andapplying a voltage that is equal to or greater than 0V and smaller than the bias voltage to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer in a second period that occurs between two first periods among the plurality of first periods.2. The measurement method according to claim 1 , wherein measurement of an ultrasonic wave is paused in the second period claim 1 , andwherein a duration of each of the first periods is longer than that of the second period.3. The measurement method according to claim 1 , wherein a voltage applied to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer is kept at 0V during the second period.4. The measurement method according to claim 1 , wherein a voltage that is equal to or greater than 0V and smaller than the bias voltage is applied to the capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer in a plurality of second periods claim 1 , andwherein each of the plurality of second periods is inserted between two successive first periods among the plurality of first periods.5. The measurement method according to claim 4 , wherein the first periods alternate with the second periods.6. The measurement method according to claim 4 , wherein a duration of the plurality of first periods ...

Ultrasound imaging system including wireless probe tracking

Ultrasound imaging systems including transducer probes having wireless tags, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, the wireless tags can store supplemental data about the transducer probes, and the ultrasound system can include a base unit configured to wirelessly communicate with nearby ones of the wireless tags to receive the supplemental data. The base unit can be further configured to display the transducer probes that are nearby. In some embodiments, the operator can filter or sort the displayed nearby transducer probes based on the supplemental data to identify a particular one of the nearby transducer devices that has one or more desired attributes.

2D ARRAY ULTRASOUND PROBE WITH 3 WATT DIGITAL MICROBEAMFORMER

An ultrasound probe has a two dimensional matrix array transducer and a digital microbeamformer. The microbeamformer comprises a plurality of transmitters and amplifiers coupled to elements of the array transducer, a plurality of low power analog to digital converters and digital beamforming circuitry coupled to the amplifiers, a microbeamformer controller, a power supply and a USB controller which cumulatively consume three watts or less. 1. An ultrasound probe for digital microbeamforming , comprising:a two-dimensional array transducer; and a plurality of transmitters coupled to the array;', 'a plurality of amplifiers coupled to the array and configured to receive analog echo signals from transducer elements of the array during a receive period;', 'a plurality of low-power delta-sigma or successive approximation analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) coupled to the amplifiers and configured to receive amplified analog echo signals and convert them to digital echo data; and', 'digital beamforming circuitry coupled to the ADCs and configured to produce digital beamformed echo signals;, 'a digital microbeamformer comprisinga microbeamformer controller;a power supply; anda digital output circuit,wherein the digital microbeamformer is configured to consume three watts or less during operation.2. The ultrasound probe of claim 1 , wherein the low power ADCs are adapted to perform analog to digital conversion by successive approximation.3. The ultrasound probe of claim 1 , wherein the transducer comprise transducer elements comprising a piezoceramic material.4. The ultrasound probe of claim 3 , wherein the low power sigma-delta or successive approximation ADCs and the digital beamforming circuitry are located in a first integrated circuit package.5. The ultrasound probe of claim 4 , wherein the transmitters and the amplifiers are located in a second integrated circuit package.6. The ultrasound probe of claim 5 , wherein the two dimensional array transducer comprises a matrix ...

Ultrasonic probe and photoacoustic apparatus including same

An ultrasonic probe includes a light source that irradiates a subject with emitted light, an acoustic wave reception unit that receives an acoustic wave generated by the irradiation of the subject with the light and converts the acoustic wave into an electrical signal, an analog-to-digital conversion unit that digitizes the electrical signal, a communication unit configured to wirelessly communicate the digitized electrical signal, and a synchronization control unit that controls time in which the light source emits the light and time in which the communication unit performs the wireless communication, wherein the synchronization control unit controls the light source and the communication unit such that the time in which the light source emits the light and the time in which the communication unit performs the wireless communication do not overlap with each other.

ULTRASONIC APPARATUS

An ultrasonic apparatus includes an ultrasonic reception unit configured to receive an ultrasonic wave generated from a subject and output a reception signal, an amplifier configured to amplify an intensity of the reception signal, a transmission unit configured to transmit an amplification signal obtained by amplifying the reception signal, an attenuator configured to output an attenuation signal obtained by attenuating an intensity of the transmitted amplification signal, and an acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding the subject at least based on the attenuation signal. 1. An ultrasonic apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic wave generated from a subject and output a reception signal;an amplifier configured to amplify an intensity of the reception signal;a transmitter configured to transmit an amplification signal obtained by amplifying the reception signal;an attenuator configured to output an attenuation signal obtained by attenuating an intensity of the transmitted amplification signal; andan acquisition unit configured to acquire information regarding the subject at least based on the attenuation signal.2. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an ultrasonic probe including the ultrasonic receiver and the amplifier.3. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the ultrasonic probe is a handheld ultrasonic probe.4. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a processing apparatus that is provided separately from the ultrasonic probe and includes the attenuator and the acquisition unit.5. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the amplification of the reception signal by the amplification unit and the transmission of the amplification signal by the transmission unit are performed in a same circuit.6. The ultrasonic apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a light irradiation unit configured to irradiate the ...

Display device and control method thereof

A display device and a control method thereof are disclosed. The display device includes: a display panel and a plurality of ultrasonic assemblies disposed in a same layer. Each of the plurality of ultrasonic assemblies includes a piezoelectric layer and two electrodes which are respectively disposed on two surfaces of the piezoelectric layer.

Aberration correction using channel data in ultrasound imaging system

Embodiments of the present invention provide an ultrasound scanner equipped with an image data processing unit that can perform adaptive parameter optimization during image formation and processing. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system comprises a channel data memory to store channel data obtained by digitizing ultrasound image data produced by an image scan; an image data processor configured to process the stored channel data in the memory to reconstruct an ultrasound image for each of a plurality of trial values of at least one parameter to be optimized; and a parameter optimization unit configured to evaluate an image quality of the reconstructed ultrasound image for each trial value of the at least one parameter, and to determine the optimized value of the at least one parameter based on the evaluated image quality.

Subject information acquisition apparatus

A subject information acquisition apparatus includes an electromechanical conversion element which receives an elastic wave generated by irradiating with an electromagnetic wave an object in a subject and converts the received elastic wave into an electric signal; a moving device moves the electromechanical conversion element; a signal processing device calculates an image value based on the electric signal. The moving device moves the electromechanical conversion element from a first position to a second position, the electromechanical conversion element receives the elastic wave at the first position and converts the received elastic wave into a first electric signal, and receives the elastic wave at the second position and converts the received elastic wave into a second electric signal; when the electromechanical conversion element is situated at the second position, the signal processing device calculates a first image value at a specified position inside the subject based on the first electric signal.

Sparkle artifact detection in Ultrasound color flow

Sparkle in color flow imaging is detected. Color flow data is estimated with different pulse repetition frequency (PRF). By correlating the color flow data estimated with different PRFs, sparkle is identified. Color flow images may be filtered to reduce motion while maintaining the sparkle region (e.g., kidney stone imaging) or reduce the sparkle region while maintaining motion (e.g., remove sparkle as system noise). 1. A method for sparkle artifact detection in color flow , the method comprising:generating first color flow data representing locations in a patient, the first color flow data generated with a first pulse repetition frequency;generating a second color flow data representing the locations in the patient, the second color flow data generated with a second pulse repetition frequency;determining a degree of similarity between the first and second color flow data for each of the locations;filtering a color flow image, the filtering being based on the degree of similarity as a function of location; anddisplaying the filtered color flow image.2. The method of wherein generating the first and second color flow data comprises transmitting sequentially at the first and second pulse repetition frequencies claim 1 , respectively.3. The method of wherein generating the first color flow data comprises transmitting with the first pulse repetition frequency and wherein generating the second color flow data comprises sub-sampling returns from the transmitting.4. The method of wherein generating the first color flow further comprises estimating velocity from the returns and multiplying the estimated velocities by two claim 3 , and wherein sub-sampling comprises sub-sampling by a factor of two.5. The method of wherein determining comprises performing normalized cross-correlation between the first and second color flow data.6. The method of wherein filtering comprises mapping weights as a function of the degree of similarity by location and weighting the color flow image ...

Minimally-invasive surgical instrument including three-dimensional (3d) ultrasound imaging and focused ultrasound treatment capabilities

A surgical system includes a surgical instrument having a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector includes a plurality of ultrasound sensors supported about a support ring. The ultrasonic sensors are rotatable between an imaging orientation, wherein, the ultrasound sensors are directed in generally parallel orientations relative to one another for imaging tissue in an imaging mode, and at least one treatment orientation, wherein the ultrasound sensors are directed towards a common focus point for treating tissue in a treatment mode.

Ultrasonic Probe, Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Apparatus and Method

There is provided, for example, an ultrasonic probe capable of improving the accuracy of testing of a curved-surface structure. An array sensor (ultrasonic array sensor) includes multiple elements (oscillators) to generate an ultrasonic wave. Water (propagation member) is disposed between the array sensor and steel (test target) to propagate the ultrasonic wave. At least one reflection section reflects the ultrasonic wave reflected and returned from the surface of or the inside of the steel, and causes the ultrasonic wave to fall on any of the elements. 1. An ultrasonic probe comprising:an ultrasonic array sensor that is formed of a plurality of oscillators to generate an ultrasonic wave;a propagation member that is disposed between the ultrasonic array sensor and a test target to propagate the ultrasonic wave; andat least one ultrasonic reflection member that reflects the ultrasonic wave reflected and returned from the surface of or the inside of the test target, and causes the ultrasonic wave to fall on any of the oscillators.2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic reflection member has a flat surface perpendicular to a plane on which the oscillators are arrayed claim 1 , and reflects the ultrasonic wave from the flat surface.3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein two ultrasonic reflection members are included and disposed at opposing ends of the array of the oscillators.4. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the propagation member is formed of a solid body claim 1 , and wherein the ultrasonic reflection member differs in acoustic impedance from the propagation member.5. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4 , wherein the propagation member is formed of resin claim 4 , and wherein the ultrasonic reflection member is formed of metal.6. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 4 , wherein the propagation member is formed of resin claim 4 , and wherein the ultrasonic reflection member is formed of a ...

