Abstract: Using compression, tissue elasticity data from two or more different fields of view are acquired. Since different amounts of compression may be used for the different fields of view, the dynamic range of the elasticity data is updated. A panoramic elasticity image is generated from the updated elasticity data of multiple fields of view. A panoramic elasticity image represents the combined fields of view for the elasticity data.

Abstract: The phase or associated amplitude analysis of a sequence of images is improved by, first, providing quantifications in response to the phase or amplitude information. For example, a value or values representing asynchrony between different locations through a sequence of images may provide useful diagnostic information. Second, since heart motion or other motion within a body may become complex, multiple harmonics may be used in addition to the first harmonic or fundamental information for parametrically imaging a motion. Third, where different portions of a cycle have different characteristics, such as the systolic phase and diastolic phase of a heart cycle, images associated with each of the portions may be separated from other portions. A phase or amplitude analysis of the sequence of images for each portion is handled separately.

Abstract: Using compression, tissue elasticity data from two or more different fields of view is acquired. Since different amounts of compression may be used for the different fields of view, the dynamic range of the elasticity data is updated. A panoramic elasticity image is generated from the updated elasticity data of multiple fields of view. A panoramic elasticity image represents the combined fields of view for the elasticity data.

Abstract: Using compression, tissue elasticity data from two or more different fields of view is acquired. Since different amounts of compression may be used for the different fields of view, the dynamic range of the elasticity data is updated. A panoramic elasticity image is generated from the updated elasticity data of multiple fields of view. A panoramic elasticity image represents the combined fields of view for the elasticity data.

Abstract: Contrast agent imaging uses spread spectrum coding. The contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio for contrast agent imaging is improved by transmitting a waveform with pulses at two or more frequencies. In one embodiment, signals received at an intermodulation frequency responsive to the two transmitted frequencies are isolated and used for imaging. As a result of the differences in responses of contrast agent and tissue to the frequency transitions between pulses, information from contrast agent with minimal influence from tissue is identified. In another embodiment, two waveforms with pulses at two or more frequencies are sequentially transmitted.

Abstract: Medical imaging uses cyclical motion analysis. Phase and/or amplitude analysis of variation for spatial locations in a sequence of images over one or more heart cycles is performed. For phase analysis, selected phase information is cyclically isolated as a function of the heart cycle. For example, a sequence of three images is associated with three different times during the heart cycle. In one image, phases over one range are highlighted. In subsequent images, phases over different ranges are highlighted. By showing the sequence of images in a loop with the shifting phase throughout the sequence, wall contractions are easily visualized. For amplitude analysis, information associated with a selected frequency band, such as the constant and fundamental frequency bands, are isolated. Images are then generated in response to the isolated information. The images have reduced speckle content due to the lack of higher order frequency information.

Abstract: Three or four-dimensional ultrasound data acquisition for extended field of view imaging is provided. Multiple volumes are registered with respect to each other and spliced together to form an extended volume. The extended volume is a contiguous volume larger than a volumetric region that a multi-dimensional or wobbler transducer array is capable of imaging without movement. Information representing different volumes is registered with respect to each other by sensing the transducer position associated with each of the different volumes. The position is sensed using a position sensing mechanism, such as magnetic optical or gyroscope measurements. Acoustic data may be used to determine decorrelation of speckle or correlation of features to sense position. After the volumes are registered, any overlapping regions are compounded. The resulting extended field of view volume is displayed and manipulated for viewing by the user.

Abstract: Contrast agent imaging uses spread spectrum coding. The contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio for contrast agent imaging is improved by transmitting a waveform with pulses at two or more frequencies. In one embodiment, signals received at an intermodulation frequency responsive to the two transmitted frequencies are isolated and used for imaging. As a result of the differences in responses of contrast agent and tissue to the frequency transitions between pulses, information from contrast agent with minimal influence from tissue is identified. In another embodiment, two waveforms with pulses at two or more frequencies are sequentially transmitted.