Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided with a scanning guide which assists a user in conducting three dimensional ultrasonic scanning of a patient. The guide is visual or audible or both, and gives the physician a real time indicator by which to gauge the rate and duration of three dimensional ultrasonic scanning. In a constructed embodiment the scanning guide is modulated by a counter coupled to cine memory, in which image frames are stored for three dimensional processing. As the cine memory fills toward capacity with ultrasonic image frames, the scanning guide is modulated in correspondence with the filling of the memory. A visual indicator of the ultrasonic frame sequence in memory is also provided, on which the user can move markers to eliminate frames at the beginning or end of the sequence from the three dimensional reconstruction.

Abstract: A format for ultrasonic image data storage is described that utilizes a standard data formatting system to provide information specific to ultrasonic images and, in particular, sequences of ultrasonic images. The format utilizes a technique of tagged data records with a unique tag that extends the standardized to ultrasonic image specific tages. On tag denotes a particular image in a sequence of images which is marked as the image which is representative of the sequence. Specific areas of an ultrasonic image which contain distinct types of data are tagged to identify the type of data in the area. The distinct types of data can be arranged in unique ranges of data values so that a particular data value will inherently identify the type of data to which the value relates. Blocks of image data comprising monochrome or color data can be tagged as to the data type, enabling luminance data or red, green and blue data to be alternatively represented in the data values and automatically processed accordingly.

Abstract: A technique for continuously determining and displaying the peak velocities of spectral Doppler information is disclosed. A Doppler noise threshold level is determined from operating characteristics of the ultrasound system, probe, or both. Received spectral Doppler data for a spectral line is compared to this threshold to identify a valid peak velocity value. Spectral lines are examined in advance of their display to detect excursions due to artifacts such as valve clicks. Peak velocity values are interpolated and displayed in place of artifact peak values. Individual heart cycles over which quantified measures of cardiovascular performance are computed and displayed are selected by the R-wave intervals of an ECG trace. The interval of the concurrent spectral Doppler display corresponding to the heart cycle interval over which the quantified measures are computed or pertain is automatically highlighted for the user.

Abstract: A multiplane TEE probe is provided for the imaging and diagnosis of multiple scan planes from within a cavity of the body. The probe includes an articulation section formed of a plurality of interconnected links. The articulation section is controlled from the handle of the probe, with the articulation limit stops located in the handle. The articulation section may be locked in a given bent position, but the lock will be overcome by the force of the esophagus against the transducer tip if the probe is withdrawn in a locked and bent position. When the articulation section is locked an indication signal is displayed on the handle of the probe and on the display of the ultrasound system.

Abstract: A technique for scanning an image field with adjacent beams of ultrasonic energy is provided in which initially transmitted beams are transmitted along beam directions at the lateral sides of the image field. Subsequent beams are alternately transmitted on either side of the initially transmitted beams and at lateral locations which converge toward the center of the image field until the full image field has been scanned. In an alternate embodiment initially transmitted beams are transmitted on one side of the center of the image field, subsequent beams diverge from the locations of the initially transmitted beams, and concluding beams laterally converge at a location on the other side of the center of the image field.

Abstract: A Doppler signal processor is provided for an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system which identifies the peak and mean flow velocities by Doppler interrogation of a sample volume within the body. The effects of spectral broadening resulting from the use of an array transducer are compensated by producing a peak velocity value which is a function of the dimension of the array aperture and its relation to the location of the sample volume. Mean velocity values calculated from received Doppler echoes are combined with an array distortion function to produce accurate mean velocity values. The entire spectrum may be corrected by deconvolving the received signal spectrum with an array distortion function. Alternatively the effects of spectral broadening are compensated by use of Doppler reference signals for each element of the array which are a function of the position of the individual elements in the array aperture.

Abstract: A remotely upgradeable medical diagnostic ultrasound system is described which is upgradeable with a new transducer probe by means of air shipment of the upgrade hardware and remote transmission of upgrade data which controls operation of the probe. The ultrasound system includes a data communicator such as a network link or modem for receiving upgrade data from a remote location. A process for upgrading the system is provided whereby a communications link is established over a common carrier communications medium between the ultrasound system and a remote terminal, which transmits upgrade program data to the ultrasound system. The program data portion of an upgrade is provided via the communications link while the hardware portion of the upgrade is shipped by air freight to the user. In this way, an ultrasound upgrade can be provided to a user from a remote location in a matter of hours.