PORTABLE ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of controlling the same are provided, including a flexible display and a controller which changes a layout of an image displayed on the flexible display. An image necessary for diagnosing an object is appropriately disposed on a flexible display according to a situation, and thus, the user can intuitively determine an ultrasonic image. 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:a probe configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave to an object and receive an echo ultrasonic wave reflected from the object;a touch screen configured to display a first image generated based on the echo ultrasonic wave, and display a reference user interface (UI) element for diagnosing a first diagnosis portion and a second diagnosis portion; anda controller configured to:in response to a touch input to the reference user interface element,control the touch screen to display a second image showing a location of each of the first diagnosis portion and the second diagnosis portion, andcontrol the touch screen to display a first UI element for selecting the first diagnosis portion and a second UI element for selecting the second diagnosis portion.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when at least one ultrasonic image of the first diagnosis portion is obtained after receiving a touch input to the first UI element claim 1 , the controller is configured to store the at least one ultrasonic image of the first diagnosis portion in a memory.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when at least one ultrasonic image of the first diagnosis portion is obtained after receiving a touch input to the first UI element claim 1 , the controller is configured to control the touch screen to display at least one indicator at a point at which the first diagnosis portion is located in the second image.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein when at least one ultrasonic image of the first diagnosis portion is obtained after ...

MAGNETICALLY DRIVEN ULTRASONIC SCANNING DEVICE

The present invention provides an ultrasonic probe scanning device comprising: a disposable part and a fixed part. In the disposable part, an ultrasonic probe with a magnetic end attaches to a slide rail encapsulated in a water-containing closed area. Otherwise, in the fixed part, a magnetic holder attached to a track, and a motor for driving the magnetic holder to move back and forth on the track. When the disposable part and the fixed part be combined, it can drive the motion of ultrasonic scanning device by magnetic attraction force. 1. An ultrasonic probe scanning device comprising: a power input port;', 'a slide rail: and', 'an ultrasonic probe having a magnetic end with at least a pair of magnet N and S poles, wherein the ultrasonic probe is connected to the slide rail and electrically connected to the power input port, wherein the slide rail and the ultrasonic probe are encapsulated in a water-containing closed area;, 'a disposable part having a power output slot for electrically engaging the power input port when the disposable part is combined with the fixed part;', 'a track;', 'a magnetic holder coupled to the track for magnetically driving the ultrasonic probe when the disposable part is combined with the fixed part; and', 'a motor which drives the magnetic holder to move on the track., 'a fixed part having2. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic probe further comprises a miniature brake claim 1 , which is used for controlling the ultrasonic probe moving perpendicularly to the slide rail.3. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic probe comprises:a therapy probe; andan imaging probe, which is parallel to the irradiation direction of the therapy probe.4. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 3 , wherein the imaging probe has the same focal plane as the therapy probe.5. The ultrasonic probe scanning device of claim 3 , wherein the operating frequency of the imaging probe is 5 to 20 ...

System and apparatus having an application programming interface for flexible control of execution ultrasound actions

Apparatus to control and execute ultrasound system actions includes API that includes API procedure, processor coupled to API, adaptive scheduler, and memory. Adaptive scheduler includes beamer to generate signals, probe interface to transmit the signals to at least one probe unit and to receive signals from the at least one probe unit, and receiver to receive and process the signals received from the probe interface. Memory stores instructions, which when executed, causes processor to receive task list including task actions. Processor may execute API procedure to generate scan specification that is a data structure that includes task list. Processor may execute API procedure to identify at least one of: a probe required to perform the task actions, a beam required to perform the task actions and requirements and parameters associated with the beam, or a format of a beam firing result. Other embodiments are described.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING A MEAN VELOCITY

Systems and methods for providing a mean velocity are provided. The systems and methods collect ultrasound data over a period of time for a volumetric region of interest (ROI). The systems and methods display a color flow image based on the ultrasound data, and designate a spatial gate on the color flow image. The spatial gate corresponding to a set of voxels adjacent to one another and within the color flow image. The systems and methods further calculate a mean velocity associated with the set of voxels at a select time, and repeat the calculate operation for multiple select times over the period of time to derive a series of mean velocities. The systems and methods also present indicia indicative of the series of mean velocities exhibited by the set of voxels within the spatial gate over the period of time. 1. A method for providing a mean velocity for ultrasound data , the method comprising:collecting ultrasound data over a period of time for a volumetric region of interest (ROI);displaying a color flow image based on the ultrasound data;designating a spatial gate on the color flow image, the spatial gate corresponding to a set of voxels adjacent to one another and within the color flow image;calculating a mean velocity associated with the set of voxels at a select time;repeating the calculating operation for multiple select times over the period of time to derive a series of mean velocities; andpresenting indicia indicative of the series of mean velocities exhibited by the set of voxels within the spatial gate over the period of time.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the indicia corresponds to a graphical waveform shown on a display.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:determining a morphology of the graphical waveform; andcomparing the morphology with a graphical template, wherein the graphical template is based on a position of the spatial gate on the color flow image.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the series of mean velocities include an inflow ...

SYMMETRIC RECEIVER SWITCH FOR ULTRASOUND DEVICES

Circuitry for an ultrasound device is described. The ultrasound device may include a symmetric switch positioned between a pulser and an ultrasound transducer. The pulser may produce bipolar pulses. The symmetric switch may selectively isolate a receiver from the pulser and the ultrasound transducer during a transmit mode of the device, when the bipolar pulses are provided by the pulser to the ultrasound transducer for transmission, and may selectively permit the receiver to receive signals from the ultrasound transducer during a receive mode. The symmetric switch may be provided with a well switch to remove well capacitances in a signal path of the device. 1. An apparatus , comprising an array of symmetric receiver switches coupled between a receiving apparatus and an array of ultrasonic transducers , wherein:a first symmetric receiver switch of the array of symmetric receiver switches is comprised of a first transistor having a first gate, a first source, a first body, and a first drain, and a second transistor having a second gate, a second source, a second body, and a second drain, with the first and second gates coupled to each other, and with the first and second sources coupled to each other,the first drain is connected to a first ultrasonic transducer of the array,the second drain is connected to the receiving apparatus,during a pulse transmission (TX) mode of the apparatus, the first and second gates and the first and second sources are at a same electric potential, and, the first and second gates are at a first floating electric potential, or', 'the first and second bodies are at the first floating potential, or', 'the first and second gates and the first and second bodies are at the first floating potential., 'during a reception (RX) mode of the apparatus2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , during the TX mode claim 1 , the first and second bodies are at the same electric potential as the first and second sources.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , ...

ULTRASOUND APPARATUS AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF

A beamformer for performing analog beamforming of ultrasound signals received from a plurality of transducer devices, the beamformer includes: first analog devices configured to output first ultrasound signals by delaying or transmitting the ultrasound signals based on a predetermined delay time; second analog devices configured to store first sub-ultrasound signals from among the first ultrasound signals, and to output the first sub-ultrasound signals depending on whether the first sub-ultrasound signals are repeatedly used; and a processor configured to control the delay time, and to perform the analog beamforming by summing the first ultrasound signals which correspond to the plurality of transducer devices and which are outputted depending on the delay time. 1. A beamformer for performing analog beamforming of ultrasound signals received from a plurality of transducer devices , the beamformer comprising:first analog devices configured to output first ultrasound signals by delaying or transmitting the ultrasound signals based on a predetermined delay time;second analog devices configured to store first sub-ultrasound signals when the first sub-ultrasound signals from among the first ultrasound signals are output from the first analog devices, and to output the first sub-ultrasound signals depending on whether the first sub-ultrasound signals are repeatedly used; anda processor configured to control the delay time, and to perform the analog beamforming by summing the first ultrasound signals which correspond to the plurality of transducer devices and which are outputted depending on the delay time.2. The beamformer of claim 1 , wherein the second analog devices are further configured to store the first sub-ultrasound signals when the first sub-ultrasound signals from among the first ultrasound signals are output from the first analog devices claim 1 , and to output the first sub-ultrasound signals when the first sub-ultrasound signals are repeatedly used in order ...

Ultrasound Three-Dimensional (3-D) Segmentation

An ultrasound imaging system includes a beamformer configured to generate 2-D images offset from each other based on sweeping motion of a transducer array during a 3-D ultrasound imaging procedure producing volumetric data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a 2-D mask processor configured to generate a 2-D mask image for each of the 2-D images. Each of the 2-D mask images includes a contour of a predetermined structure of interest in the volumetric data. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a 3-D mask processor configured to segment the structure from the 3-D image with the 2-D mask images, generating a 3-D segmentation. 1. An ultrasound imaging system , comprising:a beamformer configured to generate 2-D images offset from each other based on sweeping motion of a transducer array during a 3-D ultrasound imaging procedure producing volumetric data;a 2-D mask processor configured to generate a 2-D mask image for each of the 2-D images, wherein each of the 2-D mask images includes a contour of a predetermined structure of interest in the volumetric data; anda 3-D mask processor configured to segment the structure from the volumetric data with the 2-D mask images, generating a 3-D segmentation.2. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , further comprising:a display configured to display a 2-D image with a corresponding 2-D mask overlaid thereover.3. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , where the 3-D mask processor is further configured to compute a volume measurement of the structure from the 3-D segmentation.4. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , further comprising:a 3-D image processor configured to construct a 3-D image from the 2-D images; anda 2-D re-slice processor configured to generate a set of re-sliced 2-D images that follow an anatomical axis of interest from the 3-D image,wherein the 2-D mask processor is configured to generate a 2-D mask image for each re-sliced 2-D image.5. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 4 , ...

