Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for three dimensional scanning includes a one-dimensional array transducer which is mechanically swept back and forth. As the array transducer is swept in one direction the array scans a volumetric region with image planes which are alternately scanned in opposite beam scanning directions to scan the volumetric region in a zigzag pattern. As the array transducer is swept in the opposite direction the volumetric region is again scanned with image planes of alternating beam scanning directions to again scan the volumetric region in a zigzag pattern. In a preferred embodiment the image planes scanned in one sweep direction intersect the centers of the image planes scanned in the other sweep direction, and the image planes of each sweep are approximately joined at their lateral edges.

Abstract: A method for utilizing user input for segmentation and feature detection in diagnostic ultrasound imaging is provided. The method provides border detection to be performed rapidly; a feature, which allows the border detection method to be applied to real-time video imaging with little or no delay. The border detection method may be incorporated within a diagnostic ultrasound imaging system or as a user-installable software application capable of being installed on and executed by an ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: Volumetric ultrasound images are obtained using a two-dimensional array transducer to create multiple beams that diverge in a viewing direction to achieve high display resolution real-time volumetric imaging. In one embodiment, ultrasound echoes in a plurality of beams positioned adjacent each other in the elevational direction are projected onto respective planes. The volumetric image is created by combining the planes of projection for all of the beams. As a result, an image having a high resolution can be created in real-time. The area scanned by the transducer is divided into symmetrically arrayed beams so that echoes located at the same distance from the transducer are at substantially the same depth beneath the transducer. In another embodiment, multiple beams scan in respective ranges of scanning depths, and the elevational divergence angle is reduced for deeper ranges of scanning depths. In another embodiment, multiple intersecting or parallel beams are used to create volumetric images.

Abstract: A method for anatomical imaging includes acquiring image data representative of three-dimensional volume segments of an image volume of interest in a subject. The image data are acquired in synchronism with corresponding physiological cycles of the subject. Each volume segment contains image data distributed in three dimensions. Acquiring image data includes selecting a sequence of scan lines for each respective volume segment configured to minimize an occurrence of motion artifacts throughout the image volume. The image data representative of the volume segments is combined to produce a representation of a three-dimensional anatomical image of the image volume.

Abstract: Volumetric ultrasound images are created using a two-dimensional array transducer to create multiple beams that diverge in an elevational direction and scan in an azimuthal direction. In one embodiment, ultrasound echoes in three beams positioned adjacent each other in the elevational direction are projected onto respective planes. The volumetric image is created by combining the planes of projection for all three beams. The area scanned by the transducer is divided into three beams so that echoes located at the same distance from the transducer are at substantially the same depth beneath the transducer. In another embodiment, multiple beams scan in respective ranges of scanning depths, and the elevational divergence angle is reduced for deeper ranges of scanning depths. As a result, the elevational width of the volumetric image can be relatively constant. In another embodiment, multiple intersecting or parallel beams are used to create volumetric images.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for three dimensional scanning includes a one-dimensional array transducer which is mechanically swept back and forth. As the array transducer is swept in alternating directions echo signals are acquired. The echo signals from successive alternating sweeps of the transducer are used to form a three dimensional image of high definition. In an illustrated embodiment the echo signals from alternating sweeps is combined by three dimensional scan conversion using temporal and spatial weighting which is chosen in consideration of the temporal and spatial relationship of the signals being combined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe for three dimensional scanning includes a one-dimensional array transducer which is mechanically swept back and forth. As the array transducer is swept in one direction the array scans a volumetric region with image planes which are alternately scanned in opposite beam scanning directions to scan the volumetric region in a zigzag pattern. As the array transducer is swept in the opposite direction the volumetric region is again scanned with image planes of alternating beam scanning directions to again scan the volumetric region in a zigzag pattern. In a preferred embodiment the image planes scanned in one sweep direction intersect the centers of the image planes scanned in the other sweep direction, and the image planes of each sweep are approximately joined at their lateral edges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ultrasound systems for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging data in real time. In one embodiment, the system includes a processing system coupled to an ultrasound scan head 40 that includes an ultrasound transducer array 30 coupled to a positional actuator 32 having a driven member that rotates about a first axis to pivot the array about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. In another embodiment, an ultrasound scan head 40 includes a positional actuator 42 rotatable about a first axis and coupled to a pivot member that supports an array that rotates about a second rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. In yet another embodiment, a method for three-dimensional imaging includes controlling the rotation of a driven member over a predetermined rotational pattern to provide approximately constant rotation of the array; and acquiring ultrasound data along a plurality of mutually spaced-apart scan lines.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method and system includes a two-dimensional array transducer scanhead coupled to a beamformer. The beamformer and scanhead obtain signals corresponding to ultrasound echoes reflected from a measurement volume extending across a blood vessel. The signals are processed by a Doppler processor to generate data corresponding to a three-dimensional Doppler image of blood flow velocity in the sample volume. The signals are also processed by a B-mode processor to generate data corresponding to a cross section through the vessel. An image processor transforms the data corresponding to the three-dimensional Doppler image to data corresponding to a projection of the three-dimensional Doppler image onto a plane. The image processor also combines the transformed Doppler data with the B-mode data to create a composite image. Volume flow rate can also be determined by integrating the flow velocity in the projection of the three-dimensional Doppler image.

