Abstract: For volume ultrasound imaging, the view direction for rendering a volume image is used. In one approach, imaging parameters for acquiring the volume data prior to rendering are set based on the view direction. For the resolution example, the data for imaging is acquired with the resolution in a view plane greater than resolution along the ray tracing direction. In another approach, sets of data representing a volume are acquired or formed with different settings. The sets are weighted based on the view direction and combined. For the resolution example, an image rendered from the combined data may have greater resolution in the view plane where the set of data with greater resolution in that view plane is weighted more in the combination.

Abstract: For volume ultrasound imaging, the view direction for rendering a volume image is used. In one approach, imaging parameters for acquiring the volume data prior to rendering are set based on the view direction. For the resolution example, the data for imaging is acquired with the resolution in a view plane greater than resolution along the ray tracing direction. In another approach, sets of data representing a volume are acquired or formed with different settings. The sets are weighted based on the view direction and combined. For the resolution example, an image rendered from the combined data may have greater resolution in the view plane where the set of data with greater resolution in that view plane is weighted more in the combination.

Abstract: Transducer systems for mode dependent tuning and associated methods are provided. One or more tuning circuits are provided within a transducer probe. The tuning circuit is switchably connected to the transducer. By connecting or disconnecting the tuning circuit, the tuning for the transducer element is varied. Selective tuning of a medical ultrasound transducer allows different tuning for different modes of operation. For example, the frequency response of the transducer is varied between different modes of imaging, such as B-mode and flow-mode imaging. Higher frequency signals are used for higher resolution B-mode imaging, but a stronger response at lower frequency is desired for better penetration during flow-mode imaging and Doppler modes. Mode is used in a general sense, such as associated with an imaging mode as well as a type of operation (e.g. transmit mode versus receive mode operation).