ULTRASOUND DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROCESSING ULTRASOUND SIGNAL

An ultrasound device includes: a plurality of transducers constituting a two-dimensional (2D) probe; a signal processor configured to generate non-inverted signals based on first signals received from first transducers of a first group from among the plurality of transducers and to generate inverted signals based on second signals received from second transducers of a second group from among the plurality of transducers; a beamformer configured to generate a first summing signal corresponding to the non-inverted signals by performing beamforming on the non-inverted signals and to generate a second summing signal corresponding to the inverted signals by performing beamforming on the inverted signals; and a differential amplifier configured to differentially amplify the first summing signal and the second summing signal. 1. An ultrasound device comprising:a plurality of transducers constituting a two-dimensional (2D) probe;a signal processor configured to generate non-inverted signals based on first signals received from first transducers of a first group from among the plurality of transducers and to generate inverted signals based on second signals received from second transducers of a second group from among the plurality of transducers;a beamformer configured to generate a first summing signal corresponding to the non-inverted signals by performing beamforming on the non-inverted signals and to generate a second summing signal corresponding to the inverted signals by performing beamforming on the inverted signals; anda differential amplifier configured to differentially amplify the first summing signal and the second summing signal.2. The ultrasound device of claim 1 , wherein the first transducers of the first group are different from the second transducers of the second group.3. The ultrasound device of claim 1 , wherein the signal processor comprises a first low noise amplifier (LNA) configured to generate the non-inverted signals and a second LNA configured to ...

MULTI-PLANE AND MULTI-MODE VISUALIZATION OF AN AREA OF INTEREST DURING AIMING OF AN ULTRASOUND PROBE

A system may include an ultrasound probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasound probe. The controller unit may be further configured to select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe; select a first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; select at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; toggle between obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode and obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode; receive a selection of a three-dimensional (3D) scan mode; and perform a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe, in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode. 1. A method performed by a computing device , the method comprising:selecting, by the computing device, an aiming mode for an ultrasound probe;selecting, by the computing device, a first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode;selecting, by the computing device, at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode for the ultrasound probe;toggling, by the computing device, between obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode and obtaining and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode using the ultrasound probe;receiving, by the computing device, a selection of a three-dimensional (3D) scan mode; andperforming a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe, in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasound probe includes a single element ultrasound transducer claim 1 , a first motor to move the single element ultrasound transducer into different ultrasound imaging planes claim 1 , and a second motor to move the single element ultrasound ...

SLIDING RANGE GATE FOR LARGE AREA ULTRASONIC SENSOR

An apparatus includes an ultrasonic sensor array and a sensor controller. The sensor array includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensor pixels, each sensor pixel including an ultrasonic receiver and a receiver bias electrode and being operable in one or both of a transmit mode of operation or a read mode of operation. The sensor controller is electrically coupled with the receiver bias electrodes. The sensor controller is configured to set, at each sensor pixel, a range gate window (RGW) by modulating a bias voltage applied to the receiver bias electrode and to set, for a first portion of the ultrasonic sensor pixels, a first RGW. The sensor controller is configured to set, for a second portion of the ultrasonic sensor pixels, a second RGW, and establish a first temporal delay between the first RGW and the second RGW. 1. An apparatus comprising:an ultrasonic sensor array including a plurality of ultrasonic sensor pixels, each sensor pixel including an ultrasonic receiver and a receiver bias electrode and being operable in one or both of a transmit mode of operation or a read mode of operation; anda sensor controller electrically coupled with the receiver bias electrodes; the sensor controller is configured to set, at each sensor pixel, a range gate window (RGW) by modulating a bias voltage applied to the receiver bias electrode;', 'the sensor controller is configured to set, for a first portion of the ultrasonic sensor pixels, a first RGW; and', 'the sensor controller is configured to set, for a second portion of the ultrasonic sensor pixels, a second RGW, and establish a first temporal delay between the first RGW and the second RGW., 'wherein'}2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to establish a temporal phasing of acoustic signals returned claim 1 , as a result of interaction with a target object claim 1 , to the ultrasonic sensor array such that the first portion of the ultrasonic sensor pixels receives the returned acoustic signals at a ...

Layer for inducing varying delays in ultrasonic signals propagating in ultrasonic sensor

An apparatus includes an ultrasonic transmitter, an ultrasonic receiver, and an acoustic delay gradient layer disposed in an acoustic path between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver. The acoustic delay gradient layer is configured to cause a reflection from a platen interface of the transmitted ultrasonic signal to reach the first receiver region at a first time and the reflection from the platen interface of the transmitted ultrasonic signal to reach the second receiver region at a second time that is different from the first time. The apparatus can further include a controller configured to set for a first region or portion of the receiver, a first range gate window (RGW). The controller is also configured to set, for a second region or portion of the receiver, a second RGW, and to establish a first temporal delay between the first RGW and the second RGW.

BEAMFORMING APPARATUS, ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS, AND BEAMFORMING METHOD

A beamforming apparatus, an ultrasound imaging apparatus, and a beamforming method are disclosed. The beamforming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment may include a filter to select predetermined first columns, which correspond to low-frequency components, among columns that composes a transform function; and a beamforming processor to transform an input signal to another space by using a transform function composed of the predetermined selected first columns, and generate a beam signal through signal processing in the transformed space. 1. A beamforming apparatus , comprising:a filter configured to, among components of a transform function, remove high-frequency components and select low-frequency components; anda beamforming processor configured to transform an input signal to another space by using the transform function composed of the selected low-frequency components, and generate a beam signal through signal processing in the transformed space.2. The beamforming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the transform function is composed of orthogonal polynomials.3. The beamforming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the orthogonal polynomials are one of Hermite polynomials claim 2 , Laguerre polynomials claim 2 , Jacobi polynomials claim 2 , Gegenbauer polynomials claim 2 , Chebyshev polynomials claim 2 , the Legendre polynomials.5. The beamforming apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the beamforming processor is configured to perform beamforming by using a minimum variance that is based on the orthogonal polynomials in the transformed space.6. The beamforming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the beamforming processor comprises:a transformer configured to generate a transform signal with regard to an input signal by using the transform function;a weight value calculator configured to calculate a transform signal weight value, which is a weight value with regard to the transform signal; anda combiner configured to generate a beam signal by using the transform signal and ...

ADAPTIVE DEMODULATION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGE

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus, which enhance a quality of an ultrasound image to provide an improved image. An adaptive demodulation method includes acquiring input radio frequency (RF) data, quadrature-demodulating the input RF data to output an inphase-quadrature (IQ) signal, determining a valid region for the input RF data, and estimating attenuation of a frequency of the IQ signal, based on data included in the valid region among the input RF data and performing frequency compensation corresponding to the estimated attenuation of the frequency. 1. An adaptive demodulation method comprising:acquiring input radio frequency (RF) data;quadrature-demodulating the input RF data to output an inphase-quadrature (IQ) signal;determining a valid region for the input RF data; andestimating attenuation of a frequency of the IQ signal, based on data included in the valid region from among the input RF data and performing frequency compensation corresponding to the estimated attenuation of the frequency.2. The adaptive demodulation method of claim 1 , wherein step c) comprises:acquiring a cross-correlation of the input RF data; anddetermining the valid region, based on the cross-correlation.3. The adaptive demodulation method of claim 2 , wherein the acquiring of the cross-correlation comprises acquiring a cross-correlation between previous beamformed data and current beamformed data.4. The adaptive demodulation method of claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , step c) further comprises performing beamforming of a virtual scan line by using ith scan line channel data and i+1st scan line channel data claim 2 , andthe acquiring of the cross-correlation comprises acquiring a cross-correlation of beamformed data.5. The adaptive demodulation method of claim 1 , wherein the determining of the valid region comprises:acquiring a signal-to-noise (SNR) value from previous beamformed data and current beamformed data; anddetermining the valid region, based on the SNR value.6. The adaptive ...

Test Device and Imaging Device Including the Same

A test device includes a plurality of transceivers that respectively transmit a wave to a test target point of a test object, respectively receive a wave reflected, scattered, or refracted from the test object, and respectively output a signal generated in response to the received wave; a combiner that combines the plurality of received signals generated by the plurality of transceivers; and a plurality of switches that are opened or closed to transfer the plurality of received signals to the combiner or block the plurality of received signals from being transferred to the combiner. 1. A test device comprising:a plurality of transceivers configured to respectively transmit a wave to a test target point of a test object, to respectively receive a wave reflected, scattered, and/or refracted from the test object, and to respectively generate and output a signal in response to the received wave;a combiner configured to combine the signals generated by the plurality of transceivers; anda plurality of switches configured to selectively transfer some of the signals to the combiner and to selectively block the others of the signals from being transferred to the combiner.2. The test device of claim 1 , wherein the waves transmitted by the plurality of transceivers are focused on the test target point.3. The test device of claim 1 , wherein the wave received by any one of the plurality of transceivers includes waves reflected claim 1 , scattered claim 1 , and/or reflected in response to the waves transmitted by the other transceivers.4. The test device of claim 1 , further comprising a switch control unit configured to control closing and opening of the plurality of switches to selectively transfer some of the signals to the combiner and to selectively block the others of the signals from being transferred to the combiner.5. The test device of claim 4 , wherein the switch control unit closes the switch corresponding to at least one of the generated signals having a reduced ...

Ultrasound 3d imaging system

The present invention related to an ultrasound imaging system win which the scan head includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When using a hierarchical two-stage or three-stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated in real-time. The invention further relates to flexible printed circuit boards in the probe head. The invention furthermore related to the use of coded or spread spectrum signaling in ultrasound imagining systems. Matched filters based on pulse compression using Golay code pairs improve the signal-to-noise ratio thus enabling third harmonic imaging with suppressed sidelobes. The system is suitable for 3D full volume cardiac imaging.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ACQUISITION, ENHANCED VISUALIZATION, AND SELECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE PLANE OF A THIN SLICE ULTRASOUND IMAGE VOLUME

An ultrasound device performs a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound scan to acquire a plurality of 2D images based on 2D ultrasound scan parameters. The ultrasound system stops the 2D ultrasound scan in response to an instruction received by a processor of the ultrasound system. The ultrasound device performs a thin slice volume ultrasound scan in response to the instruction to acquire a thin slice volume. The thin slice volume includes a last acquired 2D image of the 2D ultrasound scan and one or more 2D images adjacent to the last acquired 2D image. The ultrasound system identifies at least one representative plane from the thin slice volume. The ultrasound system displays the identified at least one representative plane at a display system. 1. A method , comprising:performing, by an ultrasound probe of an ultrasound system, a two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound scan to acquire a plurality of 2D images based on 2D ultrasound scan parameters;stopping the 2D ultrasound scan in response to an instruction received by a processor of the ultrasound system;performing, by the ultrasound probe and in response to the instruction, a thin slice volume ultrasound scan to acquire a thin slice volume, wherein the thin slice volume comprises a last acquired 2D image of the 2D ultrasound scan and one or more 2D images adjacent to the last acquired 2D image;identifying, by the processor, at least one representative plane from the thin slice volume; anddisplaying, by a display system of the ultrasound system, the identified representative plane.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the thin slice volume ultrasound scan is performed based on the 2D ultrasound scan parameters.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the thin slice volume ultrasound scan is performed substantially instantaneously after the 2D ultrasound scan is stopped.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the instruction is provided by a freeze button on the ultrasound probe.5. The method according to claim ...

