Abstract: Images of the heart are formed by using multiple sets of ultrasound data. Each set of data is acquired and processed responsive to a different set of imaging parameters. The imaging parameter sets differ in at least one parameter, such as array position, temporal frequency response or transmit focal depth, so that the images formed using these data sets have, either laterally or axially, different spatial spectra. A set of images is formed responsive to a first imaging parameter set for a first cardiac cycle. Another set of images is formed responsive to a second imaging parameter set for a second cardiac cycle. The two sets of images are temporally aligned so that they correspond to the same set of phases of the cardiac cycle. Since the data acquisition and processing are distributed over multiple cycles of the motion, assuming regular periodic heart cycle, temporal resolution is maintained.

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 and apparatus is provided for generating and displaying filtered strain rate signals corresponding to tissue structure within a subject in response to complex Doppler signals generated by an ultrasound system. Various combinations of several processing techniques are employed including filtering out high strain rate signals due to reverberation and other sources of noise, complex autocorrelation, velocity signal estimation, real strain rate signal estimation, complex strain correlation signal estimation, complex signal averaging, and real signal averaging. Color strain rate imaging is provided using the techniques such that the color images have reduced noise and improved image quality.

Abstract: An integrated piezoelectric ultrasound array structure configured to minimize the effects of differential thermal expansion between the array and the integrated circuit and to improve the mechanical and acoustical integrity of the array. The transducer array may have an interposed thinned supporting substrate and is matched to the integrated circuit substrate for thermal expansion so as to retain mechanical integrity of the array/IC bond within the working temperature range. Transducer elements are laterally isolated acoustically and as to thermal expansion by air or other acoustically attenuating medium of lower elastic modulus material between the elements. Acoustical effects are vertically acoustically isolated with capacitive coupling and small area solder bumps relative to wavelength, and further laterally acoustically isolated by thin supporting substrates relative to wavelength, including thinned semiconductor integrated circuit substrates.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system to determine face and object processing in a human subject, said method with high temporal resolution, user-friendly and portable, including steps of obtaining a subjects baseline cerebral blood flow velocity in cerebral arteries using a transcranial Doppler ultrasound instrument with sample volumes focused on cerebral vessels on both sides using two probes place on the temples and calculating laterality index for both arteries. Simultaneously, testing the subject with face and object processing tasks presented on the screen of a digital computer and using a computer input peripheral device while simultaneously monitoring the mean blood flow velocity during each stage of the task in real-time. Processing the acquired data using a microprocessor operatively connected to a computer work station for image retrieval.

Abstract: An improved imaging apparatus is disclosed that allows a user to perform numerous imaging operations. The imaging apparatus may include one or more improvements to imaging box design to improve illumination control within the imaging box, such as improved door seal arrangements, improved door closing mechanisms, and improved light seals. The present invention may also include one or more improvements to imaging apparatus design to facilitate image capture, such as: an automated filter select device, a moveable stage, automated focus control, f-stop adjustment and stage height, and improved internal illumination for capturing photographic images.

Abstract: Passive acoustic sensors having at least two flat parallel acoustically reflecting surfaces. At least one reflecting surface is on a member which is movable such that the distance between the reflecting surfaces varies as a function of a physical variable to be determined. Preferably, the sensor is made such that the intensity of a first portion of incident acoustic waves which is reflected from one reflecting surface is equal or substantially similar to the intensity of a second portion of the incident acoustic waves which is reflected from the other reflecting surface. The first portion and the second portion interfere to form a returning acoustic signal having one or more maximally attenuated frequencies which is correlated with the value of the physical variable. The internal acoustic signal is received and processed to determine the value of the physical variable from one or more of the maximal attenuation frequencies. Methods and systems for using the passive sensors are disclosed.

Abstract: A general-light observation light image can be obtained by illuminating the polarized frame sequence light or polarized white light, for example. In addition, a parallel polarized component and a vertical polarized component with respect to a polarizing direction of illuminating light, which is polarized in a specific direction are captured. Then, image data, which is a difference between both of the polarized component is calculated and is displayed in a display device. Thus, a scattered light component in a living-body tissue surface side can be extracted with good S/N, which can improve the diagnosis functionality.

Abstract: Ultrasound energy is transmitted into tissue in a first direction to provide a virtual extended shear wave source. The virtual extended shear wave source generates an extended shear wave that propagates in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction to cause movement in the first direction of tissue that is offset from the virtual extended shear wave source in the second direction. Related ultrasound imaging systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple layer elements for a transducer array are provided. Each element comprises two or more layers of transducer material. Various of the elements include one or more of: (1) multiple-layer, multiple-dimensional arrays where the layers are polymericly bonded and electrically connected through asperity contact, (2) multiple layer array of elements where air or gas separates at least two elements, (3) an even number of layers where each layer is electrically connected through asperity contact, (4) multiple-layers where each layer comprises transducer material and electrodes in a substantially same configuration, and (5) electrically isolating electrodes on layers by kerfing or cutting after bonding the layers together.

