Abstract: An ultrasonic material-evaluation or classification method using spectral and envelope-statistics variables from backscattered ultrasound echo signals using an adaptive-bandwidth and combined with global variables. This classification method can be applied to any organ or tissue among biological materials and any non-biological material that produces backscattered signals as a result of microscopic internal in homogeneities such as a crystalline structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic material-evaluation or classification method using spectral and envelope-statistics variables from backscattered ultrasound echo signals using an adaptive-bandwidth and combined with global variables. This classification method can be applied to any organ or tissue among biological materials and any non-biological material that produces backscattered signals as a result of microscopic internal in homogeneities such as a crystalline structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic material-evaluation or classification method using spectral and envelope-statistics variables from backscattered ultrasound echo signals combined with global variables. This classification method can be applied to any organ or tissue among biological materials and any non-biological material that produces backscattered signals as a result of microscopic internal inhomogeneities such as a crystalline structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and locating brachytherapy seeds using Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA). The method exploits the presence of seed-specific repetitive echo signals in detecting seeds and determining their location. Radio frequency (rf) echo signals received from a scanned area of interest are converted to zero-mean envelope-detected signals and then processed using SSA to produce a spectral-power line (a P line). The P line indicates the relative likelihood of a seed being present. A colored P-mode image derived from a set of P lines is superimposed on a conventional ultrasound B-mode image to depict seed location.

Abstract: A focused ultrasound beam is created using a probe having a curved linear array. The curved linear array is asymmetric and two dimensional comprising individual parallel circumferential, linear sub-arrays disposed at a distal end of a probe. A first sub-array is disposed proximate a distal end and a final sub-array is disposed proximate a proximal end with subsequent sub-arrays disposed between the first and final array. In practice, the first sub-array transmits a set of pulses of ultrasound radiation for a period of time then an adjacent array transmits a set of pulses of ultrasound radiation after a lag. The transmissions by each sub-array continue with a lag between each array transmission until the final sub-array transmits a final set of pulses of ultrasound radiation. The pulse is generated by each transmission is steered and focused depending on the phases and amplitudes of the pulses of ultrasound radiation transmitted by the full set of elements in the transmitting sub-arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting and locating brachytherapy seeds using Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA). The method exploits the presence of seed-specific repetitive echo signals in detecting seeds and determining their location. Radio frequency (rf) echo signals received from a scanned area of interest are converted to zero-mean envelope-detected signals and then processed using SSA to produce a spectral-power line (a P line). The P line indicates the relative likelihood of a seed being present. A colored P-mode image derived from a set of P lines is superimposed on a conventional ultrasound B-mode image to depict seed location.

Abstract: Improved methods of signal processing for generating estimates of tissue strain are presented. These techniques generally employ the frequency shifting of post-compression spectral data to determine a scaling factor which approximates the applied tissue strain. The scaling factor can be determined by finding the maximum correlation between the frequency shifted post-compression data to the pre-compression data and can also be determined by minimizing the variance of the ratio of such data. Correlation tracking and maximum correlation magnitude techniques for improving the results of elastography are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic elastography includes a housing, a moveable surface, and a transducer in ultrasonic communication with the moveable surface. A driver is arranged to mechanically move the moveable surface with respect to the housing. The housing can also be formed such that the moveable surface is a moveable exterior surface of the housing, such as a compliant membrane, which is moved in response to the driver to induce tissue compression. The housing may be arranged to be held in an operator's hand. Alternatively, the housing may be arranged for an insertion into an opening in a patient's body. The driver may move the transducer or moveable exterior surface in a cyclical manner at a low frequency.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Improved methods of signal processing for generating estimates of tissue strain are presented. These techniques generally employ the frequency shifting of post-compression spectral data to determine a scaling factor which approximates the applied tissue strain. The scaling factor can be determined by finding the maximum correlation between the frequency shifted post-compression data to the pre-compression data and can also be determined by minimizing the variance of the ratio of such data. Correlation tracking and maximum correlation magnitude techniques for improving the results of elastography are also presented.

Abstract: Methods for improving the availability of information derived from signals received from an object irradiated with coherent pulses of any form of radiation that exhibits a wave nature are disclosed. A method for reducing speckle derives separate component noncoherent signals from the received signals, and combines these separate noncoherent signals to form improved composite noncoherent signals. Weighting and processing of component signals can be applied as a function of time, frequency, and signal amplitude to optimize speckle reduction in all or a critical part of the signal by compensating for the range and frequency dependence of attenuation and the frequency dependence of scattering phenomena. In a method for enhancing resolution, separate component coherent signals are derived from the received signals, weighted and processed, and combined to form improved composite coherent signals; then noncoherent signals are derived from the improved composite coherent signals.

Abstract: Methods for improving the availability of information derived from signals received from an object irradiated with coherent pulses of any form of radiation that exhibits a wave nature are disclosed. A method for reducing speckle derives separate component noncoherent signals from the received signals, and combines these separate noncoherent signals to form improved composite noncoherent signals. Weighting and processing of component signals can be applied as a function of time, frequency, and signal amplitude to optimize speckle reduction in all or a critical part of the signal by compensating for the range and frequency dependence of attenuation and the frequency dependence of scattering phenomena. In a method for enhancing resolution, separate component coherent signals are derived from the received signals, weighted and processed, and combined to form improved composite coherent signals; then noncoherent signals are derived from the improved composite coherent signals.