Abstract: A system and method for controlling a medical device is provided such as a medical imaging device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention receives a verbal command for assigning a function of a medical imaging device from an operator. An additional verbal command from the operator assigns an input device to control the function of the selected medical imaging device. A system control and speech recognition processor then assigns the function specified by the verbal command to the input device selected by the additional verbal command. After the function of the medical device is assigned to the input device, the operator may control the selected function of the medical device with the selected input device. The system and method provides for the unobtrusive and hands-free control of discreet and continuous functions of a medical imaging device.

Abstract: A switched router for transmitting packetized data concurrently between a plurality of devices coupled to the switched router. The devices are coupled to the I/O ports of the switched router. The switched router is then programmed to route packets of data from various source ports to several destination ports. Different packets may be transmitted concurrently through the switched router. The packets are comprised of a command word containing information corresponding to packet routing, data format, size, and transaction identification. Furthermore, the command word may include a destination identification number for routing the packet to a destination device, a source identification number used by a destination device to send back responses, a transaction number to tag requests that require a response, and a packet type value indicating a particular type of packet.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system and method includes a processing sub-system having a plurality of processors and a processor memory system. A scalable network is operable to couple the processing sub-system to an input/output (I/O) sub-system. The I/O sub-system includes a plurality of I/O interfaces. Each I/O interface has a local cache and is operable to couple a peripheral device to the multiprocessor system and to store copies of data from the processor memory system in the local cache for use by the peripheral device. A coherence domain for the multiprocessor system includes the processors and processor memory system of the processing sub-system and the local caches of the I/O sub-system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in an ultrasound imaging system is disclosed that enhances the contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio of contrast imaging using stepped-chirp waveforms. The first waveform component is employed with a first frequency optimized to initiate the bubble dynamics and the second waveform component is employed with a second frequency optimized to produce an enhanced bubble nonlinear response. The first waveform component and the at least a second waveform component are transmitted as a single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. At least one of a center frequency, an amplitude, a starting phase, and a bandwidth of the waveform components are adjusted to generate the single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. A relative phase, a switch time, and a time delay between the waveform components are also adjusted for maximal enhancement of bubble nonlinear response.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system and method includes a processing sub-system including a plurality of processors and a processor memory system. A network is operable to couple the processing sub-system to an input/output (I/O) sub-system. The I/O sub-system includes a plurality of I/O interfaces each operable to couple a peripheral device to the multiprocessor system. The I/O interfaces each include a local memory operable to store a copy of data from the processor memory system for use by a corresponding peripheral device and to delete the copy at a first time event. A directory for the processor is operable to identify the data as owned upon providing the copy to the I/O sub-system and to identify the data as unowned at a second time event.

Abstract: Switches are used to serially isolate connectors for peripheral devices on a bus. Bus speed is selected based on the number of peripheral devices coupled to the bus via the connectors. Switches are used in the bus to provide selected isolation of the connectors. In one embodiment, the bus is able to operate at higher speeds when fewer connectors are on the bus. A method of configuring the bus determines how many devices are coupled to connectors on the bus. Portions of the bus not having devices coupled to connectors are isolated by controlling the switches between on and off states.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system and method includes a processing sub-system including a plurality of processors in a processor memory system. A network is operable to couple the processing sub-system to an input/output (I/O) sub-system. The I/O sub-system includes a plurality of I/O interfaces each operable to couple a peripheral device to the multiprocessor system. The I/O interfaces each include a local memory operable to store exclusive read-only copies of data from the processor memory system for use by a corresponding peripheral device.

Abstract: An ultrasound breast imaging assembly includes first and second compression plates angled with respect to one another, a breast compression area defined between the first and second compression plates, at least one pivot assembly, and an ultrasound probe. The pivot assembly allows relative motion between the first and second compression plates. The ultrasound probe, which is configured to translate over one of the first and second compression plates, includes an active matrix array (AMA) positioned on one of the first and second compression plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in an ultrasound imaging system is disclosed that enhances the contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio of contrast imaging using stepped-chirp waveforms. The first waveform component is employed with a first frequency optimized to initiate the bubble dynamics and the second waveform component is employed with a second frequency optimized to produce an enhanced bubble nonlinear response. The first waveform component and the at least a second waveform component are transmitted as a single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. At least one of a center frequency, an amplitude, a starting phase, and a bandwidth of the waveform components are adjusted to generate the single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. A relative phase, a switch time, and a time delay between the waveform components are also adjusted for maximal enhancement of bubble nonlinear response.

Abstract: A novel packet switched routing architecture for establishing multiple, concurrent communications between a plurality of devices. Any number of devices are coupled to a central packet switched router via links. Due to the nature of these tightly coupled links, high data rates can be achieved between devices and the packet switched router with minimal pins. Any device can communicate to any other device via the packet switched router. The packet switched router has the capability of establishing multiple communication paths at the same time. Hence, multiple communications can occur simultaneously, thereby significantly increasing the overall system bandwidth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of information (e.g., graphics primitives, display data, etc.) to an input/output unit within a computer controlled graphics system. The system includes a processor having a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer, a separate input/output unit with its FIFO buffer, and a number of intermediate devices (with FIFO buffers) coupled between the input/output unit and the processor for moving input/output data from the processor to the input/output unit. Mechanisms are placed within an intermediate device which maintain an accounting of the number of input/output data sent to the input/output unit, but not yet cleared from the input/output unit's buffer. These mechanisms regulate data flow to the input/output unit. The system also includes an efficient return channel to minimizine the amount of data transfer bandwidth required in returning status information on the FIFO buffer of the input/output unit.

