Abstract: Flow information (e.g., velocity and acceleration) and/or pressure gradient information are determined with ultrasound. Both velocity and acceleration are simultaneously estimated using a model and least squares analysis. Anti-aliasing of velocity information may be provided using the model and least squares analysis. Pressure gradient is calculated from velocity information automatically, more likely providing consistent measurements. Consistency may be increased further by automatically positioning a region of interest in either a multidimensional spatial image or a spatial-temporal image. A parametric image of pressure gradient for each spatial location within the image is generated as well as a delta pressure curve. Any single one or combinations of two or more of the features described above may be used.

Abstract: Multiple transducer layers are provided for one or more elements of a transducer array. One layer is used for imaging, and another layer is used for generating acoustic energy for other purposes. Since the two layers of an element are used for different purposes, separate cables are provided for transmitting different electrical signals. Alternatively, a switch or other mechanism is provided for sequentially routing different signals to the different layers. In another transducer, elements distributed along an azimuth dimension of the transducer array have different numbers of transducer layers. Elements associated with a fewer number of layers are used for higher frequency signals, and elements with a greater number of layers are used for lower frequency signals.

Abstract: A location within a volume is determined from medical images. A region of interest or other location is examined from two different viewing directions. The user or processor indicates the region or point of interest in each of the different images. The desired point or region within the three-dimensional volume is determined from the intersection of two lines, each line parallel to the viewing direction of a respective image and passing through the selected point or region of each image. The identified location within the volume is used for any of various purposes, such as for measurements associated with a distance between two points or selection of a region of interest including the selected point as part of a border or within the region.

Abstract: Flow is represented by a synthesized or artificial pattern. Motion is visualized by apparent displacement of pixels from one frame to the next. An artificial pattern is introduced in order to present the flow. A changing parameter, such as velocity, is viewed as a function of multiple images or over time. The rate of change of the parameter is proportional to the perceived or actual motion. Humans perceive flow as a live stream, such as tap water pouring from a faucet or a stream in a creek. Flow associated with medical imaging is presented in a similar way, such that a pattern or other flow information persists over multiple images. The flow is synthesized by generating patterns and moving the generated patterns in the field of view. The direction and rate of motion of the pattern are a function of the direction and rate of the flow.

Abstract: Human body structures, for example, of a fetus, are automatically measured using ultrasound by first using an ultrasonic transducer or prestored ultrasound scan to generate an image frame as a pattern of pixels. Each pixel has a brightness value corresponding to an echo signal from a corresponding portion of an interrogation region of the patient's body, which includes the body structure. The image frame is displayed on a screen and includes a structure frame portion that corresponds to the body structure. The user then designates a general geometry feature of the displayed body structure and at least one measurement parameter associated with the designated geometry feature. For curved, closed structures such as the head or abdomen, the measurement parameters may, for example, be the circumference or at least one diameter. For mainly straight structures such as the femur or humerus, the measurement parameter will normally be the end-to-end length.