Abstract: The invention provides a method for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of intelligent peripheral (IPe) resources. In particular the present invention discloses a method of managing intelligent peripherals, where the IPC receives at least one request for an IPe service from at least one network element, determines necessary IPe resources to satisfy the request(s) and establishes at least-one connection between at least one intelligent peripheral and at least one network element based on the necessary resources.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for ultrasonically scanning a tissue volume are described, the apparatus being particularly advantageous in the context of freehand ultrasound assisted biopsy of the breast although readily applied to non-biopsy contexts and other body parts. The apparatus comprises a casing configured and dimensioned for single-handed manipulation relative to a surface of the tissue, and a texturably couplant-porous material sheet extending across an opening of the casing. The texturably couplant-porous material sheet has an outer side and an inner side relative to the casing, the outer side for compressively contacting the tissue surface. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer positioned against the inner side of the texturably couplant-porous material sheet and being mechanically translatable thereacross for volumetrically scanning the tissue volume therethrough.

Abstract: Versatile ultrasound scanning of a breast is described using an apparatus (1202) including a hand-manipulable compression/scanning assembly (1208). The compression/scanning assembly (1208) comprises an ultrasound transducer (1304) and a compressive member comprising an at least partially conformable membrane (1218) in a substantially taut state, the membrane (1218) having a first surface compressing the breast in a generally chestward direction and a second surface opposite the first surface. The compression/scanning assembly (1208) further comprises a transducer translation mechanism coupled to the ultrasound transducer (1304) and configured to sweep the ultrasound transducer across the second surface of the membrane to scan the breast while compressed in the generally chestward direction. Systemized and/or standardized ultrasonic scanning of a breast based on hand-manipulable scanners (1208, 1508) having substantially planar scanning surfaces is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for scanning a breast are described, the apparatus comprising a frame defining an orifice shaped to allow the breast to be received therein, a compressive member secured to the frame across the orifice that compresses the received breast toward the patient's chest wall, and a transducer positioned in acoustic communication with the compressive member for imaging the breast therethrough. The frame holds a reservoir of acoustically conductive fluid that maintains the transducer in acoustic communication with the compressive member. In different preferred embodiments having different advantages, the compressive member comprises a flexible elastic membrane, a flexible inelastic membrane, or a rigid sonolucent plastic preformed into the shape of a chestwardly-compressed breast.

Abstract: Acquiring, processing and presenting breast ultrasound information to a user is described. Breast tissue is scanned with an ultrasonic transducer array to generate sonographic image information of the tissue in multiple angles using beamsteering techniques. Sonographic image information is stored in a storage system. One or more image selection buttons are provided that allow the viewer to select which angle or compound image should be displayed. In response to user input, sonographic images are displayed in the desired views, thereby facilitating analysis of the patient's breast tissue by the user. The sonographic image information can be processed real-time, in response to and according to user input. Image selection buttons are described which can soft buttons displayed to the user. The appearance of the soft button can change to indicate the type of image being displayed.

Abstract: Method and related apparatuses are described for performing automated ultrasound mammography with reduced nipple shadow effects. The breast is compressed in a direction generally toward the chest wall of the patient with one side of a compressive member which is preferably a membrane. The breast is scanned with an ultrasonic transducer array positioned in acoustic communication with the other side of the membrane. Beamsteering is used. The signals from the beamsteered energy are combined to generate one or more compound images having a reduced nipple shadow effect. An acoustic couplant is preferably applied between the breast and the membrane. The images of the sub-nipple region are also preferably enhanced by making comparisons with reference areas of the breast in areas away from the nipple shadow effected area. The images are preferably displayed to a user, either automatically or upon receiving a preference from the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for facilitating volumetric ultrasonic scanning of a breast are described. In one preferred embodiment, a generally cone-shaped radial scanning template having a vertex and a wide opening angle is provided, the radial scanning template having a slot-like opening extending outward from the vertex through which an ultrasound transducer scans the breast as the radial scanning template is rotated. In another preferred embodiment, a flexible membrane for compressing a skin surface of the breast is provided, the flexible membrane being mounted on a mechanical assembly such as a roller assembly to form a slot-like opening through which an ultrasound transducer directly contacts the skin surface, the flexible membrane rising and falling relative to the skin surface but not moving laterally as the slot-like opening and ultrasound transducer move laterally across the compressed breast, whereby stabilization of the breast and direct transducer-skin contact are concurrently achieved.

