Abstract: An medical diagnostic ultrasonic image processing method estimates motion between first and second composite ultrasonic images that include both B-mode and Color Doppler information. First and second B-mode images are extracted from the first and second composite ultrasonic images, respectively, and then motion is estimated between the first and second B-mode images. The estimated motion is then used to compose a multi-frame image using at least portions of the composite ultrasonic images or derivatives of the composite ultrasonic images, such as the B-mode images.

Abstract: An improved Doppler tissue imaging mode combines two Doppler image parameters developed as respective functions of receive signals acquired from a single firing event to generate a combined image parameter for display. In one example, the combined image parameter has a color hue that varies in a piecewise linear way with Doppler tissue velocity or Doppler tissue acceleration and a color value or intensity that varies linearly with Doppler tissue energy. Because the same firing events are used to develop both Doppler image parameters for a given region of tissue, high temporal and/or spatial resolution is made possible.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system generates a corrected Doppler energy signal as a function of both Doppler energy and Doppler velocity to correct for loss of sensitivity associated with the gradual roll off response characteristic of many clutter filters. Additionally, the corrected Doppler energy signal is generated as a function of Doppler variance to prevent enhancement of noisy samples.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system generates Doppler and B-mode image signals, and then uses a modulated, non-linear mapping function to combine the Doppler and B-mode image signals into an output signal. In another mode of operation the imaging system generates fundamental and harmonic frequency intensity values and maps these intensity values to display indicia, preferably with a modulated, non-linear mapping function.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system generates a legend on a display device. This legend includes at least two axes and an array of display indicia, and the indicia are responsive to a mapping function used to generate a displayed ultrasonic image as a modulated, non-linear, multi-bit function of at least first and second image signals. At least one of the axes of the legend varies as a function of a B-mode value range. Preferably, one axis of the legend varies as a function of a fundamental image signal, and the other axis varies as a function of a harmonic image signal. The imaging system can be controlled such that a B-mode processor automatically alternates between a fundamental mode of operation and a harmonic mode of operation on a line-by-line, group-of-lines by group-of-lines, or frame-by-frame basis.

Abstract: An improved Doppler tissue imaging mode combines two Doppler image parameters developed as respective functions of receive signals acquired from a single firing event to generate a combined image parameter for display. In one example, the combined image parameter has a color hue that varies in a piecewise linear way with Doppler tissue velocity or Doppler tissue acceleration and a color value or intensity that varies linearly with Doppler tissue energy. Because the same firing events are used to develop both Doppler image parameters for a given region of tissue, high temporal and/or spatial resolution is made possible.