Abstract: A multiplane TEE probe is provided in which an aluminum sheet is embedded in the acoustic lens in front of the transducer to dissipate heat which accumulates in the lens. The embedded aluminum foil sheet in front of the transducer helps reduce such heat buildup by spreading out heat which develops at hot spots and conducting the heat trapped in the lens material to a heatsink mass behind the transducer and away from the patient contacting surface of the probe. A mylar sheet covers the front of the transducer. The inner surface of the mylar sheet is aluminized. This aluminum layer in the inner surface of the cover serves a like purpose.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic transducer array is provided for providing electronic focusing in the longitudinal plane and elevational focusing. Elements of the array are subdiced in the elevational direction to provide subelements with aspect ratios varying in proportion to their distance to the central longitudinal axis of the array. Such variation affords varying electro-mechanical coupling coefficients to the subelements such that the intensity of the transmitted energy is centered about the central longitudinal axis. In a second embodiment elements exhibit extensions in the elevational direction which vary in proportion to their displacement from the longitudinal center of the array. The extended elements are acoustically separated into subelements in the elevational direction to provide elevational focusing or spatial compounding of the transmitted acoustic energy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system is disclosed which produces a sequence of images of planes of a subject including both image and spatial positional information of the image plane. In one embodiment the positional information is developed from a plurality of accelerometers located within a scanhead. The second integrals of the acceleration signals are used to determine positional information of the image plane. In a second embodiment a transmitter transmits a magnetic field and a receiver attached to the scanhead detects the position of the scanhead in relation to the transmitted magnetic field. Spatially related images are displayed by displaying one image plane in the plane of the display and a second image plane projected in relation thereto. Either of the displayed planes may be displayed in outline form, and the outline may be modulated to depict depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for testing the integrity of an ultrasonic transducer probe or the ultrasound system connected to the probe. The elements of the transducer are pulsed at a time when the probe is not in contact with a patient and the surface of the probe lens is exposed to the open air. The channel electronics receives the echo signal returned from the lens-air interface and reverberations between this interface and the transducer. These signals are analyzed by a diagnostic processor coupled to the channel electronics for characteristics such as amplitude, time of echo reception, group delay, and other characteristics to determine the possible existence of problems such as faulty transducer elements or connections and problems in the system receive electronics. The diagnostic processor can adaptively adjust an operating characteristic of the system electronics such as gain or time delay to compensate for a detected out of tolerance condition.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic transducer array is provided for providing electronic focusing in the longitudinal plane and elevational focusing. Elements of the array are subdiced in the elevational direction to provide subelements with aspect ratios varying in proportion to their distance to the central longitudinal axis of the array. Such variation affords varying electro-mechanical coupling coefficients to the subelements such that the intensity of the transmitted energy is centered about the central longitudinal axis. In a second embodiment elements exhibit extensions in the elevational direction which vary in proportion to their displacement from the longitudinal center of the array. The extended elements are acoustically separated into subelements in the elevational direction to provide elevational focusing or spatial compounding of the transmitted acoustic energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing ultrasonic diagnostic image information acquired in a plurality of scan planes for presentation as a three dimensional display of a volumetric region of the body. The image points in each scan plane are repositioned by approximating the rotation and translation of the scan plane in correspondence with the angle from which the volumetric region is to be viewed. This approximation is accomplished using conventional scan conversion processors by scaling the spatial coordinates of the original ultrasonic image in one or more dimensions and translating the image in one or more directions in correspondence with the viewing angle. A plurality of such scaled and translated images are accumulated and displayed in a combined three dimensional image presentation.

Abstract: An intraoperative ultrasonic transducer probe is described comprising a handle section and a transducer section which resemble a tiny leg and foot. The two sections are obtusely angled relative to each other so that the physician may continue to clearly view the surgical site while holding and manipulating the probe. The extension of the transducer section away from its point of attachment to the handle section results in the toe of the foot being insertable under unincised tissue, enabling the surgeon to ultrasonically examine organs and tissue peripheral to the surgical site and to follow a vessel even beyond the incision. The transducer section is completely encapsulated in a rubberlike material which electrically insulates the transducer from the patient, enables the probe to be easily sterilized, and further provides an inherent standoff between the transducer and the contact surface of the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system is provided which automatically sets up the TGC characteristic to be used for a given ultrasound examination. Upon user selection of a particular ultrasound application, a setup controller accesses a predetermined TGC characteristic for the selected application. The predetermined TGC characteristic is used to control the gain of a TGC amplifier and is also displayed to the user. By adjustment of a series of TGC controls the user can vary the TGC characteristic from the predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: A multiplane TEE probe is provided for the imaging and diagnosis of multiple scan planes from within a cavity of the body. The probe includes an articulation section formed of a plurality of interconnected links. The articulation section is controlled from the handle of the probe, with the articulation limit stops located in the handle. The articulation section may be locked in a given bent position, but the lock will be overcome by the force of the esophagus against the transducer tip if the probe is withdrawn in a locked and bent position. When the articulation section is locked an indication signal is displayed on the handle of the probe and on the display of the ultrasound system.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided by which an ultrasonic image and Doppler flow information are simultaneously displayed from echo acquisition sequences alternating between image signal acquisition and Doppler signal acquisition. To continuously display Doppler information during the intervals that images signal acquisition is occurring, these gaps in Doppler signal acquisition are filled by signals derived from the Doppler signals received prior to and succeeding the gaps. The Doppler signals received prior to the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the initial portion of the gap. The Doppler signals received following the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the final portion of the gap. A gapsize calculator is responsive to variations in system scanning parameters to set the durations of the successive image and Doppler signal acquisition intervals to obtain optimal frame rates of display.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic system and scanning technique are described for producing three dimensional ultrasonic image displays utilizing power Doppler signal information. In a preferred embodiment the power Doppler signal information is displayed in the absence of structural (B mode) information to reduce image clutter and provide three dimensional image segmentation. An ultrasonic scanning technique is presented for acquiring diagnostic three dimensional ultrasonic images of power Doppler intensity through manual hand scanning of a patient, without the need for specially fabricated scanning mechanisms or devices.