Abstract: A system for acquiring a plurality of internal images of a patient. The system includes a housing connectable to a medium movement sensor. The medium movement sensor generates a movement signal regarding a movement of the medium. The housing is also connectable to an imaging device. The imaging device acquires the internal images upon receiving a control signal having an acquire output. The system further includes a controller secured to the housing. The controller is operable to receive the movement signal, to generate a control signal having an acquire output based on the movement signal, and to provide the control signal having an acquire output to the imaging device.

Abstract: A method for estimating the bone quality or skeletal status of a vertebrate on the basis of two-dimensional image data comprising information relating to the cortical bone of at least a part of a bone of the vertebrate, the image data being data obtained by exposing at least the part of the bone to electromagnetic radiation, the method comprising estimating the bone quality or skeletal status on the basis of a a grey value difference between oblong density variations in the image data and other parts of the image data. These oblong density variations may be caused by osteoporosis, osteopenia or hyperparathyroidism or other bone disorders is called “intra cortical resorption”, “periosteal resorption”, “endosteal resorption”, “striation”, “scalloping”, or “spongiosation”.

Abstract: Rotating element catheters employ clutch assemblies for preventing rotational energy from being transmitted from a motor drive unit to the catheter element under defined circumstances. The catheter assembly includes an elongate member in which there is disposed a rotatable catheter drive cable. To control the rotation of the catheter drive shaft, the clutch assembly is configured to allow the catheter drive shaft to rotate and to stop rotating. The clutch assembly includes a driven member and a driver member, which cooperate with each other, such that the driven and driver members are rotatably engaged with each other before an applied torque exceeds the critical magnitude, rotatably unengaged with each other after the applied torque exceeds the critical magnitude, and rotatably re-engaged when the applied torque falls substantially below the critical magnitude. This clutching function can be actuated by any of a variety of physical forces, e.g., frictionally or magnetically.

Abstract: A multimodality imaging system including a plurality of imaging systems, and at least one rail upon which at least one of the imaging systems is slidingly mounted.

Abstract: In order to reduce the number of components to achieve size reduction of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus 101 is provided with a power supply section 3 comprised of a bias power supply 4 for generating a bias voltage and a driving power supply 5 for generating a driving voltage using the bias voltage. The bias voltage is higher than the driving voltage. Since the driving power supply 5 merely generates a lower voltage based upon a higher voltage, it is simpler in configuration and smaller in size than the conventional type that independently generates the voltages.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structure of the surface of a cavity is reconstructed. The cavity can be the outer ear canal of a person. A probe with an optical sensor is introduced into the cavity to produce video signals, which are transmitted to a computer device. The computer device transforms the video signals into position data representing the surface of the cavity, thereby defining the three-dimensional structure of the cavity.

Abstract: Elastographic imaging of heart tissue may be used to provide strain images by mapping strain magnitude to brightness and strain sign to hue and thus provide improved clinical indication of compression and distension of heart muscle. An areal cursor may be used to obtain quantitative measurements of strain at predetermined periods in the heart cycle. Multiple area measurements of strain may be combined to provide a quantitative index of cardiac health.

Abstract: A transesophageal ultrasound probe for imaging internal structures via an imaging element located on the distal end of a rotating endoscope shaft. The probe includes a rotating endoscope having an imaging element mounted on the distal end of the rotating endoscope shaft. The probe also includes a control handle for controlling the imaging controls and a rotation tube that extends through the rotating endoscope shaft and into the control handle. The rotating shaft rotates relative to, and independently of, the control handle. Preferably, the rotating shaft is rotated via a rotation control wheel. The rotation control wheel is fastened or bonded to the rotating tube so that manual rotation of the control wheel causes the rotation tube to rotate, and therefore, the rotating shaft to rotate. Because the rotating endoscope shaft rotates, an imaging element located on, or within, the rotating shaft also rotates.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging of tissues located in a tissue image region includes the steps of projecting at least one ultrasound beam into the tissue image region and receiving ultrasound reflections in order to transduce the ultrasound reflections into corresponding electric echo signals. The echo signals are processed according to at least two different modes including, an imaging mode for furnishing a panoramic image of the region under examination and a second processing mode that is a different echo processing mode for imaging particular tissues or tissue structures. The images obtained by processing are displayed on the same screen wherein the image obtained by the first mode is displayed with a gray scale and the image obtained by the second mode is displayed in a colored manner.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system includes a predetermined TGC characteristic which is automatically selected or calculated at the initiation of a diagnostic procedure. An automatic TGC circuit analyzes current image data to calculate an adjustment to the predetermined TGC characteristic when activated by the clinician. The ultrasound system produces a displayed TGC curve which illustrates the predetermined TGC characteristic as modified by automatic adjustment and any manual refinement done by the clinician. In a preferred embodiment automatic TGC modification is accompanied by automatic overall gain and dynamic range adjustment to automatically optimize image quality.