Acoustic Image Conversion Patents (Class 367/7)
  • Patent number: 10064602
    Abstract: Acoustic reciprocity between transmit and receive is used for coherence ultrasound imaging. Rather than finding coherence across the receive channels, coherence is found across transmit channels. Broad transmit beams are used for different transmit elements or apertures to create beamformed frames of data. The coherence between these transmit channel frames of beamformed data is calculated and used for imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kutay F. Ustuner, Nicholas Bottenus
  • Patent number: 10026182
    Abstract: Mechanisms for generating a true depth profile of a body of water are disclosed. A depth profile tensor that identifies a depth at each of a plurality of locations of the body of water is accessed. The depth profile tensor identifies, for at least some locations of the plurality of locations, multiple depths. The depth profile tensor is converted to a binary potential depth image that depicts multiple potential depths for the at least some locations. The multiple potential depths are reduced, by a morphological filter process, to a single depth for the at least some locations to generate a binary depth image. The binary depth image is converted to the true depth profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Anil P. Chinnan
  • Patent number: 10012747
    Abstract: Computing device, computer instructions and method for jointly deghosting first and second 3-dimensional (3D) seismic vintages of a same subsurface. The method includes receiving the first 3D vintage; receiving the second 3D vintage, wherein the second 3D vintage is taken later in time than the first 3D vintage, over the same subsurface; jointly deghosting the first and second 3D vintages based on a common ghost-free model U0, a first vintage ghost-free model Ub, and a second vintage ghost-free model Um; and generating an image of the subsurface indicative of changes between the first and second 3D vintages based on the common ghost-free model U0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SAS
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Suryadeep Ray
  • Patent number: 10001461
    Abstract: A crystal self-test circuit is used to self-test either an acoustic emission crystal or a vibration crystal installed onto one of a bearing, a bearing housing, and a machine. A crystal self-test circuit includes a multiplexer IC, which toggles between a pulse injection configuration and a signal collection configuration. In the pulse injection configuration, the multiplexer IC provides signal communication between a crystal self-test input and the sensing emission crystal. In the signal collection configuration, the multiplexer IC provides signal communication between the sensing emission crystal and a signal analyzer. In operation, the multiplexer IC applies a waveform (preferably a square wave) to the sensing emission crystal over a predetermined time period. The multiplexer IC then toggles to collect the output waveform from the sensing emission crystal and forwards the output waveform to the signal analyzer. The output signal can be amplified by a signal amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventor: Joseph Erskine
  • Patent number: 9980677
    Abstract: A system for estimating fractional fat content of an object of interest. An energy emitter is used to direct an energy signal toward the region of interest, wherein the region of interest has an object of interest, a reference with known properties, and a boundary area with one or more boundary locations between the object of interest and the reference. Next, a plurality of thermoacoustic or ultrasonic transducers is used to receive a plurality of thermoacoustic bipolar signals from the one or more boundary locations, wherein the thermoacoustic bipolar signals are induced by the energy signal. A machine configured to accept data from the energy emitter and the plurality of thermoacoustic or ultrasonic transducers and calculate a fat concentration that is a function of a difference between two peaks of the thermoacoustic bipolar signal at each respective boundary location and a distance or distances between each respective boundary location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Endra Life Sciences Inc.