High speed ultrasonic thick slice imaging

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system scans a plurality of planar slices in a volumetric region which are parallel to each other. Following detection of the image data of the slices the slice data is combined by projecting the data in the elevation dimension to produce a “thick slice” image. Combining may be by means of an averaging or maximum intensity detection or weighting process or by raycasting in the elevation dimension in a volumetric rendering process. Thick slice images are displayed at a high frame rate of display by combining a newly acquired slice with slices previously acquired from different elevational planes which were used in a previous combination. A new thick slice image may be produced each time at least one of the slice images is updated by a newly acquired slice. Frame rate is further improved by multiline acquisition of the slices. 1. An ultrasonic imaging system , comprising:an array transducer;a beamformer that is coupled to the array transducer and configured to control the array transducer to transmit beams and to receive echoes from a plurality of receive scanline locations in a volumetric region;a memory that is coupled to the beamformer and configured to store a first set of image data comprising a plurality of parallel, elevationally distinct slices of the volumetric region;a combiner that is coupled to the memory and configured to combine a second image data with a portion of the first set of image data in the elevation direction to produce a thick slice image comprising the second image data and the portion of the first set of image data; anda display coupled to the combiner and configured to display the thick slice image at a frame rate that is faster than that of a time to acquire the first set of image data and the second image data.2. The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 1 , further comprising a beamformer controller coupled to the beamformer that is configured to control a number of the plurality of parallel claim 1 , ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCANNING FOR A SECOND OBJECT WITHIN A FIRST OBJECT USING AN ADAPTIVE SCHEDULER

Method for scanning for second object on or within first object starts by receiving information on first object and second object. Task lists are generated that include at least one task action based on information on first object and second object. Based on task lists, beamer is then signaled to generate and send first signal to first probe unit to perform first beam firing. Receiver processes first data signal from first probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if first object is identified using processed first data signal. Upon determination that first object is identified, based on task list, beamer is signaled to generate and send second signal to second probe unit to perform second beam firing. Receiver processes second data signal from second probe unit that is then analyzed to determine if second object is identified using processed second data signal. Other embodiments are described. 1. An automated ultrasound system for scanning for a first object and a second object , comprising: determining if a next task action in the task list can start including determining if the next task action can be completed without interfering with a start of a higher priority task in the task list, and', 'monitoring by analysis procedures a plurality of ultrasound results to identify the second object on or within the first object to produce analysis results; and, 'an adaptive scheduler configured to schedule actions from a task list including a plurality of parallel tasks, and to modify the task list bywherein the automated ultrasound system is configured to use the analysis results to identify changes to be made to the task list, to update the task list by making the identified changes to the task list and to signal the adaptive scheduler to schedule actions from the updated task list.2. The automated ultrasound system of wherein the automated ultrasound system is further configured to scan for the second object on or within the first object.3. The automated ultrasound ...

Method and apparatus for generating a temperature image

Disclosed is a method and apparatus of generating a temperature image during ultrasonic treatment, the method including setting a first plane indicating a heating region where ultrasonic waves for treatment are irradiated and setting a second plane indicating a protective region around the heating region; irradiating the first plane with ultrasonic waves for diagnosis at a first frame rate, and irradiating the second plane with the ultrasonic waves for diagnosis at a second frame rate, the second frame rate being lower than the first frame rate; and generating the temperature image using frame images acquired from irradiating the ultrasonic waves for diagnosis.

SURFACE TYPE DETECTION

A robotic cleaning appliance includes a housing, surface treatment item, surface type detection sensor, and processor. The sensor emits sonic signals toward a surface being traversed and receives corresponding returned signals from the surface. The returned signals are used for surface type detection and include directly reflected primary returned signals and multi-path reflected secondary returned signals which return at a later time than the primary returned signals. The processor selects a window of time after transmission of a sonic signal such that the returned signals in the window comprise at least a portion of the secondary returned signals, wherein the window is related to round trip time-of-flight of the returned signals; processes the returned signals falling in the window to achieve a reflectivity metric; compares the reflectivity metric to a stored value; and based on the comparison, determines which surface type of a plurality of surface types has been detected. 1. A robotic cleaning appliance comprising:a housing to which is coupled a surface treatment item; anda surface type detection sensor, coupled with the housing, and configured to emit sonic signals toward a surface being traversed by the robotic cleaning appliance and receive corresponding returned signals from the surface, wherein the returned signals are used for surface type detection, and wherein the returned signals include primary returned signals which are directly reflected and secondary returned signals which are multi-path reflected and return at a later time than the primary returned signals; select a window of time after transmission of a sonic signal at the surface such that the returned signals in the selected window of time comprise at least a portion of the secondary returned signals, wherein the selected window of time is related to round trip time-of-flight of the returned signals, and wherein each of the returned signals has an amplitude;', 'process the returned signals ...

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

Provided are an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that is capable of generating an image caused by fundamental components of ultrasonic echo signals and synthesizing the generated image with an image caused by harmonic components so that an image having both advantages of the images can be generated, and a method of controlling the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transmission beam generating unit that generates a plurality of sets of transmission beams by setting transmission beams which are transmitted in different transmission scan line positions and in which the sum of waveforms is 0, to one set; a reception beam generating unit that generates reception beams with respect to at least one reception scan line in consideration of transmission delay of the transmission beams in each of the transmission scan lines; a signal processing unit that extracts fundamental components and harmonic components from the reception beams, respectively; a synthesization unit that generates synthesized signals by synthesizing the fundamental components and the harmonic components according to a set synthesization ratio; and a display unit that displays a synthesized image including the synthesized signals. 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:a transmission beam generating unit that generates a plurality of sets of transmission beams by setting transmission beams which are transmitted in different transmission scan line positions and in which the sum of waveforms is 0, to one set;a reception beam generating unit that generates reception beams with respect to at least one reception scan line in consideration of transmission delay of the transmission beams in each of the transmission scan lines;a signal processing unit that extracts fundamental components and harmonic components from the reception beams, respectively;a synthesization unit that generates synthesized signals by synthesizing the fundamental components and the ...

ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: an ultrasound probe configured to acquire ultrasound image data by transmitting ultrasound signals to an object and detecting reflected signals corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signals; a processor configured to obtain an elastography image based on the ultrasound image data; and a display configured to display the elastography image. The processor is further configured to determine, based on the elastography image, a region of interest (ROI) for acquiring shear wave elasticity measurement data and a focusing position of a focus beam for performing shear wave elasticity measurement, and the ultrasound probe is further configured to emit the focus beam onto the focusing position and acquire shear wave elasticity measurement data. 1. An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus comprising:an ultrasound probe configured to acquire ultrasound image data by transmitting ultrasound signals to an object and detecting reflected signals corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signals;a processor configured to obtain an elastography image based on the ultrasound image data; anda display configured to display the elastography image,wherein the processor is further configured to determine, based on the elastography image, a region of interest (ROI) for acquiring shear wave elasticity measurement data and a focusing position of a focus beam for performing shear wave elasticity measurement, andwherein the ultrasound probe is further configured to emit the focus beam onto the focusing position and acquire shear wave elasticity measurement data.2. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to calculate an elasticity value according to a position based on the elastography image and determine a region having the elasticity value less than a first reference value as being the ROI.3. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a user input interface ...

Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and control method

An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a transmitter/receiver, a signal processor, an image generator, and a controller. The transmitter/receiver executes ultrasonic transmission/reception sets a plurality of times on an identical scanning line by changing transmission conditions, and generates a plurality of sets of reception signals, the ultrasonic transmission/reception sets including a plurality of ultrasonic transmissions/receptions on the identical scanning line serving as a unit. The signal processor combines the reception signals in each of the plurality of the sets, and generates a plurality of composite signals corresponding to each of the plurality of the sets. The image generator generates ultrasonic image data using the composite signals. The controller controls an order of ultrasonic transmissions/receptions executed by the transmitter/receiver such that previous transmissions of respective transmissions corresponding to the reception signals in one set combined by the signal processor have an identical transmission condition but different phase polarities.

ULTRASONIC IMAGING COMPRESSION METHODS AND APPARATUS

To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and an output data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as a digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. The on-chip digitization of received signals also enables the on-chip integration of ultrasound processing and/or pre-processing to reduce the burden on off-chip computing. Data compression architectures are disclosed to facilitate the transfer of data off-chip as a digital data stream in accordance with the bandwidth requirements of standard commercially-available output interfaces. 1. An ultrasound device , comprising:at least one ultrasonic transducer element integrated on a semiconductor die;an analog receive circuit integrated on the semiconductor die, the analog receive circuit arranged to receive an output signal from the at least one ultrasonic transducer element; and a data reduction circuit having an input connected to an output of the analog receive circuit, the data reduction circuit configured to generate the compressed digital signal; and', 'a digital signal processing block in communication with the data reduction circuit, the digital signal processing block arranged to receive the compressed digital signal and perform at least a portion of an image reconstruction process;', 'wherein an output of the digital signal processing block is configured to be transmitted from the semiconductor die as a data stream., 'a receive compression circuit integrated on the semiconductor die and configured to generate a compressed digital signal prior to any image reconstruction process being performed, the receive compression circuit comprising2. The ultrasound device of claim 1 , wherein ...

