Abstract: A system for generating a three-dimensional image of the compressed breast 40 of a subject includes an x-ray mammography unit 24 for generating x-ray mammography data, a mechanical scanner 20 including an x-ray mammography compression paddle assembly 22, a control and motion system 26, 28 for driving the mechanical scanner 20 and for sensing the control and motion system's position, an ultrasound probe 32 for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the x-ray mammography unit 24, and a computer 38 for generating from the ultrasound image data and the x-ray mammography data the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: A system for generating a three-dimensional image of the compressed breast 40 of a subject includes an x-ray mammography unit 24 for generating x-ray mammography data, a mechanical scanner 20 including an x-ray mammography compression paddle assembly 22, a control and motion system 26, 28 for driving the mechanical scanner 20 and for sensing the control and motion system's position, an ultrasound probe 32 for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the x-ray mammography unit 24, and a computer 38 for generating from the ultrasound image data and the x-ray mammography data the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: A system for generating a three-dimensional image of the compressed breast 40 of a subject includes an x-ray mammography unit 24 for generating x-ray mammography data, a mechanical scanner 20 including an x-ray mammography compression paddle assembly 22, a control and motion system 26, 28 for driving the mechanical scanner 20 and for sensing the control and motion system's position, an ultrasound probe 32 for generating ultrasound image data in spatial registration with the x-ray mammography unit 24, and a computer 38 for generating from the ultrasound image data and the x-ray mammography data the three-dimensional ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for ultrasound imaging at different frequencies using a single ultrasound transducer. The transducer has a single characteristic frequency. The method and apparatus involve driving the transducer with pulses having different rise times through different coupling circuits having different impedance characteristics. Between pulses, the same transducer and coupling circuit which were used during the pulse transmission "listen" for echoes from the structure being ultrasonically investigated. It is believed that the combination of different pulses having different rise times and different coupling circuits having different characteristics enhances different ones of the frequencies contained in the Fourier spectrum of the driving pulse and suppresses others. This enables the operator to investigate a structure ultrasonically with a single transducer at different frequencies which illuminate different characteristics of the structure to greatest advantage.

Abstract: A direct water coupling device for ultrasound scanning of the human breast in a supine position. A tank, which has an open top and an open bottom and has a bottom edge which is shaped so as to conform to the shape of a human body about the perimeter of the breast area, is placed in a sealed position about the breast while the patient is in a supine position. A strapping apparatus maintains the device in position while the tank is filled with water and the ultrasound scan is performed.