Abstract: A method for anatomical imaging includes acquiring image data representative of three-dimensional volume segments of an image volume of interest in a subject. The image data are acquired in synchronism with corresponding physiological cycles of the subject. Each volume segment contains image data distributed in three dimensions. Acquiring image data includes selecting a sequence of scan lines for each respective volume segment configured to minimize an occurrence of motion artifacts throughout the image volume. The image data representative of the volume segments is combined to produce a representation of a three-dimensional anatomical image of the image volume.

Abstract: Valvular regurgitation is assessed by identifying a characteristic regurgitation jet in a colorflow image. An M-line is placed over the region of regurgitation and Doppler M-mode information is acquired from the flow convergence region adjacent the regurgitant orifice. The Doppler M-mode information, acquired at a higher acquisition rate than the colorflow frame rate, is used to produce a measure of the regurgitant flow rate and volume through the orifice. The flow rate can be used with velocity data acquired during the regurgitation event to produce a dynamic estimate of the size of the regurgitant valve orifice.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for electronically scanning a volumetric region using a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to a beamformer. Elements of the array are actuated to transmit ultrasonic energy into the volumetric region. Echo signals are received by elements of the array in response to the transmitted ultrasonic energy. Beams are formed which sample the volumetric region that allows choices of size, location and geometry shapes such as in one of a circular and elliptical beam pattern.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for electronically scanning a volumetric region by means of a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to a beamformer, comprising:

Abstract: The present invention is a method of and system for imaging an object with an ultrasound transducer array that transmits ultrasound beams and detects echoes reflected from the object. A plurality of adjacent ultrasound beams are transmitted at the object, each of the beams being separated from an adjacent beam by a first predetermined distance. A plurality of groups of echoes are received from the object, with each of the groups of echoes corresponding to one of the plurality of the ultrasound beams. Each of these echoes are spaced from the corresponding ultrasound beam by a second predetermined distance which is less than the first predetermined distance. The transmitted ultrasound beams are arranged such that one of the received echoes corresponding to an ultrasound beam substantially overlaps with one of the received echoes corresponding to an adjacent ultrasound beam. At least a subset of the received echoes are then processed to obtain B-mode data from each of the processed echoes.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method and system includes a two-dimensional array transducer scanhead coupled to a beamformer. The beamformer and scanhead obtain signals corresponding to ultrasound echoes reflected from a measurement volume extending across a blood vessel. The signals are processed by a Doppler processor to generate data corresponding to a three-dimensional Doppler image of blood flow velocity in the sample volume. The signals are also processed by a B-mode processor to generate data corresponding to a cross section through the vessel. An image processor transforms the data corresponding to the three-dimensional Doppler image to data corresponding to a projection of the three-dimensional Doppler image onto a plane. The image processor also combines the transformed Doppler data with the B-mode data to create a composite image. Volume flow rate can also be determined by integrating the flow velocity in the projection of the three-dimensional Doppler image.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system (1) comprises a transducer probe (2) for supplying ultrasound waves to a subject area (A), for receiving ultrasound waves reflecting from the subject area (A), and for converting the reflecting waves into a first electrical signal, at least one position sensor (3) provided in the transducer probe (2) for detecting positional information on the transducer probe (2) relative to the subject area (A) during operation, and for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to the detected positional information, a processing unit (41) for controlling the transducer probe (2) and for processing the first and second electrical signals into an image. The position sensor (3) comprises a unit (23) for optically acquiring images of a surface of the subject area (A) during operation, for acquiring information from said images, and for processing said information into positional information on the transducer probe (2) relative to the subject area (A).

Abstract: Valvular regurgitation is assessed by identifying a characteristic regurgitation jet in a colorflow image. An M-line is placed over the region of regurgitation and Doppler M-mode information is acquired from the flow convergence region adjacent the regurgitant orifice. The Doppler M-mode information, acquired at a higher acquisition rate than the colorflow frame rate, is used to produce a measure of the regurgitant flow rate and volume through the orifice. The flow rate can be used with velocity data acquired during the regurgitation event to produce a dynamic estimate of the size of the regurgitant valve orifice.