Abstract: A method for providing operator control over a medical diagnostic device includes the steps of assigning each device function in a preselected device function set that implements a preselected medical diagnostic device to at least one function activation area on an image display. Subsequently, the method monitors a touchscreen for a touch, and determines a selected activation area based on the touch and the function activation area. Once the selected activation area is determined, the method performs a device function associated with the selected activation area.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a dynamic range of a medical diagnostic image provided by a medical diagnostic system. A target dynamic range is identified independent of a dynamic range of an original medical image. A presentation map is generated defining a relation between the dynamic range of the original medical image representative of a patient and the target dynamic range. A gray level-optical density model may define the relation between gray levels of the original medical image and target optical densities of the presentation map, the gray level-optical density model being calculated based on film characteristics, selected optical densities for anatomical structure or on a measured dynamic range. A presentation image is created having the target dynamic range based on a the presentation map and original medical image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing multiple ultrasound scanners from a remote location by applying a diagnostic middleware architecture to act as an interface between a web server and diagnostics section within the scanners. A computer that is remote to the scanners interfaces to the web servers of the scanners over a network. The remote computer has a web browser to survey the scanners by communicating with the web servers over the network. The diagnostic middleware architecture initiates execution of diagnostic programs within the scanners in response to client requests received by the web servers from the remote computer over the network. Diagnostic results are generated within the scanners when running the diagnostic programs of the scanners. Log files are generated within the scanners during normal operation of the scanners.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying detector elements in a solid state X-ray detector susceptible to causing line artifacts due to faulty detector elements that leak charge. A portion of the X-ray detector is covered by a radiation occluding material and the detector is exposed to a level of radiation sufficient to reach a predetermined threshold in the exposed portion of the detector. An image representative of the radiation is acquired and further analyzed to determine whether line artifacts exist. Data lines found to exhibit line artifacts are stored in the image processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting the offset induced by Field Effect Transistor (FET) photo-conductive effects in solid state x-ray detectors includes dedicating rows at the beginning and end of an x-ray detector scan. The dedicated rows may be used to measure the “signal” induced by the photo-conductivity of FET switches in solid state x-ray detectors. Since the signal induced by FET photo-conductivity decays over time, the measurements taken at the beginning and end of a detector scan may be used to predict by interpolation the amount of signal contributed by photo-conductive induced offset for each row of the detector scan on a column by column basis.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a medical imaging table in an imaging apparatus is presented. The imaging table includes a fixed plate, a second stage, a first stage and a gearing system. The first stage includes an imaging tabletop. The gearing system includes a pinion gear and gear racks mounted on the first and second stages. The stages of the system are geared together to move simultaneously. The imaging table is able to extend and or retract smoothly because the stages are geared together. Further, because the imaging table extends through a first stage, a second stage, and a fixed plate, the tabletop of the imaging table is more compact with a larger imaging area.

Abstract: An x-ray system that uses an x-ray source to irradiate a subject with x-rays is provided. A collimator is located proximate to the x-ray source and blocks a portion of the x-rays. A detector receives the x-rays and creates subject data indicative of a subject and collimator data indicative of a collimator. A position detector identifies a position of the collimator with respect to a field of view of the x-ray source. A gating module receives the subject and collimator data and passes at least a portion of the subject data. The gating module blocks at least a portion of the collimator data based on the position of the collimator. A display displays an x-ray image based on the portion of the subject data passed by the gating module.

Abstract: An operating room drape for allowing the presence of a monitor or display panel close to a surgical field while maintaining a sterile field between the monitor and the surgical site. A window in the drape, or all of the drape, is formed of a high clarity material and at least the window is adapted to lie against the monitor screen to provide enhanced visibility. The window may be configured as a separate rectangular insert formed, for example, of a five mil EPV vinyl or other clear polymer medically acceptable material, and sterilized by a process such as ethylene oxide or gamma ray sterilization. The window material may be treated by a process such as corona discharge treatment to enhance its surface adherence properties, while a major portion of the drape, or a release portion, may be non-adherent to facilitate positioning of the window and also removal of the drape following use. The drape itself may constitute a bag.

Abstract: 1 method is provided for obtaining an extended field of view diagnostic ultrasound image. A first image frame and a second image frame of an object of interest are acquired. The image frames are rotated relative to one another. Pixel points, representing spatial points in the object of interest, are identified in the first image frame. Pixel points corresponding to the pixel points in the first image frame are then computed in the second image frame. A rotation angle between the first and the second image frames is calculated based on a least-squares relation between the pixel points. The first and second image frames are combined to form a part of an extended field of view image.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine that generates a color representation of moving structure, such as cardiac wall tissue within a region of interest, and is displayed on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying at least one color characteristic related to a set of signal values of the structure, such as velocity or strain rate. The related feature of the set of signal values is mapped to the color characteristic by an apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to backscattered ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of signal values representing a spatial set of values of the moving structure. A host processor embodies a tracking function and a time integration function to generate tracked movement parameter profiles and displacement parameter values over a time period corresponding to sampled anatomical locations within the region of interest. The displacement parameter values are then mapped to color characteristic signals.

