Abstract: A wearable breast tissue examination device including a support element adapted to fit over at least a portion of a breast of the wearer. The support element has a shell, a measurement apparatus including at least two mutually opposed ultrasound transducer arrays disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the shell and at least one bladder element disposed in the shell that is configured to orient the wearer's breast properly for examination. The wearable device may also include means for operatively connecting the two mutually opposed transducer arrays to a transducer driver, and means for holding the support element on the wearer during use.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: A 3-D region of interest (ROI) of a body is imaged, preferably using an ultrasound transducer. The intensity of an echo signal from each of a pattern of pixels within the ROI is measured and stored. The pixels are then grouped into pixel blocks, and the intensity values for the pixels in each sequentially selected current block are compiled in a current histogram. Each current histogram is compared with a reference histogram that corresponds to the distribution of echo signal intensities in a known region of speckle. A structure likelihood value is then computed based on the comparison, where the structure likelihood value indicates how likely it is that the current block corresponds to a structure of interest as opposed to noise. The intensity value for any pixel likely to be noise is preferably scaled down. The scaled intensity values are then projected, preferably using a maximum intensity projection, onto a 2-D display plane, a representation of which is then displayed for a user to see.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and an ultrasonic image processing apparatus in which a three-dimensional region of interest (ROI) is clearly displayed by using a two-dimensional image while taking an advantage of a system for acquiring and displaying image data in a three-dimensional manner, and further, a three-dimensional position is set simply. This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a 2D array probe for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave for a diagnosis site of a patient's body in a three-dimensional manner, thereby obtaining a receiving signal; a apparatus main body for generating a three-dimensional image of a diagnosis site based on the thus obtained receiving signal; and a monitor for displaying a three-dimensional image thereof.

Abstract: A method for modeling an internal object of a human body includes the step of obtaining the original three-dimensional volume data of the internal object of a human body utilizing an ultrasonic imaging device. Thereafter, a desired area of the obtained original three-dimensional volume data is selected and the image quality of the desired area is enhanced. The desired area of the three-dimensional volume data is transformed into a fair shape data. The fair shape data is decimated while a modeled shape is maintained. Finally, a three-dimensional model is shaped using decimated shape data.

Abstract: An acoustoelectronic method and apparatus for generating real-time three-dimensional images of an object and characterizing such object are provided. The object is insonified with an incident acoustic signal derived from an electrical signal. Acoustic signals scattered from the object are collected by an acoustic receiver, which generates analog electrical signals that are subsequently converted to digital electronic signals. The digital electronic signals are used in both direct-imaging and holographic methods to produce a three-dimensional representation of the object from which images and characterizations can be generated.

Abstract: Multiline acquisition is used to acquire groups of beams in response to transmit pulses. At least some of the beams from spatially adjacent groups are coaxially aligned. The echo information is detected and coaxially aligned beams are blended together using weighting functions which vary as a function of the time and location of the blended beams from their transmit beam apertures to gradually blend the aligned beams together spatially, thereby reducing multiline image artifacts. Echoes from moving objects in coaxially aligned beams may be aligned axially before the beams are blended together.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for a non-invasive bubble measuring instrument operable for detecting, distinguishing, and counting gaseous embolisms such as bubbles over a selectable range of bubble sizes of interest. A selected measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected is insonified by two distinct frequencies from a pump transducer and an image transducer, respectively. The image transducer frequency is much higher than the pump transducer frequency. The relatively low-frequency pump signal is used to excite bubbles to resonate at a frequency related to their diameter. The image transducer is operated in a pulse-echo mode at a controllable repetition rate that transmits bursts of high-frequency ultrasonic signal to the measurement volume in which bubbles may be detected and then receives the echo. From the echo or received signal, a beat signal related to the repetition rate may be extracted and used to indicate the presence or absence of a resonant bubble.

Abstract: A method for determining the volume of an irregularly shaped body part or body such as a fetus using a 3D ultrasonic image composed of light and dark pixels. A caliper is placed on a portion whose volume is to be determined and a computer having the image, automatically counts every pixel with the same echogenicity in every direction as long as it is continuous with the spot the caliper is in, and wherein the computer means stops counting in any direction where the pixels become significantly more echogenic (dark). The volume of the portion, is determined, based on the counted number of pixels and the magnification of the image; and the calculated volume is used to determine physiological characteristics based on known values such as fetal gestation age.