    Inventors: Jang Hwan Cho, Michael M. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9962737
    Abstract: A capacitance type transducer includes one or more cells having a structure in which a vibrating film including one electrode of a pair of electrodes formed spaced apart from each other is supported to be capable of vibrating. The cells are disposed on one surface of a substrate. An acoustic matching layer is provided between a water-resistant sheet and the cells. A water-resistant frame is disposed to surround a side surface of the substrate. The sheet is bonded to an end face of the frame to cover an opening of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kandori, Yoshio Hotta
  • Patent number: 9924924
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a base, a vibration film, and a piezoelectric element. The base of the piezoelectric device has at least one opening. The opening is closed by the vibration film. The piezoelectric element is located on the vibration film. The vibration film includes a first layer that is has lower water permeability than silicon oxide and a second layer that is in close contact with the first layer and that has a larger toughness value than the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9927521
    Abstract: A method and a device for high frequency acoustic spectrum imaging for an object over a field of view. A camera captures an image of the object. A raster with grids is created as an overlay on the captured image. A directional microphone detects high frequency acoustic waves emanating from the object. An acoustic data signal corresponding to the high frequency acoustic waves is generated by a microphone data processing unit. The coordinates of the focal point of the directional microphone on the grid of the raster is recorded and sent as a real-time feedback position signal to a processor for each measurement of the acoustic signal data. The processor plots a visual representation of the acoustic signal data mapping it to the corresponding coordinates on the raster and creates a high frequency acoustic spectrum image for the object by superimposing the raster on the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bastiaan Brand
  • Patent number: 9910174
    Abstract: A seismic imaging technology, and more specifically, an imaging technology for modelling a subsurface structure by updating a velocity model of each frequency band in the ascending, descending order or any random order of frequency The purpose of the present disclosure is to directly compute the difference between the velocity of the actual subsurface velocity and an initial guess of the velocity. According to one aspect of the present invention, a seismic imaging apparatus for performing iterative application of the direct waveform inversion to image a subsurface structure of an area to be measured may include a waveform inverter to update a reference velocity model while changing a frequency band in a set order, by using parameter perturbation that is obtained from a virtual scattering source and an updated reference wavefield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Seoul National University R&DB Foundation
    Inventor: Chang-Soo Shin
  • Patent number: 9888880
    Abstract: A method and system for estimating fractional fat content of an object of interest. An energy emitter is used to direct an energy signal toward the region of interest, wherein the region of interest has an object of interest, a reference, and a boundary area with one or more boundary locations between the object of interest and the reference. Next, a plurality of thermoacoustic or ultrasonic transducers is used to receive a plurality of thermoacoustic bipolar signals from the one or more boundary locations, wherein the thermoacoustic bipolar signals are induced by the energy signal. A machine configured to accept data from the energy emitter and the plurality of thermoacoustic or ultrasonic transducers and calculate a fat concentration that is a function of the thermoacoustic bipolar signal at each respective boundary location and the distance or distances between locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ENDRA LIFE SCIENCES INC.
    Inventors: Jang Hwan Cho, Michael M. Thornton
  • Patent number: 9739883
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods associated with determining velocity and/or acceleration information using ultrasound. A system may include one or more ultrasonic transmitters and/or receivers. An ultrasonic transmitter may be configured to transmit ultrasound into a region bounded by one or more surfaces. The ultrasonic receiver may detect a Doppler shift of reflected ultrasound to determine an acceleration and/or velocity associated with an object. The velocity and/or acceleration information may be utilized to modify the state of a gaming system, entertainment system, infotainment system, and/or other device. The velocity and/or acceleration date may be used in combination with a mapping or positioning system that generates positional data associated with the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Jesse R. Cheatham, III, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Craig J. Mundie, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Eric D. Rudder, Desney S. Tan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Andrew Wilson, Jeannette M. Wing, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9730587
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for an optoacoustic device includes a light pulse sensor operatively connected to a light output port of the optoacoustic device, the light pulse sensor being adapted to sense a pulse of light capable of generating an optoacoustic response in a subject and to distinguish between the light pulse and the at least one other light pulse on the basis of the predominant wavelength. The light pulse sensor outputs a trigger signal associated with the distinguished light pulse when such light pulse is sensed. A transducer signal simulator outputs a first plurality of electrical signals simulating those produced by a transducer array and reflective of an optoacoustic response in a subject to a light pulse at a first wavelength in response to a trigger signal from the light pulse sensor associated with a light pulse having a first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Seno Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Herzog, William Ackerman
  • Patent number: 9704289
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for capturing 3D model data including data relating to each of a plurality of voxels and relating to an object. A plurality of images of the object are captured. The plurality of images are correlated with the 3D model data to produce index data, the index data for indicating a correlation between some of the plurality of images and some of the plurality of voxels. The index data is then stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Whitecap Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Patrick Bromley, Richard Jacques Charron
  • Patent number: 9693754
    Abstract: Systems and methods for image processing based on ultrasound data. The system may include an IVUS catheter configured to collect data vectors including ultrasound data and an imaging engine configured to process the ultrasound data of the data vectors. The imaging engine may receive the data vectors and divide the data vectors into different sets. The ultrasound data of each respective set may be averaged and then an envelope of each set may be detected. The envelopes of each set may then be averaged to generate an enhanced data vector which may be used to generate an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Duc H. Lam, Thomas C. Moore, Kendall R. Waters
  • Patent number: 9623266
    Abstract: A magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound system may be calibrated by generating ultrasound foci using ultrasound transducers, establishing coordinates of the foci and of magnetic-resonance trackers associated with the transducers, and determining a geometric relationship between the trackers and the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: INSIGHTEC LTD.