Speckle reduction and compression improvement of ultrasound images

An apparatus and method for generating high quality, high frame rate images in a handheld or hand-carried ultrasonic imaging machine. The apparatus includes an image enhancer to reduce speckle noise and improve the compressibility of the resulting image. This approach reduces the required hardware and power consumption to satisfy the physical space, power, and limited processing power of a handheld probe and enables high quality images to be transmitted efficiently over low-bandwidth connections.

Method And Device For Mapping Fibrous Media

A method for mapping fibrous media by propagation of ultrasound from a set transducers, wherein: a number of unfocused incident ultrasonic waves having different wavefronts are emitted; the signals reverberated by the medium toward each transducer are captured; coherent signals respectively corresponding, for each transducer, to contributions coming from different fictitious focal points in the medium are determined; and then the orientation of the fibers is determined by comparing a spatial coherence between said coherent signals, in a plurality of directions. 1. A method for mapping fibrous media , comprising:a measurement step during which a set of transducers Tij emits, in a field of view of a medium comprising fibers, a number N of unfocused incident ultrasonic waves l having different wavefronts, and respective signals RFrawl,ij representative of ultrasonic waves reverberated by the medium are captured by the transducers Tij from the incident waves l,a step of synthesizing, coherent data during which are determined, from N sets of captured signals RFrawl,ij, for a number M of fictitious focal points Pk in the field of view, coherent signals RFcoherentk,ij corresponding to the signals that would have been received by the transducers Tij if a wave focused at point Pk had been emitted by said transducers,a step of mapping fibers of the medium, during which the presence and orientation of fibers at each point Pk are determined by comparing a spatial coherence between coherent signals RFcoherentk,ij in a plurality of directions.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , during step claim 1 , the set of transducers used is a two-dimensional transducer array.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein claim 2 , during step claim 2 , an integral of functions of spatial coherence between transducers is determined in a plurality of directions claim 2 , and the direction of the fibers is determined as being a direction which maximizes said integral.4. The ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING MULTIPLE MODES OF ULTRASOUND IMAGING USING A SINGLE ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER

The present embodiments relate generally to ultrasound imaging methods and apparatus that allow for multiple modes of imaging using a single ultrasound transducer having a plurality of transducer elements. In an embodiment, there is provided an ultrasound imaging machine that is: operable in a first imaging mode in which the plurality of transducer elements are activated; and operable in a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode, and in the second imaging mode, a subset of the plurality of transducer elements are activated so that ultrasound signals are steered from the subset of the plurality of transducer elements, where any remaining transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements not part of the subset are inactive when operating in the second imaging mode. 1. An ultrasound imaging method comprising , by an ultrasound imaging machine:imaging in a first mode using a sequential transducer comprising a plurality of transducer elements, wherein when imaging in the first mode, sequential groups of adjacent transducer elements of the plurality of transducer elements are pulsed for beamforming, the beamforming comprising delayed activation of the transducer elements within each of the groups of adjacent transducer elements, and wherein a same time delay is used to beamform for all the groups of adjacent transducer elements; andimaging in a second mode different from the first mode, wherein when imaging in the second mode, a subset of at least two of the plurality of transducer elements are activated and the subset of transducer elements is repeatedly pulsed for beamforming, the beamforming comprising delayed activation of the transducer elements within the subset of transducer elements, and wherein the beamforming is repeatedly performed using a plurality of different time delays, so that a plurality of ultrasound signals are steered from the subset of transducer elements.2. The ultrasound imaging method of claim 1 , wherein when imaging ...

Living Body Internal Temperature Measuring Device

A device includes: an ultrasonic wave irradiation unit that irradiates a living body with an ultrasonic wave; an ultrasonic wave detection unit that receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the living body; and a calculation unit that calculates an amount of temperature change in the living body. The calculation unit is configured to: calculate a frequency of an ultrasonic wave amplified in the living body, based on information on a structure of the living body; perform frequency analysis on the ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic wave detection unit and acquire an amplitude spectrum of the ultrasonic wave; identify, from the amplitude spectrum, a peak frequency closest to the frequency of the ultrasonic wave; calculate an amount of frequency change, from two peak frequencies identified by ultrasonic wave irradiations in twice; and calculate an amount of temperature change in the living body from the amount of frequency change.

PORTABLE ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME

Disclosed herein are a portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a flexible display and a controller which changes a layout of an image displayed on the flexible display. An image necessary for diagnosing an object is appropriately disposed on a flexible display according to a situation, and thus, the user can intuitively determine an ultrasonic image. 1. A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:a flexible display; anda controller configured to change a layout of an image displayed on the flexible display.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible display displays at least one of an ultrasonic image and a control panel configured to receive a control command of the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus on one or more display areas.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller extends claim 1 , shrinks claim 1 , moves claim 1 , rotates claim 1 , powers-on claim 1 , or powers-off one or more display areas of the flexible display.4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller enlarges claim 1 , reduces claim 1 , rotates claim 1 , or changes the image displayed on the flexible display.5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a probe configured to transmit or receive an ultrasonic wave and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic wave claim 1 ,wherein the controller changes the layout of the image when the controller receives the electrical signal.6. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an input unit configured to receive a layout change command from a user claim 1 ,wherein the controller changes the layout of the image according to the layout change command.7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the input unit includes an emergency mode button claim 6 , andthe flexible display displays an emergency mode image configured to provide a guide ...

Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and ultrasound image producing method

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus controls, out of a plurality of arithmetic cores each for phasing addition on element data, the no river of arithmetic cores to be used in phasing addition on element data in accordance with remaining power of a built in battery, and produces an ultrasound image based on the element data that has been subjected to phasing addition by the arithmetic cores used.

Ultrasound imaging with small-angle adjustment

Methods and systems are provided for an ultrasound probe including a small-angle adjustment element. In one embodiment, the small-angle adjustment element includes a piezoelectric actuator configured to rotate a transducer array of the ultrasound probe in response to electrical signals transmitted to the piezoelectric actuator. In this way, an amount of angle spanned by the transducer array during a scan of a region of interest may be reduced, thereby increasing a precision of the ultrasound probe.

Ultrasound Imaging Transducer Electrical Noise Compensation

An ultrasound imaging system () includes one or more transducing elements (). The ultrasound imaging system further includes a system controller () configured to control the one or more transducing elements to receive for a predetermined time duration without first transmitting and produce a noise only signal. The system controller is further configured to control the one or more transducing elements to transmit a set of pulses which causes the one or more transducing elements to transmit a pressures wave and receive echo waves generated in response to the transmitted pressures wave and produce an echo plus noise signal indicative thereof. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a noise processor () that compensates the echo plus noise signal with the noise only signal, creating a denoised signal, which is displayed. 1. An ultrasound imaging system , comprising:one or more transducing elements;a system controller configured to control the one or more transducing elements to receive for a predetermined time duration without first transmitting and produce a noise only signal and then control the one or more transducing elements to transmit a set of pulses which causes the one or more transducing elements to transmit a pressures wave and receive echo waves generated in response to the transmitted pressures wave and produce an echo plus noise signal indicative thereof; anda noise processor that compensates the echo plus noise signal with the noise only signal, creating a denoised signal, which is displayed.2. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the system controller is configured to control the one or more transducing elements to acquire five to fifteen lines during the predetermined time duration.3. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 , where the predetermined time duration is on an order of 2.5 to 30 milliseconds.4. The ultrasound imaging system of claim 2 , wherein the system controller is configured to control the one or more transducing ...

ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME

Disclosed is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method for controlling the same, which increases user convenience and shortens time required for the user to re-adjust a region of interest (ROI) by automatically creating an ROI to fit a changed object image if the user makes a mode change. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a probe for irradiating an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving an echo ultrasound signal from the object; an image generator for creating an image in a first mode based on the echo ultrasound signal received by the probe and creating an image in a second mode related to the first mode; an image measurer for measuring the object image on the image in the first mode; a region of interest (ROI) generator for automatically creating an ROI in the second mode based on the measured object image as the first mode is changed to the second mode; and a display for displaying the image in the first mode, and displaying the image in the second mode with the created ROI as the mode change is made. 1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising:a probe for irradiating an ultrasound signal to an object and receiving an echo ultrasound signal from the object;an image generator for creating an image in a first mode based on the echo ultrasound signal received by the probe and creating an image in a second mode related to the first mode;an image measurer for measuring the object image on the image in the first mode;a region of interest (ROI) generator for automatically creating an ROI in the second mode based on the measured object image as the first mode is changed to the second mode; anda display for displaying the image in the first mode, and displaying the image in the second mode with the created ROI as the mode change is made.2. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein the image in the first mode comprises an image created in B mode.3. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein the second mode comprises at ...

Ultrasound Color Flow Imaging

A method includes receiving ultrasound echo signals produced in response to a pulsed ultrasound field interacting with anatomical tissue and flow of structure therein. The method further includes generating electrical signals indicative thereof. The method further includes beamforming the electrical signals producing beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the beamformed data. The method further includes constructing a de-aliased color images of the flow with the beamformed data. The method further includes visually presenting the real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the de-aliased color images of the flow superimposed thereover. 1. A method , comprising:receiving ultrasound echo signals produced in response to a pulsed ultrasound field interacting with anatomical tissue and flow of structure therein;generating electrical signals indicative thereof;beamforming the electrical signals producing beamformed data;constructing a real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the beamformed data; creating a time series of color images;', 'determining a de-aliasing image between a de-aliased image that is based on a previous non-de-aliased image and a de-aliased image that is based on a previous de-aliased image; and', 'de-aliasing a current color image of the time series of color images based on the determined de-aliasing image to construct the de-aliased color image; and, 'constructing a de-aliased color image of the flow with the beamformed data byvisually presenting the real-time image of the anatomical tissue with the de-aliased color image of the flow superimposed thereover.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein constructing the de-aliased color image of the flow includes:creating a time series of color images; andde-aliasing a current color image of the time series of color images based on a previous color image of the time series of color images.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: ...

