Abstract: Provided herein is a method for use in medical applications that permits (1) affordable three-dimensional imaging of blood flow using a low-profile easily-attached transducer pad, (2) real-time blood-flow vector velocity, and (3) long-term unattended Doppler-ultrasound monitoring in spite of motion of the patient or pad. The pad and associated processor collects and Doppler processes ultrasound blood velocity data in a three dimensional region through the use of a planar phased array of piezoelectric elements. The invention locks onto and tracks the points in three-dimensional space that produce the locally maximum blood velocity signals. The integrated coordinates of points acquired by the accurate tracking process is used to form a three-dimensional map of blood vessels and provide a display that can be used to select multiple points of interest for expanded data collection and for long term continuous and unattended blood flow monitoring.

Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus according to the present invention has a transmitting and receiving section, an ultrasound signal processing section, a CPU, a main memory, two compact flash memories™, a vide signal outputting section, an output image generating section, a device I/F section, a keyboard I/F section, and a timing controller. The ultrasound observation apparatus configured in this way generates an ultrasound observation image and changes the frequency of updating the displayed ultrasound observation image (frame rate) according to the display range of the ultrasound observation image, thereby improving frame rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in medical imaging and a medical imaging method. The apparatus comprises nuclear medicine imaging means including detector means for detecting radiation as emitted upon decay of a radiopharmaceutical injected into a living object's body as well as means for generating a nuclear medicine image of said living object based on the detected radiation. The apparatus further comprises ultrasonography imaging means for also generating an ultrasonography image of the same living object.

Abstract: ECG data and ultrasound data are synchronized by adding a marker to both sets of data, then detecting the position of the markers in the data, and using the detected positions to align the two sets of data in time. This enables an operator to visualize which frame of ultrasound data corresponds in time to which portion of the ECG waveform.

Abstract: A signal-analysis portion executes a signal-analysis process to signal data that corresponds to an ultrasonic echo received from a subject. A determining portion determines whether image data regarding the subject, which is created based on the signal data upon which said signal-analysis process has been executed, includes a diagnostic target. A parameter-setting portion, based on the determination result, changes to a different value the value of a specific parameter that has an effect on the resolution of the signal-analysis process, among processing parameters to be employed in the signal-analysis process. A display portion displays image data regarding the subject based on the signal data that has been signal-analysis processed according to the specific parameter.

Abstract: A portable ultrasound system provides immersive viewing of images. A small, lightweight scope includes a transducer and a display. The display is adapted for viewing ultrasound images close to the eye of the user, such as within five inches or a couple feet of the eye. By adapting the system for close viewing, the ultrasound system is sensory immersive, such as an otoscope or endoscope. A magnifying lens is positioned adjacent to a display screen. The magnifying lens adapts the small display screen for viewing close to the user's eye. A shade or eyepiece extends away from and at least partly around the display screen. The shade allows viewing in many different lighting conditions. Alternatively, the ultrasound image is viewed on a head mounted display attached to glasses or a helmet.

Abstract: An ultrasonographic method includes: a first encoding transmission/reception step for transmitting an ultrasonic beam encoded by an encoding set consisting of a plurality of modulation codes in which at least two are in complementary relationship and demodulating reception signals corresponding to the ultrasonic beam; a step for obtaining a first synthesis signal by synthesizing the demodulation signals demodulated by the first encoding transmission/reception step; a second encoding transmission/reception step for transmitting an ultrasonic beam encoded by a reverse encoding set consisting of a plurality of modulation codes in which the arrangement order of modulation codes of the encoding set is reversed and demodulating the reception signals corresponding to the ultrasonic beam; a step for obtaining a second synthesis signal by synthesizing the demodulated signals demodulated by the second encoding transmission/reception step; a step for obtaining a third synthesis signal by synthesizing the first synthesis

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe, an image-processing part, a received signal intensity-adjusting part, and a display part. The ultrasonic probe three-dimensionally transmits/receives ultrasonic waves. The image-processing part generates a first ultrasonic image along a plane intersecting the scanning lines of ultrasonic waves, based on the signals obtained by transmitting/receiving of the ultrasonic waves. The signal intensity-adjusting part changes the intensity of the signals on the scanning lines passing through a brightness adjustment range for brightness adjustment set on the first ultrasonic image. The image-processing part generates a second ultrasonic image, based on the signal changed by the signal intensity-adjusting part. The display part displays the second ultrasonic image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods are described in which an ultrasound image being displayed near an x-ray mammogram image may be superimposed thereon or thereunder by a user for facilitating rapid comprehension of breast structures and detection of abnormalities therein. In one preferred embodiment, the x-ray mammogram image corresponds to a standard x-ray mammogram view, and the ultrasound image is a thick-slice image representing a thick-slice or slab-like portion of the breast volume substantially parallel to that standard x-ray mammogram view. In another preferred embodiment, the user is permitted to manually manipulate the registration of the ultrasound image with the x-ray mammogram image. It has been found that the manual registration process, which involves manual vernier adjustments responsive to perceived registration differences, can rapidly increase the radiologist's perception of the breast structures being displayed by both component images.

