Abstract: Disclosed are methods of graphically displaying digital data containing a predetermined number of digital values, on a display area containing a lower, predetermined number of graphical display elements. One disclosed method includes the steps of attributing to each display element a portion of the digital values, the total number of digital values in all portions being equal the total number of digital values so that variability among the portions is periodic and calculating a representative digital value for each portion and displaying the representative value on a discrete display element in the display. Also disclosed is a method of determining for each graphical display element in an apparatus with a lesser number of graphical display elements a corresponding number of digital values to represent, the digital values being selected from a stream containing a greater number of digital values.

Abstract: An ultrasound phantom simulating hard and soft tissue of a vertebrate and methods of production and use of same. The ultrasound phantom includes a hard tissue derived from a second vertebrate organism and a material covering at least a portion thereof. The material has ultrasonic properties similar to those of soft tissue. Also disclosed is a method of producing an ultrasound phantom simulating hard and soft tissue of a first vertebrate organism. The method includes the steps of removing a hard tissue from a second vertebrate organism and covering at least a portion thereof with a material. Also disclosed is a method of testing an ultrasonic diagnostic system. The method includes the steps of transmitting a train of ultrasonic energy towards a phantom of the present invention, receiving a portion of the train of ultrasonic energy and analyzing the received portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of graphically displaying digital data containing a predetermined number of digital values, on a display area containing a lower, predetermined number of graphical display elements. One disclosed method includes the steps of attributing to each display element a portion of the digital values, the total number of digital values in all portions being equal the total number of digital values so that variability among the portions is periodic and calculating a representative digital value for each portion and displaying the representative value on a discrete display element in the display. Also disclosed is a method of determining for each graphical display element in an apparatus with a lesser number of graphical display elements a corresponding number of digital values to represent, the digital values being selected from a stream containing a greater number of digital values.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic imaging of bone tissue. A wide band scanning crystal transmits an ultrasonic signal of high frequency and multiple full waves into the bone tissue, and a second wide band scanning crystal receives the transmitted signal. The transmission frequency is progressively decreased until the number of full waves in the received signal equals that of the transmitted signal. At that frequency, the upper frequency limit, the number of full waves in the transmitted signal is gradually increased until the received signal contains at least two consecutive full waves of equal amplitude. The resultant transmission signal is then used to measure signal attenuation and velocity in bone tissue, in terms of standard bone imaging techniques. A lower frequency limit, below which the received signal undergoes distortion, is defined, and ultrasonic velocity depicted as a function of transmission frequency.