Abstract: Navigation among breast ultrasound volumes derived from different volumetric ultrasonic scans of a same breast is described. On a display of a breast ultrasound workstation, a first image derived from a first ultrasonic volume is displayed. A user selection of a source region of interest (ROI) in the first image is received. A destination ROI within a second ultrasonic volume is identified that at least roughly corresponds to a same locality of tissue in the breast as the source ROI. A second image derived from the second ultrasonic volume and including the destination ROI is displayed, the destination ROI being highlighted.

Abstract: Displaying breast ultrasound information on an interactive user interface is described, the user interface being useful in adjunctive ultrasound mammography environments and/or ultrasound-only mammography environments. Bilateral comparison is facilitated by a pairwise display of thick-slice images corresponding to analogous slab-like subvolumes in the left and right breasts. Coronal thick-slice imaging and convenient navigation on and among coronal thick-slice images is described. In one preferred embodiment, a nipple marker is displayed the coronal thick-slice image representing a projection of a nipple location thereupon. A convenient breast icon is also displayed including a cursor position indicator variably disposed thereon in a manner that reflects a relative position between the cursor and the nipple marker. Preferably, the breast icon is configured to at least roughly resemble a clock face, the center of the clock face representing the nipple marker location.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for the use of an Intelligent Peripheral Concentrator (IPC) in a network that enables more efficient use of Ipe resources. In a first embodiment the IPC receives at least one request from at least one network element, determines necessary resources according to the request(s) and establishes a connection with an intelligent peripheral based on the necessary resources. A second embodiment is a concentrator for connecting intelligent peripherals to a network, having a connection point for connecting an intelligent peripheral, a connection point for connecting to a network and a switch for directing information from the network to the intelligent peripheral. A third embodiment is a system for utilizing intelligent peripherals having a device connected to a first switch, the first switch connected to a second switch, an intelligent peripheral concentrator connected to the first switch and the intelligent peripheral connected to the intelligent peripheral concentrator.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a technique for providing Class-of-Service Routing in an ATM network (10) that utilizes the Private Network-Network Interface (PNNI) protocol. An originating node seeking to route a call to a terminating node does so by initially determining the class-of-service and then selecting a shortest length path there-between. Each successive link on the selected path is examined for sufficient available bandwidth and available depth (i.e., bandwidth not reserved for other services) for the Class-of-Service of the call. If every link possesses sufficient available bandwidth, then the call passes on the selected path. Otherwise, should a link on the selected path lack sufficient bandwidth and available depth, then a crankback message is sent to the originating node, and the originating node selects the next shortest path. Thereafter, the process of examining each link for sufficient bandwidth is repeated. If no path is found, the call is ultimately blocked.

Abstract: This invention provides a telecommunications routing system and method that allows a switch (e.g., an intelligent peripheral) to control the routing to a special applications device, which results in savings of time, cost and capacity throughout the entire network. Control of the routing lies within the Service Switching Point (SSP) which reduces the need to requery a Service Control Point (SCP) in error situations. This invention incorporates into the SSP a remote IP routing table containing routing instructions for IPs. The SSP will know if an alternate route is possible, based on the error from the IP. The SSP will have a rudimentary intelligence about routing which allows it to reroute when necessary, without requerying back to the SCP. The remote IP routing table will also allow the SSP to route to a successive IP if the local IP, although operative, cannot process the request.