Abstract: An acoustoelectronic method and apparatus for generating real-time three-dimensional images of an object and characterizing such object are provided. The object is insonified with an incident acoustic signal derived from an electrical signal. Acoustic signals scattered from the object are collected by an acoustic receiver, which generates analog electrical signals that are subsequently converted to digital electronic signals. The digital electronic signals are used in both direct-imaging and holographic methods to produce a three-dimensional representation of the object from which images and characterizations can be generated.

Abstract: An ultrasound scanning system (10) includes a plurality of range gates (71-74) responsive to ultrasound waves for generating a plurality of Doppler signal samples representing different depth increments within a subject (S) being studied. A logic unit (30) generates Doppler frequency signals and generates B-mode data. A display (60) generates a B-mode image and a Doppler image which may be superimposed on the B-mode image. The Doppler image (DI) is arranged to illustrate depth increments within the subject being studied versus Doppler velocity or frequency.

Abstract: The method comprises a phase of reconstruction of a static three-dimensional image of the object from a first set of digitized two-dimensional projected images of the object respectively obtained for different positions of a camera around the object, a phase of acquisition of at least a second set of n static two-dimensional projected images respectively obtained for a same first position of the camera and at n successive propagation times of the contrast medium, and a phase of reconstruction of the dynamic three-dimensional image of the object from each static two-dimensional image of the second set and the reconstructed static three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method and system for mapping surface data onto a geometrical representation of a structure for 3D imaging is provided. A boundary of a structure is determined from one type of data, such as Doppler energy data. Another type of data, such as B-mode data, representing the boundary or an area adjacent the boundary is extracted or identified. The B-mode data is then rendered as a function of the boundary, such as by texture mapping the B-mode data onto or adjacent the boundary. As the user examines the structure representation, the texture mapped data may provide texture details based on an optimally determined representation. The boundary may alternatively be used to select data for volume rendering.

Abstract: A method for creating multiple planar images of a volumetric region of an object without acquiring data from the entire volumetric region. The method includes sweeping a transducer across the volumetric region. At sampling positions during the sweep, ultrasonic beams from the transducer are transmitted into the volumetric region, which intersect one or more of a plurality of surfaces to be scanned. The number of transmitted beams during the sweep is fewer than the number of beams that would be transmitted to scan the entire volumetric region. Echoes from the volumetric region are received at the transducer in response to the transmitted beams. From the received echoes, planar images corresponding to the plurality of surfaces are formed. In a variation, the method includes receiving at the transducer fewer echoes from the volumetric region than the echoes that would be received from scanning the entire volumetric region.

Abstract: A peripheral ultrasound imaging system for connection to a personal computing device or a computer network which enables real time ultrasound imaging without additional modules and without the need to modify, augment or replace the existing central processing unit. The peripheral ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe, an electronic apparatus capable of sending and receiving signals to and from the ultrasound probe, a hardware link connecting the electronic apparatus to a personal computer or computer network, and a software program for controlling the ultrasound probe, the electronic apparatus, and the hardware link. The ultrasound probe is connected to the electronic apparatus and the electronic apparatus is in turn connected to a personal computing device or a computer network.

Abstract: In ultrasound diagnosis, a contrast echo technique on three-dimensional scanning is used with a contrast agent injected into an object. Before injecting the contrast agent and under the injection thereof, a blood vessel is continuously and securely targeted and depicted in displayed images. To realize this, a diagnostic ultrasound apparatus has means for acquiring an echo signal by scanning a three-dimensional region of an object with an ultrasound beam, means for producing three-dimensional image data based on the echo signal, means for displaying the three-dimensional image data, means for specifying, for example, from the echo signal, a timing at which injecting an ultrasound contrast agent into a region to be scanned of the object is started, and means for switching over at the specified timing display states of the three-dimensional image data to be displayed by the displaying means.

