Abstract: A method for determining functional severity of a stenosis includes: (a) generating a simulated perfusion map from a calculated blood flow; (b) comparing the simulated perfusion map to a measured perfusion map to identify a degree of mismatch therebetween, the measured perfusion map representing perfusion in a patient; (c) modifying a parameter in a model used in calculating the blood flow when the degree of mismatch meets or exceeds a predefined threshold; (d) computing a hemodynamic quantity from the simulated perfusion map when the degree of mismatch is less than the predefined threshold, the hemodynamic quantity being indicative of the functional severity of the stenosis; and (e) displaying the hemodynamic quantity. Systems for determining functional severity of a stenosis are described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a Doppler processing unit which generates a Doppler spectrum from an ultrasonic signal reflected from a predetermined region in a heart, a trace waveform generation unit which generates temporal changes in a predetermined spectrum component in the Doppler spectrum as a plurality of trace waveforms, a corrected trace waveform generation unit which generates a corrected trace waveform with the loss being interpolated by using a trace waveform, of the plurality of trace waveforms, which has a loss portion, and at least one estimation point input for the trace waveform, and an output unit which outputs a plurality of trace waveforms including the corrected trace waveform.

Abstract: Ultrasound imaging devices and heads up displays, as well and systems utilizing both are described. In some embodiments, ultrasound data or images may be displayed on a heads up display, which may be a head-mounted display. One or more users may manipulate the images. Image capture devices and sensors may also be implemented.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the--shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module.

Abstract: In an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, the controller writes and reads element data of one frame into and out from two or more buffer memories 21a, 21b, . . . 21i sequentially frame by frame and assigns the element data of one frame sequentially read out from the buffer memories to a plurality of arithmetic blocks of a signal processor, wherein the element data assigned is subjected to processing by each of a plurality of arithmetic cores in the plurality of arithmetic blocks to produce an image signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing an interventional procedure are presented. A first set of pulses are delivered using at least one image sensor simultaneously with a second set of pulses delivered using at least one flow sensor disposed in an integrated interventional device towards a target region in a subject. Further, structural information corresponding to the target region at a designated time is determined using imaging signals received in response to the first sets of pulses. Additionally, volumetric information corresponding to the target region at the designated time is determined using signals received in response to the second sets of pulses. Moreover, the structural and volumetric information is processed using a determined model to compute one or more diagnostic parameters corresponding to the target region. A diagnostic assessment of the target region is then provided based on the computed diagnostic parameters.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an image acquisition unit, a measurement unit, an estimation unit, and a display unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an ultrasonic image representing information inside an object. The measurement unit executes measurement on the ultrasonic image. The estimation unit estimates a measurement region associated with the measurement based on the ultrasonic image. The display unit displays the estimated measurement region together with the ultrasonic image.

Abstract: An ultrasound image is displayed while clarifying a positional relationship with an ultrasound probe. An ultrasound diagnostic device is provided with an ultrasound probe, a first position detecting means for detecting a position of the ultrasound probe, an ultrasound image generating means for generating an ultrasound image by using a reflected echo signal, an ultrasound volume data generating means for generating three-dimensional ultrasound volume data by accumulating the ultrasound images, a reference image generating means for generating a ultrasound reference image of an arbitrary cross section by using the ultrasound volume data and displaying an ultrasound probe mark indicating the position of the ultrasound probe in a superimposed manner on a position in the ultrasound reference image, the position corresponding to the ultrasound probe position detected by the first position detecting means, and a display means for displaying the ultrasound image and the ultrasound reference image.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring ultrasound data of a region-of-interest including an interventional device with a probe, identifying a position of the interventional device with respect to the probe, and identifying a shadow region within the region-of-interest based on the position of the interventional device. The system and method includes identifying a subset of the ultrasound data acquired from the shadow region, generating an image including a graphical indicator identifying a shadow region area generated from the subset of the ultrasound data, and displaying the image.

