Abstract: Ultrasound image recognition systems and methods, and artificial intelligence training networks for such systems and methods, are provided. An ultrasound data information system includes an ultrasound image recognition training network that is configured to receive ultrasound training images and to develop ultrasound image knowledge based on the received ultrasound training images. An ultrasound imaging device acquires ultrasound images of a patient, and the device includes an ultrasound image recognition module. The ultrasound image recognition module is configured to receive the ultrasound image knowledge, receive the acquired ultrasound images from the ultrasound imaging device, and determine, based on the ultrasound image knowledge, whether the received ultrasound images represent a clinically desirable view of an organ or whether the clinically desirable views indicate normal function or a particular pathology.

Abstract: Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes accepting a definition of at least one of a sagittal plane, a transverse plane, and a coronal plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an ultrasound image at the coronal plane of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the accepted definition of at least one of the sagittal plane, the transverse plane, and the coronal plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods which operate to identify interventional instruments and/or other objects in images are shown. Embodiments operate to extract relevant information regarding interventional instruments from a multi-dimensional volume for presenting the information to a user in near real-time with little or no user interaction. Objects may be identified by segmenting a multi-dimensional volume, identifying a putative object of interest in multiple multi-dimensional volume segments, and determining a position of the object of interest within the multi-dimensional volume using the putative object of interest segment identifications. Identification of objects of interest according to embodiments may be utilized to determine an image plane for use in displaying the objects within a generated image, to track the objects within the multi-dimensional volume, etc., such as for medical examination, interventional procedures, diagnosis, treatment, and/or the like.

Abstract: Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes receiving an input defining at least one of an A-plane, a B-plane, and a C-plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an additional ultrasound image along a plane orthogonal to the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the input defining at least one of the A-plane, the B-plane, and the C-plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement a plurality of different imaging signatures in generating an image frame are shown. A first imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to subsurface regions of living tissue, for example, whereas a second imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to interventional instruments inserted into living tissue at a steep angle. Image sub-frames generated using each such different imaging signature are blended to form a frame of the final image providing a relatively high quality image of various objects within the volume being imaged.

Abstract: A progressive beamformer in an imaging system includes a number of stages. A first stage delays and combines a number of received data streams to align the streams to a point of interest on a first beamline. The first stage feeds a number of subsequent stages that operate to buffer and re-delay at least a portion of the data streams received from a previous stage in order to align the data streams to a point of interest on a new beamline. In one embodiment, each stage operates to reduce the number of data streams that are passed to a subsequent stage without suffering from grating lobes. A beam reclamation process includes a number of stages that receive data streams from end elements in order to produce reclaimed beams that are added to beamline produced in a mainline beamforming process in order to produce output beamlines.

Abstract: A progressive beamformer in an imaging system includes a number of stages. A first stage delays and combines a number of received data streams to align the streams to a point of interest on a first beamline. The first stage feeds a number of subsequent stages that operate to buffer and re-delay at least a portion of the data streams received from a previous stage in order to align the data streams to a point of interest on a new beamline. In one embodiment, each stage operates to reduce the number of data streams that are passed to a subsequent stage without suffering from grating lobes. A beam reclamation process includes a number of stages that receive data streams from end elements in order to produce reclaimed beams that are added to beamline produced in a mainline beamforming process in order to produce output beamlines.

Abstract: Systems and methods which operate to identify interventional instruments and/or other objects in images are shown. Embodiments operate to extract relevant information regarding interventional instruments from a multi-dimensional volume for presenting the information to a user in near real-time with little or no user interaction. Objects may be identified by segmenting a multi-dimensional volume, identifying a putative object of interest in multiple multi-dimensional volume segments, and determining a position of the object of interest within the multi-dimensional volume using the putative object of interest segment identifications. Identification of objects of interest according to embodiments may be utilized to determine an image plane for use in displaying the objects within a generated image, to track the objects within the multi-dimensional volume, etc., such as for medical examination, interventional procedures, diagnosis, treatment, and/or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods which operate to identify interventional instruments and/or other objects in images are shown. Embodiments operate to extract relevant information regarding interventional instruments from a multi-dimensional volume for presenting the information to a user in near real-time with little or no user interaction. Objects may be identified by segmenting a multi-dimensional volume, identifying a putative object of interest in multiple multi-dimensional volume segments, and determining a position of the object of interest within the multi-dimensional volume using the putative object of interest segment identifications. Identification of objects of interest according to embodiments may be utilized to determine an image plane for use in displaying the objects within a generated image, to track the objects within the multi-dimensional volume, etc., such as for medical examination, interventional procedures, diagnosis treatment, and/or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement a plurality of different imaging signatures in generating an image frame are shown. A first imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to subsurface regions of living tissue, for example, whereas a second imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to interventional instruments inserted into living tissue at a steep angle. Image sub-frames generated using each such different imaging signature are blended to form a frame of the final image providing a relatively high quality image of various objects within the volume being imaged.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable ultrasound device to display digital video information from a video camera includes loading instructions into a memory of the device that configures processor electronics to process digital video signals. When a request for the video is received, the ultrasound device can ready itself to receive digital video information and display an image at a display of the ultrasound device based at least in part on the video information. In one embodiment, the video modality is enabled when the portable ultrasound device detects that the digital camera device has been connected to a port.