Abstract: The size of a detail of an object is derived from a data set of data values relating to the object. The data set assigns the data values to positions in a multidimensional space. A direction is selected in the multidimensional space. The spatial resolution of the data set is higher in the selected direction as compared to the spatial resolution in other directions. The size of the detail is derived from data values in the selected direction. The selected direction can extend along the line of intersection which intersects a scanning plane in which the data values are acquired and a transverse plane extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the detail. The data values can be acquired an X-ray computed tomography imaging system, a magnetic resonsance imaging system, or a 3D ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A system, method and probe for diagnostic ultrasound imaging with at least two, and preferably three transducer arrays. The first transducer array provides a primary image. The second transducer array comprises an array of transducer elements positioned near one end of the first transducer array for providing an image in a different plane. An optional third transducer array comprises an array of transducer elements positioned near the other end of the first transducer array for providing an additional image in a different plane. One application of the invention is to collect tissue for medical procedures, wherein at least one surgical tool is attached to the probe near the imaging arrays and moves together with at least one imaging array. As the primary imaging array is drawn across tissue for collection, the operator observes a cross-section of the tissue prior to actually cutting the tissue.

Abstract: A three-dimensional projection image representing a projection of a data volume at a predetermined orientation, three cut plane images representing respective mutually orthogonal planar cuts through the data volume, a graphical representation of the data volume at that orientation and graphical representations of the cut planes are displayed in spaced relationship. Each of the cut planes has a respective positional relationship to the data volume graphic that corresponds to the positional relationship of the respective cut plane to the data volume. The graphical representations are displayed in different colors. Any one of the four images can be active in the sense that images are reconstructed in real-time as a trackball is moved. Which of the four images is active is indicated by displaying the corresponding graphical representation in a color denoting the active state.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic mirror, an ultrasound transducer positioned to direct a scanned ultrasound beam at the acoustic mirror, wherein the scanned ultrasound beam is reflected by the acoustic mirror to form a reflected ultrasound beam, and an actuating device for moving the acoustic mirror relative to the scanned ultrasound beam so that the reflected ultrasound beam scans a three-dimensional volume. An ultrasound matching fluid may be disposed between the ultrasound transducer and the acoustic mirror. The actuating device may be configured for rotating the acoustic mirror, translating the acoustic mirror or rotating and translating the acoustic mirror. The acoustic mirror may have a single acoustically-reflecting surface of may be a polygon having a plurality of acoustically-reflective surfaces.

Abstract: A parametric imaging ultrasound catheter apparatus is capable of obtaining parametric images of the surrounding insonated environment. Parametric imaging is defined as the imaging of quantifiable “parameters” which of visible two-, three-, fourth-dimensional or non-visible higher-dimensional temporal physiologic events. Visible motion is a fourth-dimensional event and includes surrogate features of cardiac muscle contraction, wall motion, valve leaflet motion, etc. Non-visible motion is a higher-dimensional event and includes slow non-visible events (i.e., remodeling, transformation, aging, healing, etc.) or fast non-visible events (i.e., heat, electricity, strain, compliance, perfusion, etc.). An ultrasound catheter with parametric imaging capability can obtain dynamic digital or digitized information from the surrounding environment and display information features or quanta as a static or dynamic geometric figures from which discrete or gross quantifiable information can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for recording three-dimensional ultrasound images. The device includes an ultrasound head which can be freely moved by hand, an ultrasound recording apparatus, an image processing system, and a position detection system. The position detection system has an analyzing unit and at least two sensors for detecting electromagnetic waves so that the position and orientation of the ultrasound head and, thus, the position and orientation of the ultrasound section images in space can be determined.

Abstract: A system comprising a combination of an ultrasound probe and both passive and active infrared tracking systems. The combined system enables a real time image display of the entire region of interest without probe movement; real time tracking of the target region permitting physiological gating; and probe placement during image acquisition so that all external displacements introduced by the probe can be accounted for at the time of treatment planning. This system may be used in the surgical arena for image guidance during radiation therapy and surgery.