Abstract: The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a first and second ultrasound pulse are transmitted at a first sample volume within an object. A first echo signal of the first ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume and a second echo signal of the second ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume. An estimate of position displacement data of the first sample volume is computed from the first and second echo signals, and the estimate of position displacement data is compared to a predetermined position displacement data threshold indicative of moving tissue. A determination is made, based on the comparison, whether the first sample volume corresponds to moving tissue and, based on the determination, the transmitting, receiving, computing and determining is repeated for a second sample volume.

Abstract: Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including: a tomogram constructing means; an elasticity information calculating means; an elasticity image constructing means; a display means; an estimation data generating means configured to generate estimation data for estimating the characteristic of a biomedical tissue on the basis of the elasticity image; an estimation data selecting means configured to select at least one parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic of the biomedical tissue and to make the selected parameter displayed on the display means, an analyzing means configured to analyze the elasticity image using at least one parameter selected by the estimation data selecting means and to make the result of analysis displayed on the display means; wherein the display means displays the parameter used for the estimation of the characteristic and the result of analysis.

Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus images incidental information including at least either subject information or examination information to generate an incidental information image, and executes information processing of the incidental information image as an independent frame from a series of ultrasonic images as well as information processing to form the incidental information image as a series of images with the ultrasonic images.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for active control of ultrasound image acquisition includes accessing image data representing a series of ultrasound images acquired over a period of time from an ultrasound probe and identifying an object of interest in at least one of the images. The method further includes detecting changes in a position of the ultrasound probe and/or an orientation of the ultrasound probe over the period of time with respect to the object of interest, or changes in a position of the object of interest and/or an orientation of the object of interest over the period of time with respect to the ultrasound probe. The method further includes adjusting at least one ultrasound image acquisition parameter based on the detected changes in the position and/or the orientation of the ultrasound probe and/or based on the detected changes in the position and/or the orientation of the object of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring ultrasound data of a region-of-interest including an interventional device with a probe, identifying a position of the interventional device with respect to the probe, and identifying a shadow region within the region-of-interest based on the position of the interventional device. The system and method includes identifying a subset of the ultrasound data acquired from the shadow region, generating an image including a graphical indicator identifying a shadow region area generated from the subset of the ultrasound data, and displaying the image.

Abstract: A method for Tissue Doppler Imaging is provided. The method for Tissue, Doppler Imaging comprises steps of: a) transmitting ultrasound signals to a target area including the tissue to be imaged, and receiving the echo signals returned from the target area; b) performing Doppler estimation on Doppler signals extracted from the echo signals, to acquire Doppler parameters of stationary tissue or nonstationary tissue or blood flow within the target area, wherein the Doppler parameters comprise at least velocity and power; c) processing the acquired power of the Doppler parameters to obtain the power related to the nonstationary tissue within the target area, so as to display the tissue motion.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes a plurality ultrasound probes, an apparatus body for producing an ultrasound image based on the reception data obtained by one of the ultrasound probes, a connection selector for selectively switching a connection between the ultrasound probes and the apparatus body, an interruption detector for detecting interruption of ultrasound examination, and a controller for causing the apparatus body to display a selection screen for selecting one of the ultrasound probes to be subsequently used when the interruption detector detects interruption of ultrasound examination, wherein when an operator selects one of the ultrasound probes to be subsequently used from the displayed selection screen, the controller controls the connection selector to connect the selected ultrasound probe with the apparatus body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing ultrasound probe location and image information are provided. One system includes an ultrasound device coupled with an ultrasound probe and configured to acquire ultrasound images of a subject. The system further includes at least one of a plurality of digital cameras or a plurality of digital scanners configured to acquire scene information including images of the ultrasound probe with the subject during an image scan. The system also includes a processor having an ultrasound registration unit (URU) with the URU configured to identify and reference a probe location of the ultrasound probe to a surface of the object from the scene information and correlate the probe location to one or more of the acquired ultrasound images. The URU is additionally configured to generate a representation of the surface showing the identified and referenced probe location corresponding to the correlated ultrasound images.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasound diagnostic device being able to display an ultrasound image which is not limited to a region targeted for ultrasound emission. The ultrasound diagnostic device is provided with an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound emitting surface for emitting an ultrasound wave and receiving a reflected wave of the ultrasound wave, an ultrasound image generator for generating an ultrasound image by using an reflected echo signal based on the reflected wave, an ultrasound volume data generator for accumulating the ultrasound images to generate three-dimensional ultrasound volume data of a test object, a reference image generator for generating multiple reference images by using three-dimensional volume data and the ultrasound volume data, and a display unit for displaying the ultrasound image and the reference images.