PROCESSING CIRCUITRY, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING ELECTRICAL POWER CONSUMPTION IN AN ULTRASOUND IMAGING PROBE BASED ON INTERLACED DATA ACQUISITION AND RECONSTRUCTION ALGORITHM

An interlaced data acquisition scheme is employed in an ultrasound imaging device to reduce the amount of electrical power consumed by the device's transmit firings when collecting video data. Reducing electrical consumption according to the present disclosure reduces battery size, weight and cost; reduces heat generation; reduces need for heat-dissipating materials in the probe and prolongs probe uptime. A reconstruction algorithm is employed to produce images from the interlaced data that are comparable in quality to videos that would be obtained by a conventional (non-interlaced) image acquisition. 1. An apparatus of a computing device comprising one or more processors to:perform rounds of a reconstruction algorithm during image generation by an ultrasound imaging device, the algorithm including, for each round, processing an input frame and a reduced power partial frame to generate a reconstructed frame therefrom, wherein the input frame is based on a first ultrasonic waveform received at a transducer of the imaging device, and the reduced power partial frame defines missing scanlines and is based on a second ultrasonic waveform received at the transducer and generated from an interlaced activation of receive channels coupled to the transducer; andat least one of generate display signals to cause each reconstructed frame to be displayed on a display, or cause each reconstructed frame to be stored in memory, wherein the input frame, after an initialization round of the reconstruction algorithm, corresponds to a previous reconstructed frame of a previous round of the reconstruction algorithm.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein processing the reduced power partial frame includes:performing intraframe interpolation on the reduced power partial frame to fill in the missing scanlines with interpolated scanlines to generate an intraframe interpolated frame; andprocessing the intraframe interpolated frame to generate the reconstructed frame.3. The apparatus of claim 2 ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING

A method of ultrasonically imaging an object includes providing a 2D array of bias-sensitive ultrasound transducer elements. Each ultrasound transducer element has first and second electrodes on first and second sides of the ultrasound transducer connected in plural first and second electrode strips. The plural first electrode strips are oriented at an angle to the plural second electrode strips. A biasing pattern is applied to a plurality of the second electrode strips and generating a series of transmit events in one or more first electrode strips. Return pulses are detected by measuring received signals from biased second electrode strips. For the series of transmit events, the second electrode strips are biased according to sequential biasing patterns of voltages that correspond to rows or columns of an invertible matrix. The measured received signals are processed to generate an image of the object. 1. A method of ultrasonically imaging an object , comprising the steps of:providing a 2D array of bias-sensitive ultrasound transducer elements, each ultrasound transducer element having a first electrode on a first side of the ultrasound transducer and a second electrode on a second side of the ultrasound transducer, the respective first electrodes being connected in plural first electrode strips, and the respective second electrodes being connected in plural second electrode strips, the plural first electrode strips being oriented at an angle to the plural second electrode strips, the angle being substantially different from zero;applying a biasing pattern to a plurality of the second electrode strips and generating a series of transmit events in one or more first electrode strips;detecting return pulses by measuring received signals from biased second electrode strips;wherein, for the series of transmit events, the second electrode strips are biased according to sequential biasing patterns of voltages that correspond to rows or columns of an invertible matrix; ...

SYNCHRONIZED PHASED ARRAY DATA ACQUISITION FROM MULTIPLE ACOUSTIC WINDOWS

In some embodiments, ultrasound receive beamforming yields beamformed samples, based upon which spatially intermediate pixels () are dynamically reconstructed. The samples have been correspondingly derived from acquisition through respectively different acoustic windows (). The reconstructing is further based on temporal weighting of the samples. In some embodiments, the sampling is via synchronized ultrasound phased-array data acquisition from a pair of side-by-side, spaced apart () acoustic windows respectively facing opposite sides of a central region () to be imaged. In particular, the pair is used interleavingly to dynamically scan jointly in a single lateral direction in imaging the region. The acquisition in the scan is, along a synchronization line () extending laterally across the region, monotonically progressive in that direction. Rotational scans respectively from the window pair are synchronizable into a composite scan of a moving object. The synchronization line () can be defined by the focuses of the transmits. The progression may strictly increase. 1. An ultrasound imaging device comprising:an image acquiring circuitry including a receive beamformer for beamforming to yield beamformed samples; andscan conversion circuitry configured for, based on said samples, dynamically reconstructing spatially intermediate pixels, said samples being correspondingly derived from acquisition through respectively different acoustic windows, said reconstructing being further based on temporal weighting of said samples, wherein:the image acquiring circuitry being coupled to a pair of imaging probes, wherein said device is configured for, via said image acquiring circuitry, operating the probes for said acquisition through a pair of said windows.2. (canceled)3. The device of claim 1 , a probe from among said pair of probes comprising a phased array for said beamforming.4. The device of claim 1 , said acquisition being performed in a scan.5. The device of claim 3 , said ...

ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM INCLUDING WIRELESS PROBE TRACKING

Ultrasound imaging systems including transducer probes having wireless tags, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, the wireless tags can store supplemental data about the transducer probes, and the ultrasound system can include a base unit configured to wirelessly communicate with nearby ones of the wireless tags to receive the supplemental data. The base unit can be further configured to display the transducer probes that are nearby. In some embodiments, the operator can filter or sort the displayed nearby transducer probes based on the supplemental data to identify a particular one of the nearby transducer devices that has one or more desired attributes. 1. An ultrasound system , comprising:transducer probes having wireless tags configured to store transducer probe data about the transducer probes; and receive the transducer probe data from the wireless tags;', 'receive ultrasound procedure data about a current ultrasound procedure for the ultrasound system; and', 'select one transducer probe of the transducer probes for the current ultrasound procedure based on at least one of the transducer probe data or the ultrasound procedure data., 'a base unit including a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to221. The ultrasound system of claim wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to produce an indication that the one transducer probe is to be used for the current ultrasound procedure.321. The ultrasound system of claim wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to update the transducer probe data in one or more of the wireless tags in one or more of the transducer probes.421. The ultrasound system of claim wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to cause the processor to perform a search with respect to the transducer probes.5. The ultrasound system of ...

HANDHELD SONAR APPARATUS

A handheld device for manually scanning a body of water for the purpose of locating objects and persons therein. The present invention includes a waterproof housing with handle, a transducer, electrical and computer components within the housing for receiving and processing signals received from the transducer and a display to display the results of the processed signals. All located objects are displayed as symbols, providing a simple graphical representation of information indicating distance and location of any potential victims as well as other objects located within the area. 1. A device for sensing the location of an object underwater , the device comprising:a waterproof housing with a handle;a data acquisition system attached to the waterproof housing; anda processor located within the waterproof housing, the processor comprising an amplitude and frequency controller.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the data acquisition system is configured to convert electrical energy to acoustic energy claim 1 , radiate sound pulse signals into water along a field claim 1 , and receive the returned sound pulse signals.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the data acquisition system comprises an activator configured to activate the device and a transducer.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the activator comprises a trigger configuration.5. The device of claim 3 , wherein the transducer is detachably attached to the waterproof housing.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to adjust the amplitude and frequency of the returned sound pulse signals.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to convert acquired data to symbols based on acquired data.8. The device of claim 1 , further comprising:a temperature sensor for measuring water temperature,wherein the processor is configured to adjust the amplitude and frequency of the returned sound pulse signal based on temperature sensed.9. The device of claim 1 , further ...

Ultrasonic Signal Detecting Circuit, Ultrasonic Signal Detecting Method, and Display Panel

An ultrasonic signal detecting circuit, an ultrasonic signal detecting method, and a display panel. The ultrasonic signal detecting circuit includes a control sub-circuit and a sensing sub-circuit. The sensing sub-circuit detects an ultrasonic echo signal, and generates a piezoelectric signal, which includes a first sub-signal and a second sub-signal, according to the ultrasonic echo signal, the voltage value of one of the first and second sub-signals are higher than the value of a reference voltage signal, and that of the other one of the first and second sub signals are lower than the reference voltage signal. The control sub-circuit is electrically connected to the sensing sub-circuit. Under control of the first sub-signal a first power supply end and an output end of the control sub-circuit are fumed on; and under control of the second sub-signal, the first power supply end and the output end of the control sub-circuit are turned on. 1. An ultrasonic signal detection circuit , comprising a control sub-circuit and a sensing sub-circuit ,wherein the sensing sub-circuit is configured to detect an ultrasonic echo signal and generate a piezoelectric signal according to the ultrasonic echo signal, the piezoelectric signal comprises a first sub-signal and a second sub-signal, a voltage value of one of the first sub-signal and the second sub-signal is higher than a voltage value of a reference voltage signal, and a voltage value of the other of the first sub-signal and the second sub-signal is lower than the voltage value of the reference voltage signal; and connect a first power terminal and an output terminal of the control sub-circuit, under control of the first sub-signal, to transmit a power signal to the output terminal of the control sub-circuit; and', 'connect the first power terminal and the output terminal of the control sub-circuit, under control of the second sub-signal, to transmit the power signal to the output terminal of the control sub-circuit., ' ...

Fast volume contrast imaging (vci-c) and omniview acquisition

Systems and methods are provided for fast volume contrast imaging in C-plane (VCI-C) and Omniview acquisition.

ULTRASONIC TRACKING OF ULTRASOUND TRANSDUCER(S) ABOARD AN INTERVENTIONAL TOOL

In one aspect, an ultrasound receive beamformer () is configured for one-way only beamforming () of transmissive ultrasound using one-way delays. The receive beamforming in some embodiments is used to track, in real time, a catheter, needle or other surgical tool within an image of a region of interest. The tool can have embedded at its tip a small ultrasound transmitter or receiver for transmitting or receiving the transmissive ultrasound. Optionally, additional transducers are fixed along the tool to provide the orientation of the tool. 1. A medical system for locating an object comprising:an ultrasound imaging device configured to provide imaging beams insonifying a region of interest;a receive device configured to receive the imaging beams and being located on the object; and 'wherein the processor has a receive beamformer configured to perform one-way only beamforming of output signals from the receive device.', 'a processor configured to process digital signal outputs by the receive device to locate the object in the region of interest;'}2. The medical system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to process digital signals using at least one of signal processing claim 1 , beamforming claim 1 , computer vision and pattern recognition methods.3. The medical system of claim 1 , wherein one-way beamforming includes retrospectively focusing the imaging beams at all depths in the region of interest.4. The medical system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured for use with three-dimensional imaging.5. The ultrasound device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured for real-time tracking of the object within the region of interest.6. A method for locating an object within a region of interest via a medical system comprising the steps of:with a receive device, detecting one or more imaging beams insonifying the region of interest, the receive device being affixed to the object;receiving digital signal outputs by a processor from the ...