Abstract: With a method for determination of the direction of introduction (4) and for controlling the introduction path of biopsy needles, probes and similar in organisms (2) by using an ultrasound imaging machine, a scanning unit (1) of the ultrasound is placed onto the introduction range of the organism (2) in order to display an image (3a) according to a sectional plane (3) in which or along which the directional axis (4) of the introduction path runs and the biopsy needle or similar is controlled during its actual introduction in the corresponding image display (3a, 6).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus for fetal weight determination including an ultrasonic imager operative to image a fetus in utero and to provide output image data in respect thereof, an image processor operative automatically to measure at least one dimension of at least one fetal body part based on the output image data and to provide output body part dimension data, and an automatic fetal weight calculator operative to calculate fetal weight automatically based on the output body part dimension data. A method for determining fetal weight is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: A system and a method of managing 2-D images, as well as any saved 3-D volume data that was used to derive the 2-D images, utilize a bookmark saver that operates to automatically save, for each 2-D image saved, the settings of viewing parameters for the corresponding 3-D volume data when the 2-D image was saved. The automatic saving feature executed by the bookmark saver ensures that the underlying 3-D volume data, if saved, is retrieved in the viewing configuration that was set when the 2-D image of interest was saved. This feature allows a user of the system to efficiently return to work that was previously suspended or terminated. In an exemplary embodiment, the system is an ultrasound imaging system. However, the system may also be an imaging system based on magnetic resonance, computed tomography technology, or other modalities.

Abstract: An ultrasound system which performs two dimensional imaging is upgradeable to a system which also performs three dimensional ultrasonic imaging. The ultrasound system contains space in which an optional 3D beamformer may be installed to provide the ultrasound system with three dimensional imaging capability. When the 3D beamformer is installed a scanhead select module connects one of a plurality of scanhead connectors to the proper beamformer for the imaging procedure commanded by the user.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus has a feature that: transmits ultrasonic beams three-dimensionally to a diagnostic site including a left ventricle of the heart in a subject being examined; receives ultrasonic echo signals thereof; generates three-dimensional data of the diagnostic site based on the received ultrasonic echo signals; determines a cardiac cavity region in generated three-dimensional data; and generates a display image such that information at a myocardial site of the heart is identified by converting a value of the cardiac cavity region in the determined three-dimensional data to a different value. The feature enables the apparatus to provide information on three-dimensional myocardial muscle blood flow useful for clinical diagnosis.

Abstract: A present invention shows some schemes of a cross transducer with one transmit and one receive array for the three dimensional image acquisition. Designs of the cross transducer with and without a central shared element are described. Conditions for an extension of a frequency range and the method of an extended frequency range for use of the cross transducer are suggested. A new method of image formation allowed by the above is also presented.

Abstract: A real time three dimensional ultrasound imaging probe apparatus is configured to be placed inside a body. The apparatus comprises an elongated body having proximal and distal ends with an ultrasonic transducer phased array connected to and positioned on the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array is positioned to emit and receive ultrasonic energy for volumetric forward scanning from the distal end of the elongated body. The ultrasonic transducer phased array includes a plurality of sites occupied by ultrasonic transducer elements. At least one ultrasonic transducer element is absent from at least one of the sites, thereby defining an interstitial site. A tool is positioned at the interstitial site. In particular, the tool can be a fiber optic lead, a suction tool, a guide wire, an electrophysiological electrode, or an ablation electrode. Related systems are also discussed.

Abstract: A system and a method generate a 3-D image by fast computing the distance between adjacent 2-D images. The method comprises the steps of: producing a first main frame, a second main frame parallel to the first main frame, and a supplementary frame inclined at an angle with respect to the first main frame; creating a virtual frame by using the first main frame and the supplementary frame; calculating a first correlation coefficient between the first main frame and the virtual frame; computing a second correlation coefficient between the first and second main frames; and estimating a distance between the first and second main frames. The system comprises a probe for generating pairs of image frames; a distance calculating unit for calculating distances between main frames of the pairs; and a screen for displaying a 3-D image of the target produced by using the distances.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus which includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged two-dimensionally. In the ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, the ultrasonic beams are transmitted by the ultrasonic transducers for three-dimensionally scanning a target of the object, and then, ultrasonic echo signals are obtained from the ultrasonic transducers. On the basis of the ultrasonic echo signals, three-dimensional data with respect to at least one of structure information and blood flow information in the object are generated in real time. Then, on the basis of the three-dimensional data, image information including at least one of a two-dimensional tomographic image and a three-dimensional projection image of an arbitrary cross section within the object is generated in real time. On the basis of the image information, navigation information for navigating a puncture needle toward the target of the object is displayed.

