Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonic imaging of a jaw and coupling cushions suited for use in the mouth. The system includes a specially configured ultrasonic probe, a position locator module for defining a probe location and transmitting the definition to a central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU. The CPU is capable of receiving digital data from transducers in the probe and receiving the location of the probe and producing an image of at least a portion of a jaw. The method includes providing the ultrasonic probe, defining its location and communicating the location to a CPU and transmitting an signal from a transducer and receiving at least a portion of the signal at at least one of the transducers. The CPU receives transducer data and a location of the probe and produces an image of the at least a portion of the jaw. An ultrasonic coupling cushion is further disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonic imaging of a jaw and coupling cushions suited for use in the mouth. The system includes a specially configured ultrasonic probe, a position locator module for defining a probe location and transmitting the definition to a central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU. The CPU is capable of receiving digital data from transducers in the probe and receiving the location of the probe and producing an image of at least a portion of a jaw. The method includes providing the ultrasonic probe, defining its location and communicating the location to a CPU and transmitting an signal from a transducer and receiving at least a portion of the signal at at least one of the transducers. The CPU receives transducer data and a location of the probe and produces an image of the at least a portion of the jaw. An ultrasonic coupling cushion is further disclosed.

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.