Abstract: An imaging system has a computer which monitors changes to any given front-panel control setting for a particular image processing parameter (e.g., dynamic range, transmit foci position, Doppler wall filter setting, etc.) as compared to its default or preset value. For each user ID (e.g., based on the system user's name or any user code) and each application type, if, over a number of exam cycles, the user is found to consistently adjust a particular control setting to values that deviate significantly from the preset value, the system computer will automatically adjust the preset value to, e.g., the average setting of that image processing parameter over the past N trials, where N is a predefined integer number.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optimizing operating parameters in an ultrasound imaging system in response to the occurrence of predetermined changes in the pixel intensity histogram of successive image frames. In the method, changes in the pixel intensity histogram of successive image frames are monitored and when the detected changes indicate probe movement, re-optimization of the operating parameters is automatically triggered. In the course of re-optimization, mapping, compression, scaling or beamforming parameters can be adjusted based on pixel intensity histogram characteristics determined by the system computer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the wall signal input to the wall filter of a spectral Doppler processor to check for probe-motion-induced clutter. This clutter is typically of higher frequency and amplitude than that due to normal vessel wall motion. Some additional threshold logic is used to check for energy within a frequency band greater than the normal wall signal frequencies. If significant energy above some “rattle” threshold is detected for a predefined time interval, the Doppler audio is automatically muted. This can be effected at one or more points within the normal Doppler audio signal path in a conventional scanner. If the rattling clutter is no longer detected, the Doppler audio is re-activated or ramped up smoothly.