Abstract: Switches are used to serially isolate connectors for peripheral devices on a bus. Bus speed is selected based on the number of peripheral devices coupled to the bus via the connectors. Switches are used in the bus to provide selected isolation of the connectors. In one embodiment, the bus is able to operate at higher speeds when fewer connectors are on the bus. A method of configuring the bus determines how many devices are coupled to connectors on the bus. Portions of the bus not having devices coupled to connectors are isolated by controlling the switches between on and off states.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optimizing operating parameters in an ultrasound imaging system in response to the occurrence of predetermined changes in the pixel intensity histogram of successive image frames. In the method, changes in the pixel intensity histogram of successive image frames are monitored and when the detected changes indicate probe movement, re-optimization of the operating parameters is automatically triggered. In the course of re-optimization, mapping, compression, scaling or beamforming parameters can be adjusted based on pixel intensity histogram characteristics determined by the system computer.

Abstract: A data synchronizer (60) receives a data ready signal (40) at a selector (82). The selector (82) selects either the data ready signal (40) or a delayed version of the data ready signal (40) in response to a speed select signal (88) determined according to a clock speed of a receive core clock (52). The selector (82) provides a select signal (92) to a first latch unit (94) and a second latch unit (96). The first latch unit (94) generates a latched select signal (A) that is provided as a receive data valid signal (48) by a signal generator (108) in response to a slow clock rate for the receive core clock (52). The second latch unit (96) generates a delayed select signal (B) that is used by the signal generator (108) to remove an extra width inserted into the latched select signal (A) prior to providing the receive data valid signal (48) in response to a fast clock rate for the receive core clock (52).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a medical device is provided such as a medical imaging device. The preferred embodiment of the present invention receives a verbal command for assigning a function of a medical imaging device from an operator. An additional verbal command from the operator assigns an input device to control the function of the selected medical imaging device. A system control and voice recognition processor then assigns the function specified by the verbal command to the input device selected by the additional verbal command. After the function of the medical device is assigned to the input device, the operator may control the selected function of the medical device with the selected input device. The system and method provides for the unobtrusive and hands-free control of discreet and continuous functions of a medical imaging device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for correcting refraction delay errors on curved probes for all ranges using cordic rotation. The angle &phgr; from the normal of an element to the focus is determined as a function of the angle of cordic rotation. Then a delay error correction is indexed using this angle &phgr;. The angular correction method is efficient in that it uses the inherent property of cordic rotation to calculate the only range-dependent variable required for the correction. Thus the additional hardware required to calculate the corrections is minimal, as the remaining correction variables are vector and range independent.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for correcting refraction delay errors on curved probes for all ranges using cordic rotation. The angle &phgr; from the normal of an element to the focus is determined as a function of the angle of cordic rotation. Then a delay error correction is indexed using this angle &phgr;. The angular correction method is efficient in that it uses the inherent property of cordic rotation to calculate the only range-dependent variable required for the correction. Thus the additional hardware required to calculate the corrections is minimal, as the remaining correction variables are vector and range independent.

Abstract: An ultrasound system (1) acquires data using a gray scale mode of operation and a color flow mode of operation. A transducer (10) generates receive signals in response to echo ultrasound waves received from a subject (S) being studied. A gray scale receive channel (9G) generates gray scale data representing movement of portions of the subject, in particular that of blood flow or contrast agents in blood or tissue. A color flow receive channel (9C) generates color flow data (e.g., either power data or velocity data) also representing movement of portions of the subject. A processor (30) combines the gray scale flow data with the color flow data and displays the result on a display monitor (19) such that moving portions of the subject are displayed with a colored gray scale image.

Abstract: A bridge device (12) in a computer system interconnects with peripheral component interconnect (PCI) devices (14) over a PCI bus (16). The bridge device (12) includes a plurality of read response buffers (10) to provide data to the PCI devices (14). Each of the read response buffers (10) has a plurality of counters/registers (22) associated therewith. The counters/registers (22) measure various parameters associated with the request and retrieval of requested data and speculative data through the read response buffers (10). In response to the parameters measured by the counters/registers (22), the read response buffers (10) can be optimally allocated among the PCI devices (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides speech and audio user-computer interface mechanisms for accessing and editing information in electronic records. A mechanism is provided by which the user can direct inputs to any of a variety of fields without following a predetermined order of input. This allows the user to be proactive in making entries rather than simply reacting to requirements set by computer-generated prompts. Audio is provided as feedback to the user, not as a fixed path prompt for the user. This feedback can be in the form of non-verbal auditory signals or synthesized speech. The invention uses audio to inform the user of whether or not the system understood the spoken words or phrases as valid inputs to the electronic record, what the system recognized as the input, and to identify the contents of various fields in the electronic record.