Abstract: An image sensor includes a source configured to output ultrasound, a probe for emitting the ultrasound onto a scan area, the probe being moveable relative to at least two scan locations of the scan area such that the ultrasound will be focused on each of the at least two scan locations as the probe is moved relative to the scan area to provide an array of scanned images, an ultrasonic, two-dimensional array receiver configured to receive ultrasound reflected from each of the at least two scan locations, and a processing unit configured to generate, for a first of the scan locations, a two-dimensional image of the first scan location based on an intensity of the reflected ultrasound from the first scan location, and to generate an aggregate two-dimensional image for the first scan location which integrates plural two-dimensional images generated using reflected ultrasound of the at least two scan locations.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging arrangement is disclosed including a longitudinal axis defining an imaging path; a source transducer configured and arranged for producing a beam of acoustic energy, the source transducer comprising a piezoelectric polymer-based material, the source transducer disposed along the imaging path; and at least one sensor disposed along the imaging path, the sensor constructed and arranged to produce electrical signals in response to acoustic energy incident thereon. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging arrangement is disclosed including a longitudinal axis defining an imaging path; a source transducer configured and arranged for producing a beam of acoustic energy, the source transducer comprising a piezoelectric polymer-based material, the source transducer disposed along the imaging path; and at least one sensor disposed along the imaging path, the sensor constructed and arranged to produce electrical signals in response to acoustic energy incident thereon. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods to obtain an ultrasonic image of a large detection area are disclosed. A system includes a source of ultrasound generating ultrasonic energy and projecting the ultrasonic energy from a projecting end and an adapter interfaced to the projecting end and ultrasonically coupling the source of ultrasound to a first surface of the structure to be imaged at an adjustable angle of incidence. A method includes ultrasonically coupling a source of ultrasonic energy to a first surface of a structure to be imaged with an adapter, the adapter adjustable to a select a first angle of incidence and a second angle of incidence, projecting ultrasonic energy into the structure, and detecting a reflected acoustic energy from the structure with an ultrasound camera. A first angle of incidence is selected to introduce a longitudinal wave into the structure, and a second angle of incidence is selected to introduce a shear wave into the structure.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus combined with an x-ray imaging apparatus and/or an additional ultrasonic imaging apparatus performs ultrasonic sonography and/or x-ray imaging or multiple ultrasonic sonography to produce imagery that are spatially correlated. A holding means holds an object to be imaged in compression in an examination area. The x-ray source and the ultrasonic source are each relocatable from an inactive imaging position to an inactive non-imaging position. The x-ray image and ultrasonic sonography image are both taken in transmission and the resulting images contain a registry object to assist a user in spatially correlating the images. The speckle contained in the sonography image is reduced allowing for higher resolution of abnormalities in the tissue and improved concurrent biopsy procedures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus combined with an x-ray imaging apparatus and/or an additional ultrasonic imaging apparatus performs ultrasonic sonography and/or x-ray imaging or multiple ultrasonic sonography to produce imagery that are spatially correlated. A holding means holds an object to be imaged in compression in an examination area. The x-ray source and the ultrasonic source are each relocatable from an inactive imaging position to an inactive non-imaging position. The x-ray image and ultrasonic sonography image are both taken in transmission and the resulting images contain a registry object to assist a user in spatially correlating the images. The speckle contained in the sonography image is reduced allowing for higher resolution of abnormalities in the tissue and improved concurrent biopsy procedures.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed which can provide images of received acoustic energy. In one embodiment, a transducer emits an acoustic beam which is reflected off of an acoustic beam splitter onto a target. The acoustic beam then reflects off of the target and is received by a piezoelectric imaging array which converts the acoustic beam into electrical signals. In another embodiment, a transducer transmits an acoustic beam through a target before being received by the piezoelectric imaging array on the opposite side of the target. In both embodiments, an acoustic lens system is disposed between the target and the imaging array to permit the system to focus upon, and magnify, features of interest within the target.