Abstract: A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system, the dual-capability ultrasound system being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine. Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc.

Abstract: A medical data acquisition and display system utilizing separate data signals to transmit both high-resolution data and low-latency synchronization data acquired from patient sensors utilizing different wireless protocols. The low-latency stream of data transmitted over a radio frequency transmission as a timing-pulse in real-time. This high-resolution data includes detailed sensor readings from the patient and also includes digital markers (i.e., the timing-pulse) identifying the temporal location of the high-resolution data relative to imaging data that is simultaneously acquired from a patient. The high-resolution data can be electrocardiogram (ECG) data. The timing pulse can be based on the physiological QRS complex within the ECG data. The imaging data can be echocardiogram imagery of a heart that generated the ECG data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a control panel through which a command for manipulation of the ultrasound diagnosis apparatus is input, a keyboard configured to input, and a controller configured to determine whether or not an input time of text is reached and to control movement of the keyboard such that the keyboard extends outward.

Abstract: A specimen information acquisition apparatus includes a signal processor which can selectively operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, when a first group represents a group of devices among receiving devices and a second group represents at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the first group, a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image are obtained based on received signals from the first group and the second group, respectively. In the second mode, when a third group represents a group of devices having at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the first group and a fourth group represents at least a fraction of a group of devices other than the third group, a photoacoustic image and an ultrasonic image are obtained based on received signals from the third group and the fourth group, respectively.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, a transmission unit, a reception unit, a correction unit, an image processing unit and a display unit. The ultrasonic probe includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements. The reception unit stores a plurality of image generation reception signals corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements, generates a reception beam in accordance a predetermined reception condition by using each of the stored image generation reception signals, and stores a plurality of correction reception signals corresponding to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements. The correction unit receives the plurality of correction reception signals and corrects at least one of the transmission conditions and the reception condition based on the plurality of correction reception signals.

Abstract: Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an unit 7 for forming time series tomographic images on the basis of a reflection echo signals received by ultrasound probe 2, an unit 8 for obtaining the elasticities of body tissue on the basis of the reflection echo signals and forming elasticity images on times series, an unit 9 for forming a superimposition image on time series by superposing the tomographic image on the elasticity image, an unit 43 for inputting an instruction for controlling superimposition image formation, and an unit 10 for displaying the superimposition image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus further includes a freezing control portion (7, 8) for outputting an image, as a frozen image, selected in response to a freezing instruction for freezing the display operation on time series of any of the tomographic image or the elasticity image input into the input unit to the superimposition image forming unit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for portable medical ultrasound imaging. Certain embodiments provide a multi-chip module for an ultrasound engine of a portable medical ultrasound imaging system, in which a transmit/receive chip, an amplifier chip and a beamformer chip are assembled in a vertically stacked configuration. Exemplary embodiments also provide an ultrasound engine circuit board including one or more multi-chip modules, and a portable medical ultrasound imaging system including an ultrasound engine circuit board with one or more multi-chip modules. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for fabricating and assembling multi-chip modules as taught herein. A single circuit board of an ultrasound engine with one or more multi-chip modules may include 16 to 128 channels in some embodiments. Due to the vertical stacking arrangement of the multi-chip modules, a 128-channel ultrasound engine circuit board can be assembled within exemplary planar dimensions of about 10 cm×about 10 cm.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that measures an elastic modulus of a vascular wall, the apparatus allowing selection of a heartbeat suitable for the measurement of the elastic modulus. The problem is solved by storing M-mode images at predetermined intervals in the azimuth direction in a B-mode image, selecting a position in the azimuth direction in the B-mode image, and displaying the M-mode image of the selected position together with the B-mode image.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus that measures the modulus of elasticity of a vascular wall, wherein only M-mode images for heartbeats necessary for the measurement are displayed. The problem is solved by, when freeze is implemented during a B/M-mode display, displaying an M-mode image after discarding a heartbeat at the time of freeze and possibly also a heartbeat immediately before freeze.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment, a separator separates an arbitrary region of a displayed object represented from image data, in a depth direction, based on a characterizing quantity included in the image data. An image generation controller generates an image to be displayed in which depth direction information is reflected on the arbitrary region of the displayed object, separated by the separator. A display controller causes a monitor being capable of providing a stereoscopic vision to display the image to be displayed generated by the image generation controller.

