Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.

Abstract: A computerized imager is programmed with software that allows properly formatted image files (data objects) to be sent to multiple remotely located devices via a network. The imager is programmed with multiple configurable DICOM tasks, one task for each configured remote device. Each task is configured to format image files into DICOM objects acceptable to a particular remote device. Each DICOM object is constructed from image frame data and attribute data. Each DICOM task queries an Attribute Control Engine, which instructs that DICOM task concerning which attributes and what attribute values to include in the DICOM objects being constructed by that task. The Attribute Control Engine in turn reads the attribute information from an Attribute Control File. A respective Attribute Control file is provided for each configured remote device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring an ultrasound imaging system at a remote location by obtaining an encrypted feature key from a central location (e.g., via telephone) and then inputting that feature key into the ultrasound imaging system using an operator interface (e.g., a keyboard). To validate the feature key, the ultrasound imaging system decrypts the encrypted data and then compares the decrypted data to validation data pre-stored in the system. If the decrypted data matches the validation data, then the optional feature identified by the feature key will be enabled each time the system is booted or initialized. Optionally, an expiration date can be associated with the activated option, after which date the feature will be disabled when the system is initialized. Similarly, an activated optional feature can be disabled at a remote location by the input of an encrypted key obtained from a central location.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining temporal equity of multiple images for ultrasound imaging equipment, a vector set is determined for each of the multiple images, representative of vectors to be aligned. A plurality of independent weights is then calculated for each image based on the vector sets. The plurality of calculated independent weights is used to determine a firing sequence which provides temporal equity of the multiple images.

Abstract: Circuit apparatus for providing a signal indicative of speed and direction of rotation of a d-c machine is provided which utilizes an a-c tachometer output as the speed signal from the bi-directional d-c machine. The circuit apparatus includes means responsive to the armature terminal voltage and armature current to provide a signal proportional to the counter electromotive force generated in the armature. Polarity circuit means responsive to nulls in the armature current and the signal proportional to the counter electromotive force generates a signal which is a function of the polarity of the counter electromotive force. An absolute value circuit means is provided for receiving the output of an a-c tachometer driven by the d-c machine.

Abstract: A control circuit for a direct current motor having separately excited armature and field windings and operable in both the constant torque and constant horsepower modes includes a speed control circuit having a transfer characteristic providing an extremely high gain at lower frequencies and a low gain, for example unity, at higher frequencies and further includes means to reduce the low frequency gain when motor operation is switched from the constant torque to the constant horsepower mode.

Abstract: A regulator for a direct current motor including both current limit and speed feedback paths further includes a speed control circuit for controlling a controllable power supply the output of which governs motor speed. The speed control circuit is designed to provide a desired transfer characteristic having extremely high gain at low frequencies while maintaining a substantially unity gain at higher frequencies to thereby enhance the stability of the motor operation throughout a wide range.