Abstract: A transesophageal probe with variable stiffness has a probe head connected to a distal end of an endoscope. A flexible tube is secured to the endoscope. Finally, a semi-rigid rod is slidably disposed within the flexible tube. Advancing or retracting the semi-rigid rod within the flexible tube allows the operator to vary the stiffness of the transesophageal probe.

Abstract: In a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a method for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is presented. The method includes the steps of determining an operator identification of an operator at a display workstation, searching, based on the operator identification, for operator preferences including at least one partially preprocessed raw image data preprocessing function preference, and, retrieving the operator preferences. Once the operator preferences are retrieved, the method applies the operator preferences including the preprocessing function preference to partially preprocessed raw image data. An image display workstation for a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and for application of operator preferences to partially preprocessed image data is also presented. The image display workstation includes a processing circuit, a PACS network interface coupled to the processing circuit, and a software memory coupled to the processing circuit.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine is disclosed that generates a color representation of moving structure, such as a cardiac wall tissue within a region of interest, and is displayed on a monitor. The color representation is generated by displaying at least one color characteristic related to a movement parameter of the structure, such as mean velocity or mean strain rate. The related feature of the movement parameter is mapped to the color characteristic by an apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to backscattered ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a set of parameter signals representing a spatial set of values of the movement parameter within the structure. A host processor embodies a tracking function and a peak-detection function to generate a set of tracked movement parameter profiles and a set of peak values of the movement parameter over a time period corresponding to anatomical locations within the region of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray system 100 uses a display (114) to display pictures (124) generated in response to an X-ray first range of energy levels and an X-ray second range of energy levels different from the first range of energy levels. Pictures resulting from a substantially single range of X-ray energy levels also are displayed. A source (102) of X-rays transmits X-rays at the first range of energy levels through an object (106) to create in an image sensor (108) a first image and transmits X-rays at the second range of energy levels through an object to create a second image in the image sensor. A processor (110) calculates a first decomposed image from the first and second images according to a first decomposition algorithm, calculates a second decomposed image from the first and second images according to a second decomposition algorithm and calculates a contrast adjusted image in response to the first and second decomposed images.

Abstract: An ultrasound transmitter generates ultrasound signals at an adjustable pulse repetition rate. A Doppler unit generates Doppler signals from ultrasound backscattered signals and stores them in a memory. A logic unit performs an algorithm which automatically adjusts the polarity and position of the velocity scale of a display and automatically adjusts the pule repetition rate of the transmitter based on analysis of the signals.

Abstract: An imaging table leveling system for use with a medical imaging device is provided which levels an imaging table with respect to true level. The imaging table leveling system levels an imaging table before the imaging table is floated, or while the imaging table is floating. The system includes an imaging table, an inclinometer, a processor, and actuators. The inclinometer continuously measures table angle data. When activated, the processor receives the table angle data from the inclinometer. The processor then compares the table angle data to a stored level constant. The stored level constant is a measurement of true level. The processor then commands the actuators to move the imaging table until the table angle data matches the stored level constant. The table angle data is also used to correct differences in actuator rates during tilt or roll motions.

Abstract: A fault tolerant database including one or more work stations (50-52) providing transaction data to be added to a database, including a primary network (100), a primary storage system (80) and a secondary storage system (90). A primary server (10) is coupled to the primary network (100) and receives the transaction data which is stored in the primary storage system. At time intervals, the primary server (10) transfers the transaction data from the primary storage system for storage in the secondary storage system. The primary server (10) defines a port for establishing connections to the work stations through the primary network (100). A secondary server (20) is coupled to the primary network (100) and receives transaction data from the primary server which is stored in the secondary storage system (90). The secondary server (20) also defines a port for establishing connections to the one or more work stations (50-52) through the primary network (100) in the event of a failure of the primary server (10).

Abstract: A method for controlling ground plane voltages by locally, at one or more discrete points on the working ground reference, sensing a voltage difference between a working ground reference and an isolated ground reference, generating a voltage compensation signal based on the voltage difference, and driving the working ground reference with the voltage compensation signal to reduce the voltage difference.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A multiplane transesophageal probe (20) includes a transducer (28) and a handle (30). The handle incorporates a control (40) mounting switches (51-58). The switches and control panel are covered with foil (43). A seal (70) couples the control panel and foil to the handle.