Abstract: Acquiring, processing and presenting breast ultrasound information to a user is described. Breast tissue is scanned with an ultrasonic transducer array to generate sonographic image information of the tissue in multiple angles using beamsteering techniques. Sonographic image information is stored in a storage system. One or more image selection buttons are provided that allow the viewer to select which angle or compound image should be displayed. In response to user input, sonographic images are displayed in the desired views, thereby facilitating analysis of the patient's breast tissue by the user. The sonographic image information can be processed real-time, in response to and according to user input. Image selection buttons are described which can soft buttons displayed to the user. The appearance of the soft button can change to indicate the type of image being displayed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound imaging apparatus which includes a 3D display to display a 3D ultrasound image as well as a 2D display to display a 2D ultrasound image, thereby displaying both the anatomical shape of a diagnosis part and a high-resolution image, and a control method thereof. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes an ultrasound data acquirer configured to acquire ultrasound data, a volume data generator configured to generate volume data based on the ultrasound data, a 3-Dimensional (3D) display image generator configured to generate a 3D ultrasound image based on the volume data, a cross-sectional image acquirer configured to acquire a cross-sectional image based on the volume data, a 3D display configured to display the 3D ultrasound image, and a 2D display configured to display the cross-sectional image.

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein generally relate to improved ultrasound visualization. In some embodiments, interoperative ultrasound displays may be enhanced for more accurate identification of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues.

Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable media that store instructions executable by one or more processors for performing an interventional procedure are presented. One or more pulses are delivered to an intravascular region of interest (ROI) in a subject using at least one image sensor and at least one forward-looking flow sensor disposed at a distal end of an integrated intravascular device. Further, one or more images corresponding to the ROI are reconstructed using imaging signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the image sensor. Additionally, one or more flow characteristics corresponding to the ROI are determined based on the signals received in response to the pulses delivered by the flow sensor. The determined flow characteristics are used for computing one or more functional parameters corresponding to the ROI. An assessment of the subject may be provided based on the reconstructed images and/or the functional parameters.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system including a user interface configured to receive user inputs from an operator during an imaging session. The user interface includes a display device having a display area and an image-processing module that is configured to receive ultrasound signals from a diagnostic probe and process the signals to generate ultrasound images. The system also includes a workflow module that is configured to display, concurrently, an acquired image of the ultrasound images and a user-selectable element in the display area. The acquired image includes an anatomical feature of a subject. The workflow module is configured to display an activated frame over the acquired image in the display area when the user-selectable element is selected by the operator. The activated frame appears partially transparent such that the anatomical feature is visible through the activated frame.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe includes a transducer array for a B-mode image which transmits and receives an ultrasonic beam for a B-mode image, and a transducer array for sound speed measurement which is laminated and formed above the transducer array for a B-mode image and receives an ultrasonic beam for sound speed measurement.