Abstract: The priority of the flow of packets representing calls or other connection requests within a packet network (10) is determined from the Class-of-Service of the call. Upon receipt of a call, a recipient router (121, 122, 123) identifies available paths, typically by exchanging messages with the other routers in the network. After selecting the path, the recipient router or centralized bandwidth broker determines whether the links comprising the selected path have available bandwidth for the class of service of the call. If so, the router routes the call to the next hop along the path. Otherwise, the router selects another path(s) and checks whether the links on the path possess sufficient bandwidth for the class of service of the call.

Abstract: A multiplane transesophageal probe (20) includes a transducer (28) and a handle (30). The handle incorporates a control (40) mounting switches (51-58). The switches and control panel are covered with foil (43). A seal (70) couples the control panel and foil to the handle.

Abstract: An originating switch (110) in a packet-based telecommunications network (100) routes calls to a terminating switch using the combination of Success-to-the Top (STT) and Class-of-Service criterion. In routing a call to the terminating switch, the originating switch 110 checks for available bandwidth for the class of service of the call on the direct path (116) between switches. If the path has available bandwidth, the originating switch routes on the direct path. Otherwise, the originating switch searches for the most recently successful one of a plurality the via switches (1181-118n) linking the originating and terminating switches to determine whether that via switch can successfully route the call to the terminating switch. If the most recently successful one of the via switches possesses available bandwidth to route the call in accordance with its class of service, the originating switch 110 selects that via switch to route the call.

Abstract: G.E. DOCKET NUMBER 15-DS-00536A system and method for measuring a position of an imaging element located within a scanhead of an imaging probe, such as transesophageal ultrasound probe, is provided. The imaging probe may be used in a medical imaging system and/or a three-dimensional imaging system. The probe includes an articulating portion having a scanhead. The scanhead includes an imaging element, such as a transducer, and a position sensor positioned within the scanhead. Preferably, the position sensor is connected to the imaging element via an axle. Therefore, the rotation of the position sensor is synchronized to the rotation of the imaging element. The location of the position sensor within the imaging element provides accurate measurement of the position of the imaging element. The position sensor preferably includes a code disk having apertures and a system of light emitters and detectors.

Abstract: A transesophageal ultrasound probe allowing for scan-plane rotation comprises an endoscope with a probe head connected to the distal end of the endoscope. A transducer is secured to the probe head. A transfer mechanism is connected to the transducer. A motor at the distal end of the endoscope is connected to the transfer mechanism. Finally, an electrical wire is connected to the motor. The transesophageal ultrasound probe uses a motor in the tip of the transesophageal ultrasound probe for scan-plane rotation.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a position of an imaging element located within a scanhead of an imaging probe, such as transesophageal ultrasound probe, is provided. The imaging probe may be used in a medical imaging system and/or a three-dimensional imaging system. The probe includes an articulating portion having a scanhead. The scanhead includes an imaging element, such as a transducer, and a position sensor positioned within the scanhead. Preferably, the position sensor is connected to the imaging element via an axle. Therefore, the rotation of the position sensor is synchronized to the rotation of the imaging element. The location of the position sensor within the imaging element provides accurate measurement of the position of the imaging element. The position sensor preferably includes a code disk having apertures and a system of light emitters and detectors.

Abstract: A multiplane transesophageal probe (20) includes a transducer (28) and a handle (30). The handle incorporates a control (40) mounting switches (51-58). The switches and control panel are covered with foil (43). A seal (70) couples the control panel and foil to the handle.

Abstract: The routing of calls in a telecommunications switching system (12.sub.1, 12.sub.2) comprised of one or more fabrics (22.sub.1, 22.sub.2, 22.sub.3) controlled by corresponding fabric controllers (26.sub.1,26.sub.2 and 26.sub.3, respectively) is carried out by a routing processor (28) independent of the fabrics. The routing processor actually selects the route for each call by specifying a channel to a neighboring switching system to carry the call. Further, the routing processor has the capability to respond to queries from other switching systems regarding trunk group status and traffic load to enable the processor to assist the routing processor of the other switching system to make routing decisions. By implementing fabric independent routing, routing processing is re-used for new fabric capacity, and is readily extended to accommodate new service types, such as bursty data services.