    Inventors: Shuki Vitek, Rita Schmidt, Amir Seginer
  • Patent number: 9610014
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustic wave acquiring apparatus including: a probe configured to receive an acoustic wave from an object through an object holding unit that holds the object; an acoustic matching material holding unit configured to form a space, which holds an acoustic matching material, between the object holding unit and the probe; a scanning unit configured to allow the probe to scan in a first direction on the surface of the object holding unit, and in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a supplying unit configured to supply the acoustic matching material to the space by using a predetermined supply-amount pattern, wherein the supplying unit uses different supply-amount patterns in the case where the probe scans in the first direction and in the case where the probe scans in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki Nakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9551789
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for optoacoustic imaging of an object comprising, in some embodiments, an image acquisition unit for acquiring a first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images, the image acquisition unit comprising an illumination device and a detection device configured for repeatedly collecting acoustic waves emerging from the object and for generating the first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images. In some embodiments, a processing unit is provided for generating a second sequence of one or more tomographic optoacoustic images from the first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images based on an analysis of one or more tomographic optoacoustic images of the first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images and/or at least one property of the object while acquiring the first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images and/or at least one property of the acquisition unit while acquiring the first sequence of tomographic optoacoustic images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen Deutsches Forschungszentrum Fur Gesundheit Und Umwelt (GMBH)
    Inventors: Stefan Morscher, Vasilis Ntziachristos, Nikolaos Deliolanis
  • Patent number: 9541661
    Abstract: Computing device, computer instructions and method for deghosting seismic data related to a subsurface of a body of water. The method may include receiving input seismic data recorded by seismic receivers that located at different depths (zr), generating migration data (du) and mirror migration data (dd) from the input seismic data, deriving a ghost free model (m) based on simultaneously using the migration data (du) and mirror migration data (dd), generating primary (p) and ghost (g) datasets based on the ghost free model (m), simultaneously adaptively subtracting the primary (p) and ghost (g) datasets from the migration data (du) to provide adapted primary (p?1 and p?2) and adapted residual (r?1 and r?2) datasets and generating a final image (f) of the subsurface based on the adapted primary (p?1 and p?2) and the adapted residual (r?1 and r?2) datasets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventor: Gordon Poole
  • Patent number: 9470811
    Abstract: A method is described for of creating a high-resolution velocity model of a geological medium that includes generating a long-wavelength anisotropic velocity model using tomographic inversion of seismic data gathers and combining the long-wavelength velocity model with an attenuation model. The method further includes performing prestack depth migration on the seismic data gathers using the long-wavelength velocity and attenuation model to produce seismic image gathers, applying a dip-consistent filter to the seismic image gathers, and transforming the filtered seismic image gathers to the time domain. The method further includes generating a full-band impedance model by performing impedance inversion of the time-domain filtered seismic image gathers using the long-wavelength velocity and attenuation model. The full-band impedance or velocity model is calibrated in the frequency domain in a manner independent of the spatial coordinates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Yonghe J. Sun, Michael Gordon Greene
  • Patent number: 9453908
    Abstract: In ultrasound B-scan imaging or other pulse-echo imaging, an inverse filter solution eliminates both the speckle phenomenon and the poor resolution dependency on the pulse length and width to produce SURUS (super-resolution ultrasound) images. The pulse shapes have stable inverses, derived by use of the standard Z-transform and related properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventor: Kevin J. Parker
  • Patent number: 9405959
    Abstract: System and method for detecting and classifying man-made objects on the seafloor using 3D reconstruction techniques. Enhanced sea floor object detection with classification is provided that is as good as provided by short range optical imagery. This approach eliminates the step of passing off identification to humans, and enhances the speed, accuracy, and safety of present operations in mine detection and neutralization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: John R. Dubberley, Bruce Y. Lin
  • Patent number: 9360553
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fish finding sonar system. Specifically, this invention relates to a sonar device pairing with a remote computing device to provide information to an angler about what is under the surface of the water. Embodiments of the present invention include a sonar device and a remote computing device configured to allow the sonar device to wirelessly communicate with the remote computing device and the remote computing device to connect to a database to register and receive information about real-time fishing hotspots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander Lebedev, Tim Etchells