Abstract: A method can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat lobuli and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a conformal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a surface of a fat lobuli. The lesion creates an opening in the surface of the fat lobuli, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat lobuli and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a display unit, an image generator, an acquiring unit, a rendering processor, and a controller. The display unit displays a stereoscopic image by displaying a parallax image group. The image generator generates an ultrasound image based on reflection waves received by an ultrasound probe held against a subject. The acquiring unit acquires three-dimensional position information of the ultrasound probe of when an ultrasound image is captured. The rendering processor generates a probe image group for allowing the ultrasound probe to be virtually perceived as a stereoscopic image based on the three-dimensional position information. The controller controls to display a characterizing image depicting a characteristic of a condition under which the ultrasound image is captured and the probe image group onto the display unit in a positional relationship based on the three-dimensional position information.

Abstract: A portable device utilizes an ultrasound probe, which is placed on the abdomen of a mother and allows ultrasound video and pictures, as well as Doppler heartbeat detection of the fetus. It is also capable of recording fetal brain activity induced by constant-wave or pulsed-wave ultrasound stimuli; and analyzing the fetal EEG measurements. The electrical brain waves are detected by a sensor, amplified, digitized, and analyzed in one portable device, using analog and/or digital filters to improve the signal/noise ratio. The portable computer uses augmented reality imaging and quantitative EEG analysis software to compare the data from the fetus to normative data or to prior states of the fetus' own data. The EEG signals are recorded for an extended period of time and can be analyzed in real time or at a later time for rhythmicity patterns indicative of epilepsy or other developmental brain disorders.

Abstract: A mitral valve is detected in transthoracic echocardiography. The ultrasound transducer is positioned against the chest of the patient rather than being inserted within the patient. While data acquired from such scanning may be noisier or have less resolution, the mitral valve may still be automatically detected. Using both B-mode data representing tissue as well as flow data representing the regurgitant jet, the mitral valve may be detected automatically with a machine-learnt classifier. A series of classifiers may be used, such as determining a position and orientation of a valve region with one classifier, determining a regurgitant orifice with another classifier, and locating mitral valve anatomy with a third classifier. One or more features for some of the classifiers may be calculated based on the orientation of the valve region.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring first 4D ultrasound data of a first partial volume for a first period of time that is longer than an estimated cardiac period and acquiring second 4D ultrasound data of a second partial volume for a second period of time that is longer than the estimated cardiac period. The system and method includes combining the first 4D ultrasound data with the second 4D ultrasound data to generate 4D ultrasound data of a region-of-interest. The system and method also includes generating and displaying an image based on the 4D ultrasound data.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment, a direction determining unit determines a moving direction of an ultrasonic probe. A scanning control unit controls a transmitting and receiving unit so as to repeatedly perform first scanning for acquiring first image data by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal in a first direction and second scanning for acquiring second image data by transmitting and receiving the ultrasonic signal in a second direction inclined toward the moving direction with respect to the first direction. An image superimposing unit generates panoramic image data by superimposing a plurality of pieces of first image data acquired through the first scanning. A display control unit displays the second image data together with the panoramic image data or the first image data on a display unit during scanning.

Abstract: Enhanced ultrasound imaging apparatus and associated methods of work flow are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound scanning includes receiving a first dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of a target anatomy of a patient in a two-dimensional mode and generating a two-dimensional ultrasound image of the scanned target anatomy based on the received first dataset. The method also includes receiving an input defining at least one of an A-plane, a B-plane, and a C-plane on the displayed two-dimensional ultrasound image. Thereafter, a second dataset representing ultrasonic scanning of the target anatomy in a three-dimensional mode is received and an additional ultrasound image along a plane orthogonal to the two-dimensional ultrasound image of the target anatomy is generated based on (1) the three-dimensional scanning and (2) the input defining at least one of the A-plane, the B-plane, and the C-plane.

Abstract: A Doppler gate is automatically positioned in spectral Doppler ultrasound imaging. Samples acquired for multiple PW Doppler gates are used for B-mode and/or F-mode detection over time without interleaving transmissions for the PW Doppler. The B-mode and/or F-mode information are used to track gate placement. Alternatively or additionally, characteristics spectra from different gate locations are used to select a gate location. Either tracking may be used to change the locations sampled and/or beam characteristics, such as centering the locations and beam focus on the selected gate location.