Abstract: A depth-limited image processor employed in combination with a three-dimensional ultrasonographic system whereby, from a model representing at least a portion of a three-dimensional volumetric array, a user selecta a ray-depth from at least one face of the model thereby forming a “thick-plane” region of interest. All voxels within the “thick-plane” are processed successively according to a user selected imaging technique along the depth of the ray. The results of the processing are projected onto corresponding screen pixels to produce an enhanced three-dimensional image. In another embodiment, an adaptive depth-limited image processing means is employed whereby voxels are first checked against a user selected condition. voxels meeting this condition are then processed as above to produce an enhanced three-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the position of a target to be treated by a radiation therapy device may include an ultrasound probe used to generate ultrasound images of the target; a position sensing system for indicating the position of the ultrasound probe with respect to the radiation therapy device, whereby the location of the target with respect to the radiation therapy device is known; and the ultrasound image of the target may be aligned with radiation treatment data.

Abstract: A method of generating three-dimensional image data by transmitting beams to an object from a transmitting part and detecting beams reflected from the object by using a two-dimensional sensor array having a plurality of sensors. The method includes the steps of: (a) storing detection signals obtained by the plurality of sensors during a predetermined period after transmission; (b) obtaining image data about at least one measured point included in the object on the basis of a detection signal output from at least one of the plurality of sensors at a time point obtained from relationship between a distance from the transmission part to at least one of the plurality of sensors through the at least one measured point and a transmission velocity of the beams passing through the object; and (c) obtaining image data by repeating step (b) while changing the time point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional imaging and treatment of a patient's body. The method and apparatus utilize a system for developing a therapy plan for treatment of an organ of the patient, a device for generating ultrasound image data from a treatment region and a device for providing a translucent volume image of a portion of a patient's body and a separate translucent image of the patient organ and a three dimensional viewing device to superimpose a translucent article image to enable viewing of the article image simultaneously with the patient organ and a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system including a probe containing at least one ultrasonic transducer and at least one inertial sensor as well as electronic circuitry connected to the probe for causing the at least one ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic energy into a region and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy therefrom, creating a plurality of generally two-dimensional images whose geometrical relationship is indicated by outputs from the at least one inertial sensor.

Abstract: The axis of rotational transducer array scans, because of imperfect transducer array assembly, may have two orthogonal offsets relative to the geometric center of the transducer array. Without knowledge of these offsets, it is not possible to convert rotational transducer scan data into a rectilinear (Euclidean) coordinate system, as is necessary for three-dimensional processing. Using spatial coherency between appropriate scan lines in different rotational transducer scans, the horizontal and vertical rotational offsets are calculated. These offsets are then utilized in converting the data to a rectilinear coordinate system for three-dimensional processing.

Abstract: The use of transformations in ultrasound systems is disclosed. A first set of points in a first data set or a subset of a first data set is known to correspond to a second set of points in a second data set or a subset of a second data set. The point correspondence can be established using any number of techniques including speckle and/or feature correlation, speckle decorrelation time delays. Spectral broadening, power and spectral peak. A method for estimating the best fitting rigid body transformation that maps the first data set or a subset of the first data set to the second data set or a subset of the second data set is disclosed. This yields three dimensional ultrasonic data sets which preserves the shapes of object they represent.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided with an analysis package by which measurements and calculations can be made using ultrasonic image data. The analysis package includes the ability for a user to define custom exam protocols, custom measurements or custom calculations.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for recording three-dimensional ultrasound images. The device includes an ultrasound head which can be freely moved by hand, an ultrasound recording apparatus, an image processing system, and a position detection system. The position detection system has an analyzing unit and at least two sensors for detecting electromagnetic waves so that the position and orientation of the ultrasound head and, thus, the position and orientation of the ultrasound section images in space can be determined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus acquires an echo signal by scanning a scanning plane inside an object to be examined with an ultrasonic beam via an ultrasonic probe, generates two-dimensional ultrasonic image data on the basis of this echo signal, and displays this two-dimensional ultrasonic image data as a two-dimensional ultrasonic image. A point of interest is sometimes set on this image, and the scanning plane is sometimes changed by moving the ultrasonic probe. In this invention, whether the point of interest is contained in the changed scanning plane is checked on the basis of the three-dimensional position of the changed scanning plane and the three-dimensional position of the point of interest. If the point of interest is contained in the changed scanning plane, a mark representing the point of interest is displayed by synthesis by matching the position with tomographic image data corresponding to this changed scanning plane.

