Patents by Inventor David J. Specht
David J. Specht has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240125927Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Josef R. CALL, Henry A. DAVIS, David M. SMITH, David J. SPECHT, Viet Nam LE, Lang J. MCHARDY, Joseph James DIGIOVANNI, II, Nathan W. OSBORN, Bruce R. RITZI
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Publication number: 20240108311Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: David M. SMITH, Donald F. SPECHT, Linda V. CABRERA, Kenneth D. BREWER, David J. SPECHT
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Publication number: 20240000435Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving ultrasound image quality. In some embodiments, data sets can be formed from received echoes at each of a plurality of receive elements. The data between the data sets can be masked to include or exclude data. The masked data sets can then be beamformed to form ultrasound images.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2021Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Elias M. ATMEH, Bruce R. RITZI, David J. SPECHT
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Publication number: 20230380805Abstract: Changes in tissue stiffness have long been associated with disease. Systems and methods for determining the stiffness of tissues using ultrasonography may include a device for inducing a propagating shear wave in tissue and tracking the speed of propagation, which is directly related to tissue stiffness and density. The speed of a propagating shear wave may be detected by imaging a tissue at a high frame rate and detecting the propagating wave as a perturbance in successive image frames relative to a baseline image of the tissue in an undisturbed state. In some embodiments, sufficiently high frame rates may be achieved by using a ping-based ultrasound imaging technique in which unfocused omni-directional pings are transmitted (in an imaging plane or in a hemisphere) into a region of interest. Receiving echoes of the omnidirectional pings with multiple receive apertures allows for substantially improved lateral resolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: David J. SPECHT, David M. SMITH, Elias M. ATMEH, Josef CALL
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Patent number: 11723626Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Maui Imaging, Inc.Inventors: David M. Smith, Donald F. Specht, Linda V. Cabrera, Kenneth D. Brewer, David J. Specht
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Publication number: 20230248333Abstract: Systems and methods of ultrasound imaging are provided. In some embodiments, unfocused and diverging ultrasound signals can be transmitted into a target medium from an apparent point source located aft of a concave probe surface. The echoes can be received, and a location of a reflector within the target medium can be determined. The location can be determined by obtaining element position data describing a position of the spherical center point of the apparent point source r and a position of the receive element, calculating a total path distance as a sum of a first distance between the spherical center point and the reflector and a second distance between the reflector and the receive element, and determining a locus of possible points at which the reflector may lie. A data set can then be produced for the entire target medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Sateesh BAJIKAR, Elias M. ATMEH, Bruce R. RITZI, David J. SPECHT
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Patent number: 11709265Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Maui Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Josef R. Call, Henry A. Davis, David M. Smith, David J. Specht, Viet Nam Le, Lang J. McHardy, Joseph James Digiovanni, II, Nathan W. Osborn, Bruce R. Ritzi
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Publication number: 20210278531Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Josef R. CALL, Henry A. DAVIS, David M. SMITH, David J. SPECHT, Viet Nam LE, Lang J. McHARDY, Joseph James DIGIOVANNI, II, Nathan W. OSBORN, Bruce R. RITZI
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Patent number: 11051791Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Donald F. Specht, Kenneth D. Brewer, John P. Lunsford, David J. Specht
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Patent number: 11016191Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: Josef R. Call, Henry A. Davis, David M. Smith, David J. Specht, Viet Nam Le, Lang J. McHardy, Joseph James Digiovanni, II, Nathan W. Osborn, Bruce R. Ritzi
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Publication number: 20210068787Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: David M. SMITH, Donald F. SPECHT, Linda V. CABRERA, Kenneth D. BREWER, David J. SPECHT
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Patent number: 10835208Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Donald F. Specht, Linda V. Cabrera, Kenneth D. Brewer, David J. Specht
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Publication number: 20200003896Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Inventors: Josef R. Call, Henry A. Davis, David M. Smith, David J. Specht, Viet Nam Le, Lang J. McHardy, Joseph James Digiovanni, II, Nathan W. Osborn, Bruce R. Ritzi
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Patent number: 10401493Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: Josef R. Call, Henry A. Davis, David M. Smith, David J. Specht, Viet Nam Le, Lang J. McHardy, Joseph James Digiovanni, II, Nathan W. Osborn, Bruce R. Ritzi
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Publication number: 20190175152Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: June 13, 2019Applicant: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. SMITH, Sharon L. ADAM, Donald F. SPECHT, Kenneth D. BREWER, John P. LUNSFORD, David J. SPECHT
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Patent number: 10206662Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Donald F. Specht, Kenneth D. Brewer, John P. Lunsford, David J. Specht
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Publication number: 20170219704Abstract: Systems and methods for network-based ultrasound imaging are provided, which can include a number of features. In some embodiments, an ultrasound imaging system images an object with three-dimensional unfocused pings and obtains digital sample sets from a plurality of receiver elements. A sub-set of the digital sample sets can be electronically transferred to a remote server, where the sub-set can be beamformed to produce a series of two-dimensional image frames. A video stream made up of the series of two-dimensional images frames can then be transferred from the remote server to a display device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2015Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Josef R. CALL, Henry A. DAVIS, David M. SMITH, David J. SPECHT, Viet Nam LE, Lang J. MCHARDY, Joseph James DIGIOVANNI, II, Nathan W. OSBORN, Bruce R. RITZI
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Publication number: 20160157833Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: David M. SMITH, Sharon L. ADAM, Donald F. SPECHT, Kenneth D. BREWER, John P. LUNSFORD, David J. SPECHT
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Publication number: 20160095579Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e., concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: David M. SMITH, Donald F. SPECHT, Linda V. CABRERA, Kenneth D. BREWER, David J. SPECHT
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Patent number: 9282945Abstract: A method of calibrating an ultrasound probe includes mounting an ultrasound probe onto a calibration system, transmitting an ultrasound test signal from an element of the probe through a test medium of the calibration system, and receiving the test signal on a matrix of hydrophones such that an element's position relative to other elements and other arrays within the same probe can be computed. Further, the system described herein is configured to detect the acoustic performance of elements of a probe and report the results to an end user or service provider.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: MAUI IMAGING, INC.Inventors: David M. Smith, Sharon L. Adam, Donald F. Specht, Kenneth D. Brewer, John P. Lunsford, David J. Specht