Abstract: An ultrasound image displaying method and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus include: displaying a first ultrasound image obtained from an object in a first mode and a second ultrasound image obtained from the object in a second mode; displaying a first marker and a second marker indicating locations of parts of the object on the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image, respectively; and as the first marker moves based on an external input signal, moving the second marker such that the second marker matches with the moved first marker.

Abstract: A method for controlling an optoacoustic imaging system includes the steps of analyzing sinogram data values to identify variations, storing information concerning the variations, generating first and second sinograms, and processing the sinograms to mitigate the effect of the variations. In the analyzing step, sinogram data values are analyzed to identify one or more variations that are related to performance of one or more of the discrete components of the optoacoustic imaging system. The identified variations are then stored. A first sinogram is generated by sampling transducer elements acoustically coupled with a surface of a volume for a predetermined period of time after delivery of a pulse of light having a first wavelength, the first sinogram containing one channel for each of the transducer elements.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic system is provided that includes an ultrasound imaging device having an ultrasound probe that is configured to provide an ultrasound image of the heart during an ultrasound imaging session. The diagnostic system also includes a user interface including an operator display that is configured to concurrently display a reference image frame and the ultrasound image of the ultrasound imaging session. The user interface is configured to receive operator inputs to adjust a view of the heart in the ultrasound image and acquire a set of image frames of the heart. The diagnostic system also includes a cardiac analyzer that is configured to automatically identify a measurement frame from the set of image frames. The measurement frame includes the heart at a designated orientation and at a designated cardiac condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transmission processing unit transmits, to a subject via the ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic waves corresponding to a Doppler mode and remaining modes. A reception processing unit receives the ultrasonic wave reflected by the subject via the ultrasonic probe as an echo signal. An ultrasonic image generation unit generates images in the Doppler mode and the remaining modes based on the echo signal. A control unit changes a ratio of transmission of the ultrasonic wave corresponding to the Doppler mode to transmission of the ultrasonic waves corresponding to the remaining modes in accordance with a degree of a pulsatory of the subject.

Abstract: A method of recording data in a file, the data being associated with the operation of a combined ultrasound and optoacoustic imaging system. The method generates a sinograms each reflective an of an optoacoustic return signal responsive to a light event, and associates each sinogram with a value that can be used to determine its temporal order. The method also generates ultrasound images each reflective an of an ultrasound return signal responsive to generated ultrasound, and associates each ultrasound image with a value that can be used to determine its temporal order. The sinogram and ultrasound data are stored in frames without concern for the precise order of the frames in the file, the frames including the values associating the sinograms and ultrasound images with their temporal order, so that the order and timing of the data underlying the frames can be reconstructed from the information in the file.

Abstract: A method of displaying a 3D image and a 2D image includes the operations of acquiring the 3D image of a target object, selecting at least one cross-section of the target object based on an external input for the acquired 3D image, acquiring the 2D image by scanning the target object such as to obtain the selected at least one cross-section, and displaying the 2D image and the 3D image.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an ultrasonic image and information associated with the image includes a storage unit which stores a plurality of cross-section images of a plurality of scanned cross-sections of a target object and a plurality of pieces of image-related information respectively associated with the plurality of cross-section images, an image acquisition unit which acquires an ultrasonic image of the target object, a selection unit which selects at least one of the plurality of cross-section images based on a similarity between the ultrasonic image and each of the plurality of cross-section images, an extraction unit which extracts image-related information associated with the selected cross-section image from the storage unit, and a display unit which displays the extracted image-related information and the acquired ultrasonic image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described which produce tissue harmonic images containing both fundamental and harmonic frequency components. Such a blended image takes advantage of the performance possible with the two types of ultrasonic echo information and can advantageously reduce near field clutter while improving signal to noise performance in the far field of the image.