Display of imaging data in a moving viewport

A system ( 800 ) includes an acquisition engine ( 837 ) that acquires ultrasound data for two or more modes with a first acquisition algorithm, including an image mode and a special mode. A rendering engine ( 834 ) employs a first rendering algorithm and displays the image in a main display window ( 902 ) and the special mode ultrasound data in a viewport ( 906 ) superimposed over the main display window. The acquisition engine acquires ultrasound data for the special mode using a second acquisition algorithm and the rendering engine displays a first portion of the generated special mode ultrasound data over the main display window and a second portion of the generated special mode ultrasound data over the viewport using a second rendering algorithm in response to the system receiving an input signal indicative of a movement of the viewport from a first location of the main display window to a second different position of the main display window.

SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING DEVICE, SUBJECT INFORMATION ACQUIRING METHOD, AND PROGRAM

A subject information acquiring device includes a plurality of conversion element and a processing unit. Each of the plurality of conversion elements transmits acoustic waves as to a subject, receives reflected waves which have reflected within the subject, and converts the received reflected waves into time-sequence reception signals. The processing unit acquires information of within the subject by performing adaptive beam forming processing using a plurality of the reception signals. To output a plurality of times worth of reception signals based on each of a plurality of times of acoustic wave transmission, at least a part of the plurality of conversion elements perform acoustic wave transmission as to a predetermined region within the subject the plurality of times. In the adaptive beam forming processing, the processing unit performs integration processing of a plurality of correlation matrices obtained using the plurality of times worth of reception signals. 1. A subject information acquiring device , comprising:a plurality of conversion elements, each configured to transmit acoustic waves as to a subject, receive reflected waves which have reflected within the subject, and convert the received reflected waves into time-sequence reception signals; anda processing unit configured to acquire information of within the subject by performing adaptive beam forming processing using a plurality of the reception signals,wherein, to output a plurality of times worth of reception signals based on each of a plurality of times of acoustic wave transmission, at least a part of the plurality of conversion elements perform acoustic wave transmission as to a predetermined region within the subject the plurality of times, andwherein, in the adaptive beam forming processing, the processing unit performs integration processing of a plurality of correlation matrices obtained using the plurality of times worth of reception signals.2. The subject information acquiring device ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PDA-BASED ULTRASOUND

A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module. 152-. (canceled)53. A system for performing ultrasound imaging , the system comprising: a transducer head configured to receive ultrasound signals; and', generate a plurality of received digital signals from the ultrasound signals; and', 'digitally beamform the plurality of received digital signals to, 'a beamforming module comprising at least one probe processor disposed in a hand-held probe assembly housing, the at least one probe processor configured to, 'generate at least one beam of digital data;, 'a hand-held probe assembly comprising at least one display processor disposed in a hand-held display assembly housing, the at least one display processor configured to execute ultrasound application software to create an ultrasound image from the at least one beam of digital data; and', 'a display configured to present the ultrasound image; and, 'a hand-held display assembly comprisinga digital interface configured to communicatively couple the hand-held probe assembly with the hand-held display assembly, wherein the at least one beam of digital data is transmitted over the digital interface.54. The system of claim 53 , wherein the digital interface is a standard digital interface.55. The system of claim 54 , wherein the standard digital interface is wireless.56. The system of claim 54 , wherein the standard digital ...

ULTRASOUND IMAGING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

The ultrasound imaging apparatus provided to quantify the degree of flash artifacts based on an ultrasound echo signal, and to notify a user of an image section with a severe flash artifact includes: a probe configured to irradiate an ultrasound signal to an object and receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object; an image processor configured to obtain a color Doppler signal from which the clutter signal is removed by filtering the ultrasound echo signal, obtain a plurality of consecutive Doppler image frames based on the color Doppler signal and generate a Doppler image based on the plurality of Doppler image frames; a display configured to output the Doppler image; and a controller configured to calculate a flash artifact score of each of the plurality of Doppler image frames based on the ultrasound echo signal, generate a time line corresponding to the plurality of Doppler image frames and control the display so that flash artifact scores of each of the plurality of Doppler image frames appear on the timeline. 1. An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising:a probe configured to irradiate an ultrasound signal to an object and receive an ultrasound echo signal reflected from the object;an image processor configured to obtain a color Doppler signal from which the clutter signal is removed by filtering the ultrasound echo signal, obtain a plurality of consecutive Doppler image frames based on the color Doppler signal and generate a Doppler image based on the plurality of Doppler image frames;a display configured to output the Doppler image; anda controller configured to calculate a flash artifact score of each of the plurality of Doppler image frames based on the ultrasound echo signal, generate a time line corresponding to the plurality of Doppler image frames and control the display so that flash artifact scores of each of the plurality of Doppler image frames appear on the timeline.2. The ultrasound imaging apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ...

HIGH POWER, HIGH FREQUENCY PULSER FOR USE IN ULTRASOUND

An ultrasound pulse generator circuit includes a first gate driver electrically coupled to a first gallium nitride (GaN) transistor, a second gate driver electrically coupled to a second GaN transistor, a first snubber circuit, a second snubber circuit, and a transformer. The first snubber circuit and the second snubber circuit each include a respective capacitor and resistor and each snubber circuit is configured to clamp a voltage overshoot when present. Further, the transformer generates an output signal when operated and the third transformer is electrically connected downstream of the first GaN transistor, the second GaN transistor, the first snubber circuit, and the second snubber circuit. In addition, the transformer includes multiple windings. 1. An ultrasound system comprising:a transmitter beam former configured to send a signal;a first gate driver electrically coupled to a first gallium nitride (GaN) transistor and the first gate driver is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter beam former;a second gate driver electrically coupled to a second GaN transistor and the second gate driver is configured to receive the signal from the transmitter beam former;a first snubber circuit and second snubber circuit, each comprising a respective capacitor and resistor, wherein each snubber circuit is configured to clamp a voltage overshoot when present;a transformer configured to generate an output signal when operated, wherein the transformer is electrically connected downstream of the first GaN transistor, the second GaN transistor, the first snubber circuit, and the second snubber circuit, and wherein the transformer comprises a plurality of windings in a center tapped configuration;a transmit/receive switch configured to receive the output signal; anda transducer array electrically coupled to the transmit/receive switch, wherein the transducer array generates ultrasound pulses in response to the output signal.2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , ...

BEAMFORMING APPARATUS, ULTRASONIC PROBE HAVING THE SAME, ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

The present disclosure provides a beamforming apparatus, ultrasonic probe having the same, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and controlling method thereof, which increases the quality of an image in a region of interest by adjusting time delays of analog and digital beamformers in a two dimensional (2D) transducer of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a beamforming apparatus for beamforming ultrasound received through a two dimensional (2D) arrayed ultrasonic transducer is provided. The apparatus includes an analog beamformer for delaying analog signals received from a subarray including at least one array of the transducer; an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting an analog signal to a digital signal; a digital beamformer for beamforming the digital signal; and a beamformer controller for calculating an initial time delay based on a reference focus point corresponding to a region of interest, and determining a starting point of a sample and hold (S/H) circuit included in the analog beamformer. 1. A beamforming apparatus for beamforming ultrasound received through a two dimensional (2D) arrayed ultrasonic transducer , the beamforming apparatus comprising:an analog beamformer for delaying analog signals received from a subarray including at least one array of the transducer;an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting an analog signal to a digital signal;a digital beamformer for beamforming the digital signal; anda beamformer controller for calculating an initial time delay based on a reference focus point corresponding to a region of interest, and determining a starting point of a sample and hold (S/H) circuit included in the analog beamformer.2. The beamforming apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the beamformer controller is configured todetermine the starting point by calculating an ideal time delay to be applied for each array from the reference focus point.3. The beamforming apparatus of ...

Ultrasound apparatus and method

A method for ultrasound imaging generates an interleaved ultrasound beam pattern that alternates transmission between a focused ultrasound signal and a plane wave ultrasound signal during a scan. Reflected signal data from the focused ultrasound signal is directed to a first signal processing path that executes delay/sum processing and generates successive lines of image data. Reflected signal data from the plane wave ultrasound signal is directed to a second signal processing path that generates a full plane of image data. Pixel location and timing for data from the first signal processing path are synchronized with location and timing for the second signal processing path. The combined, synchronized image data from the first and second signal processing paths can be displayed, stored, or transmitted.

ULTRASOUND OBSERVATION APPARATUS

An ultrasound observation apparatus generates an ultrasound image based on an echo signal obtained by converting an ultrasound echo being an ultrasound wave transmitted onto an observation target and reflected by the observation target, into an electrical signal. The ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a first ultrasound processing unit configured to control first transmission and reception processing of an ultrasound wave to the observation target, and generate first image data; a second ultrasound processing unit configured to control second transmission and reception processing of an ultrasound wave to the observation target at a frame rate shorter than a frame rate of the first ultrasound processing unit at a timing different from the first transmission and reception processing, and generate second image data; and an image synthesis processing unit configured to synthesize the first image data and the second image data to generate display image data. 1. An ultrasound observation apparatus for generating an ultrasound image based on an echo signal obtained by converting an ultrasound echo being an ultrasound wave transmitted onto an observation target and reflected by the observation target , into an electrical signal , the ultrasound observation apparatus comprising:a first ultrasound processing unit configured to control first transmission and reception processing of an ultrasound wave to the observation target, and generate first image data based on an echo signal obtained by the first transmission and reception processing;a second ultrasound processing unit configured to control second transmission and reception processing of an ultrasound wave to the observation target at a frame rate shorter than a frame rate of the first ultrasound processing unit at a timing different from the first transmission and reception processing performed by the first ultrasound processing unit, and generate second image data based on an echo signal obtained by the second ...

