Abstract: A method for providing operator control over a medical diagnostic device includes the steps of assigning each device function in a preselected device function set that implements a preselected medical diagnostic device to at least one function activation area on an image display. Subsequently, the method monitors a touchscreen for a touch, and determines a selected activation area based on the touch and the function activation area. Once the selected activation area is determined, the method performs a device function associated with the selected activation area.

Abstract: A method for providing operator control over a medical diagnostic device includes the steps of assigning each device function in a preselected device function set that implements a preselected medical diagnostic device to at least one function activation area on an image display. Subsequently, the method monitors a touchscreen for a touch, and determines a selected activation area based on the touch and the function activation area. Once the selected activation area is determined, the method performs a device function associated with the selected activation area.

Abstract: A method for multi-angle compound flow imaging includes the steps of receiving first and second (in general, N) ultrasound signal reflections from a target. Each ultrasound signal reflection is preferably oriented at a different angle. The method further includes evaluating a display decision algorithm based on the ultrasound signals to determine a display result and displaying the display result, for example, as an angiogram. An ultrasound medical diagnostic imaging device includes an ultrasound transducer for receiving a first and second (in general, N) ultrasound signal reflections from a target. Each ultrasound signal reflection is preferably oriented at a different angle. The device further includes a processor coupled to the ultrasound transducer for evaluating a display decision algorithm based on the ultrasound signals to determine a display result. A display coupled to the processor shows the display results, for example, as an angiogram.

Abstract: A system and method for accumulating ultrasound information from a region of interest during a storage period are disclosed. The accumulated ultrasound information is then processed during a post-storage operation to provide a number of various and selectable analysis and display modes. Ultrasound echo signal data comprising, for example, a complete set of raw RF signal samples (or the quadrature signals I & Q) are accumulated in a cinescan memory during a storage period for multiple range positions along one or more scan lines covering a region of interest. Line interleaving and multi-line acquisition techniques may be employed in data accumulation. The accumulated echo signal data is processed during a post-storage operation to provide a number of various and selectable analysis and display modes. During the post-storage playback operation, any known signal processing and data manipulation techniques, which have conventionally been carried out in real-time during a scanning session, may be employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a velocity spectrogram is described. The apparatus includes a transducer which is positionable within a vessel. The transducer receives a time-varying Doppler signal which contains information related to fluid velocity values within the vessel. A Fourier transformation device processes the time-varying Doppler signal to generate a sequence of spectra. Each spectrum corresponds to a segment of the time-varying Doppler signal and defines a set of velocities and their corresponding spectral values. A device is used to identify the instantaneous spectral peak velocity within each spectra. The peak velocity corresponds to the highest velocity within a spectra which has a spectral value above a defined threshold value which is related to the background noise level. The sequence of spectral peak velocities is plotted on a visual interface device to form an instantaneous spectral peak velocity waveform.

Abstract: Method for providing micro-miniature high efficiency ultrasonic transducer assembly having a diameter of 0.018 inches or less. A transducer is formed from a selected transducer material to provide a cylindrical transducer having front and back sides with a thickness which is one-half of the diameter of the transducer +/-5%. The frequency constant of the material is ascertained. The frequency of operation of the transducer is ascertained by dividing the frequency constant by the thickness of the transducer in mils. The transducer is mounted in a housing and leads are secured to the front and back sides of the transducer.

Abstract: Guidewire comprising a flexible elongate member having a distal extremity with an ultrasonic transducer secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The transducer has a diameter ranging from 0.007 inches to 0.018 inches and has a thickness and a diameter to provide a transducer having an aspect ratio with a thickness which is one-half of the diameter .+-.5%. Electrical leads are connected to the transducer and extend the length of the flexible elongate member.