Abstract: Methods and apparatus for 4D data acquisition and analysis in an ultrasound protocol examination are provided. The method includes acquiring 4D ultrasound scan data during a protocol based examination. The method further includes aligning images formed from the 4D ultrasound scan data while the 4D ultrasound scan data is being acquired to allow the automatic extraction of standard imaging projections.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically identifying image views in a three-dimensional dataset comprises accessing with a processor a three-dimensional dataset comprising a plurality of image frames and fitting with the processor at least one deformable model to at least one structure within each of the image frames. The method further comprises identifying with the processor at least one feature point within each of the image frames based on the at least one deformable model and displaying on a display at least one image view based on the at least one feature point.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically identifying image views in a three-dimensional dataset comprises accessing with a processor a three-dimensional dataset comprising a plurality of image frames and fitting with the processor at least one deformable model to at least one structure within each of the image frames. The method further comprises identifying with the processor at least one feature point within each of the image frames based on the at least one deformable model and displaying on a display at least one image view based on the at least one feature point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for 4D data acquisition and analysis in an ultrasound protocol examination are provided. The method includes acquiring 4D ultrasound scan data during a protocol based examination. The method further includes aligning images formed from the 4D ultrasound scan data while the 4D ultrasound scan data is being acquired to allow the automatic extraction of standard imaging projections.

Abstract: A protocol-based ultrasound method is provided. The ultrasound method provides a template comprised of cells. Each of the cells contain scan parameters defining a scan sequence for acquisition of ultrasound images along one or more scan planes through an object. Prior to scanning the object, parameter values for the scan parameters associated with cells in the template are entered to define the scan sequences along at least two scan planes. The object is scanned with an ultrasound probe to automatically and successively acquire ultrasound images along at least two scan planes based on the parameter values for the scan parameters in the cells. The method displays ultrasound images of an object that is changing states in accordance with a protocol. Each of the ultrasound images is acquired along a corresponding scan plane through the object. A collection of ultrasound images is provided. Each of the ultrasound images is acquired along an associated scan plane while the object is in an associated state.

Abstract: A system and a method for guiding and helping an ultrasound scanner user to acquire the correct projection/cut-plane when acquiring images of a physiological structure for comparison with previously acquired images. The ultrasound scanner screen area is divided in two parts, where one part is showing a reference image loop and the other part is showing the live image loop. The correct reference image loop is automatically retrieved from the image frame memory based on which cell in the stress protocol is active. The reference image loop is cycled with a speed which is automatically set by the software based on the current heart rate given by the live ECG acquisition. The display of the reference loop is “reset” (starting from the first image in the loop) at QRS trigger detection from the live ECG signal.