Abstract: High resolution B-mode ultrasound images of the common carotid artery are obtained with an ultrasound transducer using a standardized methodology. Subjects are supine with the head counter-rotated 45 degrees using a head pillow. The jugular vein and carotid artery are located and positioned in a vertical stacked orientation. The transducer is rotated 90 degrees around the centerline of the transverse image of the stacked structure to obtain a longitudinal image while maintaining the vessels in a stacked position. A computerized methodology assists operators to accurately replicate images obtained over several spaced-apart examinations. The methodology utilizes a split-screen display in which the arterial ultrasound image from an earlier examination is displayed on one side of the screen while a real-time “live” ultrasound image from a current examination is displayed next to the earlier image on the opposite side of the screen.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus comprises an ultrasound probe, a transmitter (including a transmitting pulse generator and a transmitting beamformer), a receiver (including a preamplifier and a receiving beamformer), a CFM processor (including a moving-element signal extractor and a velocity corrector), a tomographic image processor, and a display unit. The apparatus scans a desired section of a subject by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound pulse to and from the subject, and displays images obtained by the scanning. The velocity corrector comprises a pulsation-characterizing-velocity (velocities of a moving element) calculator, a representative velocity (reference velocity) calculator, and a corrector to correct the velocities of the moving element based on the standard velocity. The corrected velocity data is visualized on display unit. The ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus makes it possible to display the pulsatility of blood vessels in an easier and useful way.

Abstract: A method for modifying a planar image slice in a CT scanner having a predetermined reconstruction angle, comprising: reconstructing an image of the slice using initial X-ray attenuation data acquired along an initial scan path sector; acquiring additional X-ray attenuation data along an additional scan path sector in a vicinity of the axial position of the slice, the sector having an angular extent substantially less than the reconstruction angle; and modifying the image, to provide a modified image of the slice, responsible to the additional attenuation data.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method and system configured to simultaneously acquire and process multi-mode and multi-band echo information from a single set of pulse firings is provided. Raw ultrasound signals are digitized and stored in an I/Q data buffer. The stored data are then parallel preprocessed as a function of frequency band or alternative encoding. Parallel preprocessing optionally includes manipulating the data in respect to different imaging modes. Outputs of the parallel preprocessors are coupled to separate echo formers used to simultaneously reconstruct various desired echo information to form a multi-mode or multi-band image. The echo formation process is optionally performed in parallel.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus comprising an ultrasound probe which includes ultrasound transducers, transmission/reception unit, a physiological characteristic image data generating unit which generates physiological characteristic image data, which is used to image at least one physiological characteristic of the object, an LOI setting unit which sets an LOI at an arbitrary position on a physiological characteristic image displayed, an M-mode image generating unit which generates an arbitrary M-mode image based on the physiological characteristic image data corresponding to the LOI, a setting unit which sets a profile position by using a cursor, a profile generating unit which generates a temporal profile of the arbitrary M-mode image at the profile position and a spatial profile of the arbitrary M-mode image which is associated with a line segment including at least the LOI, and a display unit which simultaneously displays the arbitrary M-mode image, the temporal profile, and the spatial profile.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a user interface is provided comprising at least three display areas that are simultaneously displayed. The first display area displays a medical image, the second display area displays a plurality of image frames of the medical image, and the third display area displays a data plot. In another embodiment, a user interface is provided comprising at least two display areas that are simultaneously displayed. The first display area displays a medical image, and the second display area displays a plurality of image frames of the medical image. In response to receiving a selection of an image frame in the second display area, the selected image frame is displayed in the first display area. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus capable of obtaining ultrasonic images with high quality and reduced effect of side lobes. The apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer array including plural elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves; a drive signal generating unit for generating drive signals for respectively driving the plural elements; a transmission control unit for controlling the drive signal generating unit such that transmitted ultrasonic waves form an ultrasonic beam transmitted in at least one direction; a reception control unit for performing reception focusing processing on plural detection signals obtained based on ultrasonic waves received by the plural elements so as to form a reception focal point in at least one direction thereby forming an ultrasonic beam; and a scanning control unit for changing directivity of plural ultrasonic components constituting the ultrasonic beam according to a sound ray direction of the ultrasonic beam.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus capable of obtaining high quality ultrasonic images with reduced effect of side lobes. The apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transducer array including ultrasonic transducers; a drive signal generating unit for generating drive signals for driving the ultrasonic transducers; a transmission control unit for controlling the drive signal generating unit such that ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers form at least one ultrasonic beam; a reception control unit for performing reception focusing processing on detection signals obtained based on the ultrasonic echoes to form a reception focal point thereby obtaining plural pieces of measurement data; a storage unit for storing plural different acoustic pressure intensity profiles; and an essential data calculating unit for calculating image data based on the plural pieces of measurement data and the plural different acoustic pressure intensity profiles.