Abstract: A progressive beamformer in an imaging system includes a number of stages. A first stage delays and combines a number of received data streams to align the streams to a point of interest on a first beamline. The first stage feeds a number of subsequent stages that operate to buffer and re-delay at least a portion of the data streams received from a previous stage in order to align the data streams to a point of interest on a new beamline. In one embodiment, each stage operates to reduce the number of data streams that are passed to a subsequent stage without suffering from grating lobes. A beam reclamation process includes a number of stages that receive data streams from end elements in order to produce reclaimed beams that are added to beamline produced in a mainline beamforming process in order to produce output beamlines.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide volume imaging by implementing survey and target imaging modes are shown. According to embodiments, a survey imaging mode is implemented to provide a volume image of a relatively large survey area. A target of interest is preferably identified within the survey area for use in a target imaging mode. Embodiments implement a target imaging mode to provide a volume image of a relatively small target area corresponding to the identified target of interest. The target imaging mode preferably adapts the beamforming, volume field of view, and/or other signal and image processing algorithms to the target area. In operation according to embodiments, the target imaging mode provides a volume image of a target area with improved volume rate and image quality.

Abstract: Rendering quality parameter values are automatically set or adjusted as a function of acquisition ultrasound parameter values. The rendering quality is automatically selected based on the acquisition quality, such as providing for a higher quality or quality rendering for slower acquisitions. More than two rendering states are provided for a respective, more than two different quality settings.

Abstract: Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes receiving an input defining at least one of an A-plane, a B-plane, and a C-plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an additional ultrasound image along a plane orthogonal to the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the input defining at least one of the A-plane, the B-plane, and the C-plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide volume imaging by implementing survey and target imaging modes are shown. According to embodiments, a survey imaging mode is implemented to provide a volume image of a relatively large survey area. A target of interest is preferably identified within the survey area for use in a target imaging mode. Embodiments implement a target imaging mode to provide a volume image of a relatively small target area corresponding to the identified target of interest. The target imaging mode preferably adapts the beamforming, volume field of view, and/or other signal and image processing algorithms to the target area. In operation according to embodiments, the target imaging mode provides a volume image of a target area with improved volume rate and image quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide volume imaging by implementing survey and target imaging modes are shown. According to embodiments, a survey imaging mode is implemented to provide a volume image of a relatively large survey area. A target of interest is preferably identified within the survey area for use in a target imaging mode. Embodiments implement a target imaging mode to provide a volume image of a relatively small target area corresponding to the identified target of interest. The target imaging mode preferably adapts the beamforming, volume field of view, and/or other signal and image processing algorithms to the target area. In operation according to embodiments, the target imaging mode provides a volume image of a target area with improved volume rate and image quality.

Abstract: Systems and methods which implement a plurality of different imaging signatures in generating an image frame are shown. A first imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to subsurface regions of living tissue, for example, whereas a second imaging signature may be configured for providing relatively high quality images with respect to interventional instruments inserted into living tissue at a steep angle. Image sub-frames generated using each such different imaging signature are blended to form a frame of the final image providing a relatively high quality image of various objects within the volume being imaged.

Abstract: Systems and methods which facilitate the correct placement of an instrument internal to an object aided by an overlay superimposed on an image are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments facilitate placement of a needle tip within a patient's body using on overlay superimposed on a sonographic image. A superimposed overlay of embodiments is created by monitoring a fixed point of an external portion of the instrument in relation to an imaging transducer. Superimposed overlays provided according to embodiments provide one or more graphical target designator and one or more graphical instrument designator which, when controlled to be disposed in a predetermined position, indicate proper placement of the instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide volume imaging by implementing survey and target imaging modes are shown. According to embodiments, a survey imaging mode is implemented to provide a volume image of a relatively large survey area. A target of interest is preferably identified within the survey area for use in a target imaging mode. Embodiments implement a target imaging mode to provide a volume image of a relatively small target area corresponding to the identified target of interest. The target imaging mode preferably adapts the beamforming, volume field of view, and/or other signal and image processing algorithms to the target area. In operation according to embodiments, the target imaging mode provides a volume image of a target area with improved volume rate and image quality.