Abstract: Systems and methods of 3D ultrasound imaging with one or more “thick-slice” 3D ultrasound imaging zones and one or more 2D ultrasound zones using a multi-zone, multi-frequency image reconstruction scheme with subzone blending. The first zone can be a thick-slice imaging zone and the second and third zones are 2D imaging zones. The first zone and the second zone can be thick-slice imaging zones and the third zone can be a 2D imaging zone. The first zone can be a 2D imaging zone, the second zone can be a thick-slice imaging zone and the third zone can be a 2D imaging zone. A method includes imaging a first zone using plane wave imaging, a second zone using tissue harmonic imaging, and a third zone using fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging. The depth of each zone can vary based on the ultrasonic array and the F# used for imaging the zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods of ultrasound imaging of an object that includes multiple depth zones. Each of the zones can be imaged using a different frequency, or the same frequency as another zone. A method includes imaging a first zone using plane wave imaging, imaging a second zone using tissue harmonic imaging, and imaging a third zone using fundamental and subharmonic deep imaging. The depth of each zone can vary based on the ultrasonic array, and correspondingly, the F # used for imaging the zone. In an example, zones can be imaged at different F #'s, for example, at F #1 for the first zone, at F #2, F #3, or F #6 for one or more zones that extend deeper into the object than the first zone. The method can also include forming an image based on the received signals from the multiple zones, and blending the transitions between the zones.