Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for imaging of soft and hard tissues with ultrasound. Such systems and methods can provide for non-contact and quantitative ultrasound images of bone and soft tissue. A method for imaging a biological body segment of soft and hard tissues includes setting geometry and material properties according to a model of the biological body segment to thereby generate a simulated time series data set. The method further includes collecting reflective and transmissive time series data of the biological body segment to thereby form an experimental time series data set and minimizing a difference between the simulated time series data set and the experimental time series data set, thereby imaging the biological body segment. Regularizing travel-time and/or using full waveform tomographic techniques with level set methods enable recovery of cortical bone geometry.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining external shapes and internal tissue geometries, as well as tissue behaviors, of a biological body segment are provided. A device for three-dimensional imaging of a biological body segment includes a structure configured to receive the biological body segment, the structure including a first array of imaging devices disposed about a perimeter of the device to capture side images of the biological body segment and a second array of imaging devices disposed at an end of the device to capture images of a distal portion of the biological body segment. The second array has a generally axial viewing angle relative to the perimeter. A controller is configured to generate a three-dimensional reconstruction of the biological body segment based on cross-correlation of captured images from the first and second arrays.

Abstract: A system and method for image reconstruction for non-contact ultrasound is provided, where maps or ultrasound images of a subject may be generated without physically contacting the subject. Adjusting or optimizing the photoacoustic excitation system may be performed, such as with beam shaping, surface modifications, or closed-loop automated adjustments. 2D and/or 3D spatial locations of source and receiver laser spots may be used to provide a spatial reference location for ultrasound image reconstruction in a clinically efficacious manner. In addition, point tracking, surface profile characterization, laser adjustments, and/or surface enhancements may be used to facilitate image reconstruction of the subject.