SYNTHETIC DATA COLLECTION METHOD FOR FULL MATRIX CAPTURE USING AN ULTRASOUND ARRAY

A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture which includes the steps of providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus further comprising a probe, collecting data over a plurality of inspection locations, generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations, and collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction of each of the inspection locations. In the method, as the probe moves from collection location to collection location, a data matrix at a prior collection location is gradually filled in as the probe moves to subsequent collection locations. In certain embodiments physical scanning of a probe with few elements is replaced by electronically scanning using an array with many elements. 1. A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture comprising:(a) providing an ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus comprising a probe, the probe adapted for positioning over a test piece;(b) collecting data over a plurality of locations;(c) generating a plurality of data matrices, each of the data matrices reflecting data collected at the locations;(d) collecting, initially, a subset of a quantity of data needed for reconstruction at each of the locations; and(e) collecting data from location to location, gradually filling in a data matrix at a prior location as the probe moves to subsequent locations.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the probe has a plurality of elements claim 1 , each of the elements having an element pitch claim 1 , further comprising the step of setting the scan increment equal to element pitch.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the probe is moved along a direction of the ultrasonic array to generate the plurality of data collection locations.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein a large array is employed.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein collection of data over the plurality of ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING THE GENERATION OF A COMPOUND ULTRASOUND IMAGE

The invention provides a method for controlling the generation of a compound ultrasonic image. The method includes obtaining a first ultrasound image and applying adaptive beamforming to the first ultrasound image, thereby generating a second ultrasound image. A weighting is determined based on the first and second ultrasound images, wherein the weighting comprises at least one weighting component. The compound ultrasound image is then generated based on the first and second ultrasound images and the weighting component. 1. A method for controlling the generation of a compound ultrasonic image , the method comprising:obtaining a first ultrasound image;applying adaptive beamforming to the first ultrasound image, thereby generating a second ultrasound image;determining a weighting based on the first and second ultrasound images, wherein the weighting comprises at least one weighting component; andgenerating the compound ultrasound image based on the first and second ultrasound images and the at least one weighting component wherein the at least one weighted component and the generating of the compound ultrasound image are depth-dependent.2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the generating of the compound ultrasound image comprises:applying a first weighting component to the first ultrasound image;applying a second weighting component to the second ultrasound image; andsumming the weighted first and second ultrasound images, thereby generating the compound ultrasound image.3. A method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the first and second weighting components depend on a first tuning parameter.4. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises:applying a low pass or speckle smoothing filter to the first and second ultrasound images, thereby generating a first image approximation and a second image approximation;generating a first detail image, based on the first image approximation and the first ultrasound image; andgenerating a second detail ...

Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and operating method thereof

An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a data acquirer acquiring first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data with respect to an object, and a controller detecting a first position of an object of interest included in the object on the first ultrasound data, detecting a second position of the object of interest based on the first position, and changing a condition for transceiving an ultrasound beam based on the second position.

PHOTOACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT DEVICE

Provided is a photoacoustic measurement device including: an ultrasound image generation unit that generates an ultrasound image on the basis of a detection signal of reflected ultrasonic waves generated by the transmission of ultrasonic waves; a puncture needle detection unit that detects a length direction of a puncture needle on the basis of the ultrasound image; and a controller that controls a steering direction of a sample gate which is a Doppler measurement target on the basis of the length direction of the puncture needle such that an angle θ formed between a straight line extending in the length direction of the puncture needle and a straight line extending in the steering direction of the sample gate satisfies 0°≤θ<90°. 1. A photoacoustic measurement device comprising:an insert of which at least a tip portion is inserted into a subject and which includes a light guide member that guides light to the tip portion and a photoacoustic wave generation portion that absorbs the light guided by the light guide member and generates photoacoustic waves;an acoustic wave detection unit that detects the photoacoustic waves generated from the photoacoustic wave generation portion and detects reflected acoustic waves reflected by transmission of acoustic waves to the subject;a Processor configured to generate a Doppler signal on the basis of the reflected acoustic waves from a sample gate as a Doppler measurement target which have been detected by the acoustic wave detection unit, generate a reflected acoustic image on the basis of the reflected acoustic waves detected by the acoustic wave detection unit, and detect a length direction of the insert on the basis of the reflected acoustic image; anda controller configured to control a steering direction of the sample gate on the basis of the length direction of the insert such that an angle θ formed between a straight line which extends in the length direction of the insert and a straight line which extends in the steering ...

EFFICIENT COMPUTATION OF SPATIALLY VARYING ULTRASOUND ANALYTICAL POINT SPREAD FUNCTIONS

The invention is directed to a computer-implemented method for computing a tissue reflectivity function (TRF). This method comprises accessing radio-frequency (RF) data and computing a point spread function (PSF), to obtain the TRF. The RF data accessed are data obtained by beamforming time signals Rfrom an array of transducers of an ultrasound device. Next, for each pair (r, s) of given pairs of points in the imaging plane, the PSF is computed as a sum of contributions from at least some of the transducers. Each of said contributions is computed by evaluating a transducer's transfer function h, based on two outputs of a respective time-of-flight function τ. Such outputs are obtained by evaluating the time-of-flight function at a first point r and at a second point s of said each pair, respectively. Finally, the RF function can be deconvoluted, based on the computed PSF, so as to obtain the TRF. 1. A computer-implemented method for computing a tissue reflectivity function (TRF) , comprising:{'sub': 'i', 'accessing radio-frequency (RF) data obtained by beamforming time signals Rfrom an array of transducers of an ultrasound device, wherein the RF data are assumed to correspond to outputs of a radio-frequency function, or RF function, evaluated at given points r of an imaging plane, which RF function involves a convolution of a point spread function (PSF) with the TRF to be computed, the PSF assumed to be defined at pairs of points of the imaging plane, so as to account for a spatial variance thereof;'}for each pair of given pairs of points in the imaging plane, computing the PSF as a sum of contributions from at least some of the transducers, to which respective time-of-flight functions can be associated, wherein each of said contributions is computed by evaluating a transducer's transfer function h, based on two outputs of a respective time-of-flight function τ, said two outputs obtained by evaluating the time-of-flight function at a first point r and at a second ...

ULTRASOUND SIGNAL ANALOG BEAMFORMER / BEAMFORMING

An apparatus () includes an analog beamformer () that receives a set of analog RF signals. The set of analog RF signals are generated by a corresponding set of transducer elements () receiving ultrasound echo signals. The analog beamformer includes a delay network () with a set of phase shifting networks (). Each phase shifting network of the set of phase shifting networks processes a different one of the analog RF signals of the set of analog RF signals. Each phase shifting network of the set of phase shifting networks adds a delay to the corresponding analog RF signal, producing a set of delayed analog RF signals that are aligned in time. The set of phase shifting networks does not use an inductive element to determine or add the delays. The analog beamformer further includes a summer () that sums the delayed analog RF signals, producing an analog beam sum. 1. An apparatus , comprising:an analog beamformer that receives a set of analog RF signals, which are generated by a corresponding set of transducer elements of an array receiving ultrasound echo signals, the analog beamformer, including:a delay network with a set of phase shifting networks, each phase shifting network of the set of phase shifting networks processes a different one of the analog RF signals of the set of analog RF signals and adds a delay to the corresponding analog RF signal, producing a set of delayed analog RF signals that are aligned in time, wherein the set of phase shifting networks does not use an inductive element to determine or add the delays; anda summer that sums the delayed analog RF signals, producing an analog beam sum.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , each of the phase shifting networks of the set of phase shifting networks claim 1 , comprising:a resistive element with a predetermined resistance; anda capacitive element with a predetermined capacitance,wherein the resistive element and the capacitive element are electrically arranged in a RC network.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , ...

ULTRASONIC IMAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD, AND ULTRASONIC ELASTIC TESTING APPARATUS AND METHOD

A method and apparatus for generating a shear wave. The method comprises: transducers transmit ultrasound waves to a region of interest once; the ultrasound waves focus on at least two focal points in an acoustic field; and with shear wave sources corresponding to the at least two focal points that propagates in a direction perpendicular to a transmission direction of the ultrasound waves. A method and apparatus for detecting an ultrasound elasticity of a shear wave discloses, in a same ultrasound transmission, multiple focal points are gathered in an acoustic field by the ultrasound waves, under the joint effect of the multiple focal points, and a shear wave zone propagated in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the ultrasound waves is transmitted is formed, so as to expand a propagation range of the shear wave in a tissue, so that detecting ultrasound waves can perform elasticity detection on the tissue in a large range. 1. (canceled)2. A method for detecting an elasticity with a shear wave , comprising:transmitting ultrasound waves to a region of interest through transducers disposed in an ultrasound probe and configured to transmit ultrasound waves, wherein the ultrasound waves are focused on at least two focal points in an acoustic field and drive a tissue to form a shear wave zone with shear wave sources corresponding to the at least two focal points, wherein the shear wave zone is propagated in a direction perpendicular to a transmission direction of the ultrasound waves;continuously transmitting detection ultrasound waves for a predetermined duration to a propagation path of the shear wave zone through transducers configured to transmit detection ultrasound waves, and receiving echo signals of the detection ultrasound waves; andcalculating elastic characteristics value based on the echo signals.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the transducers are divided into at least two groups claim 2 , wherein ultrasound waves transmitted by each group are ...

HIGH VOLUME RATE 3D ULTRASONIC DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D display images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. In a preferred embodiment the determination of motion and the consequent decision to use interpolated or interleaved data for display is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. 1. A computer-readable , non-transitory medium storing software code representing instructions that , when executed by a computing system , cause the computing system to perform a method of display three-dimensional (3D) image data at a high frame rate , the method comprising:receiving at least two datasets of a volumetric region comprising moving tissue, wherein each dataset is obtained using spatially different scanline patterns at different acquisition times during tissue movement and comprise image data corresponding to sampled locales within the volume;attributing first data values to image data of a first dataset and second data values to image data of a second dataset, wherein the first and second data values correspond to respective sampled locales of the first and second data sets;generating interpolated data representing the volumetric region between the sampled locales of the first data set;attributing values to the interpolated data, thereby generating interpolated data values;comparing the second data values to the interpolated data values; andgenerating an image dataset, wherein the image dataset comprises image data of the first dataset and either:interpolated data when a ...