  • Patent number: 9351646
    Abstract: A photoacoustic measurement apparatus which includes a diffuser plate which diffuses laser light inputted from the upstream side of an optical system, a lens system which focuses the laser light diffused by the diffuser plate, and an optical fiber cable which includes an optical fiber having a core and cladding structure and is disposed such that the laser light focused by the lens system is inputted from one end, in which the light projection unit projects the laser light guided by the optical fiber cable as the measuring light. In a photoacoustic measurement performed by guiding the measuring light using an optical fiber, high energy measuring light can be guided while inhibiting end face damage of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kaku Irisawa
  • Patent number: 9351645
    Abstract: A photoacoustic measurement apparatus which includes a diffuser plate for diffusing laser light inputted from the upstream side of an optical system, a lens system for focusing the laser light diffused by the diffuser plate, and an optical fiber cable which includes an optical fiber having a core and cladding structure and a light energy resistant structure at an end portion on the side of the lens system, and is disposed such that the laser light focused by the lens is inputted from one end, in which the light projection unit projects the laser light guided by the optical fiber cable as the measuring light. In a photoacoustic measurement performed by guiding the measuring light using an optical fiber, high energy measuring light can be guided while inhibiting end face damage of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kaku Irisawa
  • Patent number: 9335404
    Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus in comprising a transformer, a first power source and a second power source, an ultrasound transducer, a processor, and a driving part. The transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding. The first power source and the second power source are connected to the primary winding. The ultrasound transducer is driven by the voltage induced to the secondary winding, and transmits ultrasound waves to a subject, and receives reflected waves reflected by the subject to output the received signal. The processor implements processing on the received signal to generate ultrasound wave images. The driving part drives to change the voltage among a first level voltage based on the first power source, a second level voltage based on the second power source, and a third level voltage between the first level voltage and the second level voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Wataru Kameishi, Hiroyuki Shibanuma, Shuta Fujiwara, Satoshi Kamiyama, Takayuki Shiina, Masaaki Ishitsuka, Tomohiro Fujita
  • Patent number: 9299172
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image generation apparatus for generating an image of an object. An image providing unit (11, 16) provides a first image of the object and a second image of the object, wherein the first image has a smaller noise level than the second image. A display window providing unit (12) provides a display window being indicative of the range of image values shown on a display (14), and a combining unit (13) generates a combination image by combining the first image and the second image depending on the window width of the provided display window. This allows considering the influence of the display window on the noise appearance. Thus, by taking into account the first image and the second image having different noise levels and the provided display window, a combined image can be generated, which has an improved noise appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Thomas Koehler
  • Patent number: 9274215
    Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes: a harmonic filter coupled to an ultrasound transmitter to reduce transmitted harmonic components; a fundamental filter coupled with an ultrasound receiver to reduce received fundamental components; and a fusion processor configured to generate multiple frames of fusion images for two subsequent frames of ultrasound transmissions to improve frame rate. The ultrasound receiver may optionally perform signal alignment and matching to improve image quality. To improve image quality, the ultrasound system may optionally use multiple amplitude-modulated transmit pulses with different delays, or multiple transmit pulses with different amplitudes to extract harmonic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Chison Medical Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Danhua Zhao, Yong Zhang, Ruoli Mo
  • Patent number: 9255909
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating an inconsistency. An apparatus comprises a platform, a location system, a transducer system, a projector system, and a data processing system. The platform is configured to move on a surface of an object. The location system is configured to generate location information for the platform on the surface of the object. The transducer system is configured to send signals into the object and receive a response to the signals. The projector system is configured to project an image onto the surface of the object. The data processing system is configured to generate the image using the response. An indication of an inconsistency in the image projected onto the surface of the object corresponds to a location of the inconsistency in the object. The data processing system is configured to control the projector system to project the image onto the surface of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Kollgaard, Tyler Holmes
  • Patent number: 9247924
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Butterfly Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Nevada J. Sanchez, Gregory L. Charvat, Tyler S. Ralston