Abstract: A parenchymatous tissue image and a blood vessel image are synthesized as follows. First, a tomographic image of a specific cross section of the parenchymatous tissue image is synthesized with the blood vessel image closer to the viewpoint along the Z-axis than the tomographic image. Then, the resulting image is displayed. Thereafter, the operator inputs specific data from operation unit including a mouse and a keyboard, thereby changing the position of a displayed tomographic image along the Z-axis. This enables the operator to sequentially display two-dimensional tomographic images (B-mode images) constituting a three-dimensional parenchymatous tissue image as if to turn over the pages of a book.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system produces three-dimensional tissue/flow images by first computing a plurality of separate two-dimensional tissue images and two-dimensional flow images. Separate tissue and flow volumes are created by applying the tissue and flow images to a three-dimensional construction algorithm. Each of the separate tissue and flow volumes is analyzed using a three-dimensional rendering algorithm to produce a rendered tissue and flow image. The separately rendered tissue and flow images are combined to produce the combined tissue/flow image. In addition, the present invention provides visual cues that allow a user to create more even scans. The invention also includes a method for correcting for probe movement. The invention also produces an image that is calculated from the partial volume data as it is being created to give a user feedback on the quality of the image they are producing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing ultrasound data is provided. The apparatus includes an interface operatively connected to a memory, a programmable single instruction multiple data processor (or two symmetric processors), a source of acoustic data (such as a data bus) and a system bus. The memory stores data from the processor, ultrasound data from the source, and data from the system bus. The processor has direct access to the memory. Alternatively, the system bus has direct access to the memory. The interface device translates logically addressed ultrasound data to physically addressed ultrasound data for storage in a memory. The translation is the same for data from both the processor and the source for at least a portion of a range of addresses. The memory stores both ultrasound data and various of: beamformer control data, instruction data for the processor, display text plane information, control plane data, and a table of memory addresses. One peripheral connects to the ultrasound apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a three-dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that makes it possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus and reduce power consumption by decreasing the number of delay circuits to be used for forming reception beams from reflection waves.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for performing percutaneous biopsy within a breast using three-dimension ultrasonography and including a breast positioning device, a breast immobilization device, an ultrasonic imaging device, a biopsy instrument positioning device, the breast immobilization device and the three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging device being positioned in a known relationship to each other, the breast immobilization device being employed to immobilize the breast and a lesion contained therein for imaging by the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging device, and the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging device being employed to assist an operator in positioning the biopsy instrument positioning device relative to the lesion and guiding a biopsy instrument percutaneously to the lesion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image processing apparatus includes an ultrasonic image input unit, an oblique image rendering unit, a surface extracting unit, a three-dimensional image rendering unit, an image synthesizing unit, and a monitor. The ultrasonic image input unit inputs ultrasonic image data from an ultrasonic probe that is inserted into a body cavity for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves. The oblique image rendering unit produces an oblique image. The surface extracting unit extracts surface data from the oblique image (boundary between a tissue and lumen). The three-dimensional image rendering unit produces three-dimensional images using volume-rendering data and surface-rendering data respectively. The image synthesizing unit reads the three-dimensional images produced by the three-dimensional image rendering unit and synthesizes the three-dimensional image of volume-rendering data and the three-dimensional image of surface-rendering data.