Abstract: An ultrasound system uses image recognition to characterize the anatomy being imaged, then considers an identified anatomical characteristic when setting the level or limit of acoustic output of an ultrasound probe. Alternatively, instead of automatically setting the acoustic output level or limit, the system can alert the clinician that a change in operating levels or conditions would be prudent for the present exam. In these ways, the clinician is able to maximize the signal-to-noise level in the images for clearer, more images while maintaining a safe level of acoustic output for patient safety.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing speckle while maintaining frame rate are disclosed. Multiple sub-images associated with different receive angles are acquired for a single transmit/receive event at an observation angle. The sub-images are compounded to generate a final image with reduced speckle. In some examples, multiple sub-images from multiple transmit/receive events are compounded to generate the final image. The observation angle and/or the receive angles may vary between transmit/receive events in some examples.