  • Patent number: 9233396
    Abstract: A micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) array includes a printed circuit board, an alignment plate formed on the printed circuit board, the alignment plate having a plurality of cavities formed therein and a plurality of protruding portions respectively formed between neighboring cavities of the plurality of cavities, and a plurality of MUT modules formed on the plurality of the cavities and the plurality of the protruding portions of the alignment plate. In the MUT array, each of the plurality of MUT modules includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) arranged on the alignment plate and an MUT arranged on the ASIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byung-gil Jeong
  • Patent number: 9198680
    Abstract: A combined ultrasound imaging and therapy transducer (10) includes a linear array of imaging transducer elements (14). First and second linear arrays of therapy transducer elements (18, 20) extend longitudinally along respective first and second sides of the imaging transducer elements and are canted inwardly toward each other. The imaging and therapy transducer is used with an ultrasound imaging system to locate clots in a region of interest. After the region of interest has been perfused with a microbubble contrast agent, the therapy transducer elements are driven by an amplifier located in the transducer to dissolve the clot. The use of the imaging transducer elements and the therapy transducer elements can be interleaved so that the therapy can be conditioned on an ultrasound image showing substantial destruction of the contrast agent microbubbles, re-perfusion of microbubbles in the region of interest, or the continued presence of the clot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: John Fraser, Jeffry E. Powers, Michalakis Averkiou
  • Patent number: 9198565
    Abstract: A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. The imaging device is provided in various configurations, and connections between the imaging device elements and a video display may be achieved by wired or wireless connections. A connector assembly located near the imaging device interconnects the imaging device to an image/power cable extending through the endoscope. The connector provides strain relief and stabilization for electrically interconnecting the imager to the cable. The connector also serves as the structure for anchoring the distal ends of steering wires extending through the body of the endoscopic device. The connector includes a strain relief member mounted over a body of the connector. The connector allows a steering wire capability without enlarging the profile of the distal tip of the endoscopic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: MICRO-IMAGING SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Adair, Randall Adair
  • Patent number: 9182486
    Abstract: Sonar rendering systems and methods are described herein. One example is an apparatus that includes a transducer element, position sensing circuitry, processing circuitry, and a display device. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive raw sonar data and positioning data, convert the raw sonar data into range cell data based at least on amplitudes of the return echoes, make a location-based association between the raw sonar data and the positioning data, plot the range cell data based on respective positions derived from the positioning data and rotate the range cell data based on a direction of movement of the watercraft to generate adjusted range cell data. The processing circuitry may be further configured to convert the adjusted range cell data into sonar image data, and cause the display device to render the sonar image data with a presentation of a geographic map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Navico Holding AS
    Inventors: Kevin Brown, Aaron Coleman
  • Patent number: 9164171
    Abstract: An ultrasonic beamforming method is provided. The ultrasonic beamforming method includes dividing an input ultrasonic signal into a plurality of regions in an observation space, calculating a weight value for each of the plurality of regions, calculating a pixel weight value for each pixel using the weight value for each region, and calculating a beamforming value using the pixel weight value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-chan Park, Kyu-hong Kim, Jung-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 9157997
    Abstract: An ultrasound probing device including: a box; a locating mechanism to provide a position of the box in relation to a reference frame associated with an object to be examined; a mechanism to determine a delay law based on focusing parameters, representing a desired position of a focal point in relation to a reference frame associated with the box; a controller to provide control signals based on the delay law; transducers attached to the box, to receive control signals and, in response, to transmit ultrasonic waves in the object respectively delayed according to the delay law to focus at the focal point defined by the focusing parameters; and a mechanism updating the focusing parameters based on predefined associations between positions on a desired path of the box in relation to the reference frame associated with the object and corresponding focusing parameter values and the position of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat á l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Casula, Sebastien Bey
  • Patent number: 9116229
