Abstract: A synthetic four sided boundary scanner has an electronically switched line array of transducer elements of transducer element on each side of a boundary array scanner, in an ultrasound mammography system. Projector and hydrophone elements are alternately provided in the four line arrays for randomized paired switching operation during a scan of a breast subvolume. Electric signals generated by the hydrophone elements are processed to provide image data for the whole breast volume after sequenced scanning of the breast subvolumes is completed. A breast scan is performed in a sequence of periods within the time between a patient's heartbeats, with synchronization enabled by a heart monitor.

Abstract: A synthetic Mill's Cross scanner array is provided for a sonographic system. The array includes orthogonal lines for which projector and hydrophone are respectively provided. During a scan of a target volume, the projector and the hydrophone elements are moved from first paired positions to second paired positions, etc. to n paired positions. Data from the scan is processed to provide three-dimensional data for displaying the target volume.

Abstract: A synthetic four sides boundary scanner array is provided for an ultrasound mammography system. Projector and hydrophone elements are alternately disposed on the four array sides for stepped movement along the four sides during a scan of a breast volume. Electric signals generated by the hydrophone elements are processed to provide image data for displaying the breast volume. A breast scan is performed within the time between a patient's heartbeats.

Abstract: A high speed multibeam sidelooking sonar system for processing acoustic signals including a transmitter for transmitting acoustic energy, and a hydrophone array for receiving reflected acoustic energy transmitted by the transmitting means and forming an ensonification region, including a plurality of hydrophone elements spaced at a predetermined distance. The transmitter includes a plurality of transmit transducers operating at different frequencies to divide the ensonification region into ensonification strips, such that the predetermined distance between the plurality of hydrophones is maximized. Therefore, the performance of the high speed multibeam sidelook sonar system is maximized at minimum range. Further, the high speed multibeam sidelook sonar system as described above minimizes fill time degradation with the plurality of transmit transducers, which increases range resolution and acoustical performance of the high speed multibeam sidelook sonar system at the minimum range.

Abstract: A square law detection circuit for energy signals such as sonar signals wherein the signal processing eliminates the side lobe detection of false targets by eliminating the side lobes themselves without significant energy degradation of the main lobe of the beam pattern associated with the sonar equipment.

Abstract: Test apparatus for a sonar system utilizing beam former circuitry wherein a quantitative test of the signal channels of the sonar system, including the transducers themselves may be automatically tested in situ utilizing the beamformer circuitry of the sonar system itself.