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel method of transmit beamforming, which allows compact analog implementation of complex digital algorithms without compromising their features. It is aimed to support envelope shaping, apodization, and phase rotation per channel and per firing. Each of three embodiments represents a complete transmit channel driven by pulse-width modulated (PWM) waveforms stored in a conventional sequence memory. PWM signals controls the transmit pulse envelope (shape) by changing the duty cycle of the carrier. Beamformation data are loaded prior to a firing via serial interface. Under the direction of a controller, the circuitry allows high precision (beyond sampling rate) phase rotation of the carrier. It also provides transmit apodization (aperture weighting), which maintains an optimal trade-off among low sidelobe level and widening of the mainlobe. Implementing such an IC, the manufacturing cost of a high-end ultrasound system can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Lazar A. Shifrin
  • Patent number: 9107564
    Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned and are combined with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to prevent undesired phase cancellation. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. To prevent motion artifacts the multiline order is adjustable as a function of image motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Michael Burcher, Jean-Luc Robert
  • Patent number: 9103940
    Abstract: A method for identifying clock timing discrepancies in a plurality of clocks that are each associated with a seismic receiver, comprises the steps of collecting from at least a pair of receivers a data set corresponding to a selected time period, cross-correlating the data sets between at least one pair of receivers so as to produce cross-correlated data for positive, zero, and negative time lags, comparing the cross-correlated data for the positive and negative time lags to measure a timing asymmetry about the zero-lag time, and, for a receiver pair for which there is a non-zero timing asymmetry, using the asymmetry to identify a timing discrepancy between the clocks associated with that receiver pair. The each data set can be filtered so as to obtain data in a selected frequency range, which may avoid an active shot frequency. The data may be collected in the absence of active seismic shots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Paul James Hatchell, Kurang Jvalant Mehta
  • Patent number: 9094673
    Abstract: An arrangement and a method for providing a three dimensional map representation of an area. The arrangement includes an image generating unit and a processing unit. The image generating unit is arranged to generate time recorded images. The image generating unit is arranged to provide a plurality of at least partly overlapping images each covering at least a part of the area. The processing unit is arranged to stereo process an arbitrary number of at least partly overlapping image sets generated by the image generating unit so as to provide the three dimensional map representation. A navigation unit is arranged to output time recorded navigation states related to the image generating unit. The processing unit is arranged to, for each time recorded image to be stereo processed, associate the navigation states relating to a corresponding time record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Kristian Lundberg, Folke Isaksson
  • Patent number: 9092835
    Abstract: A system for determining the detectability of a fleet of vehicles by a listener at a target site. The system receives as input at least the number of vehicles, a selection of a noise signature for each vehicle, and a distance to the target. The system may then estimate noise pressure level for the fleet along the estimated distance from the given location to the target site based on the noise signature associated with each vehicle and display a graph showing the noise pressure level vs. distance from the given location to the target site. In an embodiment, the system may estimate the background noise level at the target site and subtract this from the noise pressure level of the fleet at the target site to determine an expected noise level above background noise at the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Jared Giesbrecht, Blaine Fairbrother
  • Publication number: 20150138915
    Abstract: A monofrequency signal is used to record signature properties of subsurface reservoir formations. While recording conventional Vibroseis data after certain prescribed distances, the monofrequency signal is transmitted to evaluate the presence of reservoir rocks underneath that source location. When a compressional wave travels through a permeable and fluid-saturated reservoir formation, the Drag Wave travels through reservoir fluid interconnections at a slower velocity than the compressional wave in the rock matrix. Due to the Doppler Effect, a unique lower frequency is generated. This lower frequency becomes an indicator of the presence of reservoir formations. Its character depends on the tortuosity of pore interconnections, presence of pore fluids, and permeability. A transfer function is calculated to convert the swept frequency signal used for conventional seismic recording. This converted swept frequency signal is cross-correlated with the normally recorded signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: NONLINEAR SEISMIC IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: SOFIA KHAN, Tawassul Ali Khan
  • Publication number: 20150131409
    Abstract: The Monte-Carlo method of generating Popcorn shooting patterns starts with the number and sizes of the guns available and the length in time of the desired Popcorn pattern. The firing times and order of the guns will be randomly perturbed and a large number of Popcorn patterns built. Candidate Popcorn patterns will then be tested against a set of criteria to identify acceptable or the best patterns. These criteria may include limits on maximum peak strength, distinctiveness compared to the other patterns, and the size of the notches and peaks in the spectra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: RAYMOND LEE ABMA, ALLAN ROSS
  • Publication number: 20150124559
    Abstract: Method for optimal stacking of seismic images to remove noise and enhance signals in seismic images (101) outputted from a Reverse Time Migration (RTM) imaging process. Dip information is calculated (102) and then sorted by image point (104), for each seismic image to be stacked. A dominant dip and azimuth is determined at each image point (106), and only those events are stacked (107). If the image is still noisy or lacking in detail (108), the process may be iterated (109) to improve the selection of most likely dip and azimuth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Young Ho Cha, William Curry
  • Publication number: 20150124558
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating accurate 3-dimensional images of objects immersed in liquids including optically opaque liquids which may also have significant sound attenuation, is described. Sound pulses are caused to impinge on the object, and the time-of-flight of the reflected sound is used to create a 3-dimensional image of the object in almost real-time. The apparatus is capable of creating images of objects immersed in fluids that are optically opaque and have high sound attenuation at resolutions less than about 1 mm. The apparatus may include a piezoelectric transducer for generating the acoustic pulses; a high-density polyethylene compound acoustic lens, a 2-dimensional segmented piezoelectric detecting array positioned behind the lens for receiving acoustic pulses reflected by the object, the electric output of which is directed to digital signal processing electronics for generating the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Dipen N. Sinha, John F. Brady
  • Patent number: 9022941
    Abstract: In order to simplify a manufacturing process and reduce cost and power consumption by providing an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a carrier signal generating circuit excellent in IC implementation, a carrier signal generating circuit for generating an output voltage Vo applied to an ultrasonic probe 41 includes cascaded source follower type NMOSFETs 11 to 14, a variable current source 31, and a constant current source for biasing 32. The probe 41 can be made to generate the output voltage Vo with arbitrary amplitude by controlling a gate voltage V4 by controlling the output current value of the variable current source 31. In addition, a voltage applied to each NMOSFET can be divided by connecting the NMOSFETs 11 to 14 in a multi-stage manner. Accordingly, the withstand voltage of the NMOSFET may be low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Kanako Hatayama, Kenji Maio
  • Publication number: 20150117143
    Abstract: Method for mitigating coherent noise and seismic data using an adaptively varying filter. The strongest and most coherent pattern (53), generally associated with the geology, is adaptively removed (56) from the original seismic data, producing an intermediate product that consists predominantly of noise. These noise data are then removed from the original input data (57) to produce a significantly more interpretable seismic volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mark W. Dobin, Guo-Shi Li
  • Publication number: 20150117144
    Abstract: Method for estimating reflector dips in a window of post stack image traces (51) of seismic data for use in velocity tomography (57). The method iteratively (56) flattens (55) the image traces against a specified reference trace through the application of conjugate-gradient least-squares inversion (53). Different from other dip estimation methods which emphasize on strong-amplitude reflectors, the inventive method automatically inverts for the reflector dip for every grid point in the image window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Hongchuan Sun, Feng Deng, Cary M. Marcinkovich
  • Publication number: 20150117145
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus including: an ultrasonic probe configured to receive ultrasonic waves reflected from an object, and to convert the ultrasonic waves into electrical signals; a beamformer configured to perform beamforming on the electrical signals to thereby generate resultant signals, and to output the resultant signals; an image restorer configured to estimate a first Point Spread Function (PSF) based on an ultrasound image corresponding to the outputted signals, to determine a situational variable of the ultrasound image using the first PSF, to estimate a second PSF based on the situational variable of the ultrasound image, and to generate a restored image for the ultrasound image using the second PSF; and an image filter configured to filter the restored image based on the situational variable of the ultrasound image, and to output the filtered image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Joo Young KANG, Sung Chan PARK, Jung Ho KIM, Jong Keun SONG
  • Publication number: 20150109881
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing data acquired using a variable-depth streamer, obtain up-going and down-going wavefields at a predetermined datum, and use them to identify multiples included in the up-going wavefield. An image of a geological formation under the seabed is then generated using the data from which the multiples have been removed, and/or the multiples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Gordon POOLE, Simon KING
  • Publication number: 20150109880
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a substrate; and a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells arranged on the substrate in a predetermined direction. Thicknesses of cavities in the plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells are determined based on locations of the plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells in the predetermined direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong-kyun KIM