Abstract: For the purpose of suitably making comparison between a previously acquired reference image and a real-time image currently being acquired, a reference image and a scan condition therefor are stored, the reference image and scan condition are read out, a real-time image is acquired after setting the scan condition, and the reference image and real-time image are displayed side by side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for concurrently displaying respective images representing real-time data and non-real-time data operates by receiving non-real-time data and receiving real-time data. A windowing operating system is executed for controlling the operation of an application program which is responsive to the non-real-time data, for conditioning a display device to display respective images representing the non-real-time data. A real-time display process is executed concurrently with, but independently from, the windowing operating system, for conditioning the display device to display respective images representing the real-time data concurrently with the display of the non-real-time data.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving monitor display condition operating ease and enabling easy display of an arbitrary site, an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal received by an ultrasonic probe 3 is produced by an image producing section 12, a display area is formed on a screen by a display area forming section 17, a displayed range of the ultrasonic image to be displayed in the display area is selected by a displayed range selecting section 14, and scrolling of a selected range and rotation of the displayed range are achieved by a displayed range moving section 15 and a displayed range rotating section 16, respectively, based on a position on the monitor screen specified by the pointing device 3.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a parametric image showing tissue perfusion includes an ultrasonic imaging system coupled to an ECG device. The ECG device triggers the imaging system to obtain contrast image data showing tissue perfusion at a respective predetermined time during each of a plurality of heartbeats. Parametric image data for discrete locations in the area of interest such as the myocardium is determined from the temporal contrast data acquired during reperfusion of the tissue in the area of interest. The parameters are mapped to a display value such as color to produce a parametric perfusion ultrasound image. Sequences of images may be produced which depict both perfusion characteristics and dynamic wall motion of the myocardium in a common image sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in a diagnostic ultrasound system are disclosed. A display device has a first window for displaying live ultrasound images and a second window for displaying a reference cine image. The reference cine image is an image captured prior to the currently displayed live ultrasound images. The images of the first and second windows are synchronized by ECG gating. The apparatus and methods may be employed to image the heart, providing operators with a way to monitor the heart and detect subtle changes in heart condition from the time that a reference image was captured.

Abstract: Since a number of ultrasonic beams which are transmitted within unit time is increased, an ultrasonic imaging method is capable of obtaining image information in a high frame rate or improving resolution of the image information. In an ultrasonic imaging method of transmitting an ultrasonic beam toward a measurement target located within an object, receiving an ultrasonic echo and processing detection signals to obtain image information, there are provided with the steps of: (a) executing a pre-imaging operation and setting a region with respect to the measurement target on the basis of an image obtained by the pre-imaging operation; and (b) transmitting an ultrasonic beam in such a manner that the region set in step (a) is scanned and receiving an ultrasonic echo so as to execute an ultrasonic imaging operation.

Abstract: A method for providing operator control over a medical diagnostic device includes the steps of assigning each device function in a preselected device function set that implements a preselected medical diagnostic device to at least one function activation area on an image display. Subsequently, the method monitors a touchscreen for a touch, and determines a selected activation area based on the touch and the function activation area. Once the selected activation area is determined, the method performs a device function associated with the selected activation area.

Abstract: A region of interest (ROI) of a patient's body is repeatedly scanned using an ultrasound transducer array. Data sets representing an image property, such as intensity, from portions of the ROI are used to calculate a representation of the displacement profile within the ROI at different stress levels. From the displacement profile, a function of strain is also preferably calculated. According to one aspect of the invention, a data set representing an estimate of the elasticity profile within the ROI is color-coded and is displayed along with a B-mode display in a single, overlaid display. According to another aspect of the preferred embodiment of the invention, the display of elasticity is adaptively persisted as a function of, for example, a measure of image quality. The invention also provides an on-screen guide that indicates to a user a measure of quality of each of a series of estimated displacement data sets.

Abstract: A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Abstract: A method is provided to simultaneously acquire two ultrasound images. A first set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a first frame rate utilizing a first mode of operation. The echoes from the first set of ultrasound pulses are received. A second set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a second frame rate utilizing a second mode of operation. The first and second frame rates are different. The first set of ultrasound pulses defines an entire image, while the second set of ultrasound pulses defines a partial image. The echoes from the second set of ultrasound pulses are received, and the echoes from the first and second sets of ultrasound pulses are displayed as a single image.

Abstract: The virtual control user interface for an ultrasound processor includes a software driven display obtained from a memory unit in the ultrasound processor and displayed on a display monitor (part of the ultrasound processor) under control of a processor unit (which is also part of the ultrasound processor). The software driven display reveals images representative of hardware control configurations for other ultrasound processors. The images provided by the software driven display and displayed by on the display include: a plurality of gain control tactile user interfaces, a plurality of ultrasound image enhancement control tactile user interfaces and, at least one focused control tactile user interface. The software driven display has multiple menu levels for the display of the gain control images, the ultrasound images enhancement control images and the focused control image. The software driven display is also further configured to reveal images of more than one ultrasound processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides for x-ray imaging and ultrasound imaging of a body region of interest in a spatially correlatable manner. The resultant x-ray and ultrasound images may be combinatively employed to provide three-dimensional information regarding a location of interest within the body, and is particularly apt for use in the analysis/biopsy of potential lesions and suspicious masses in a female breast. The invention provides for direct body contact by an ultrasound imaging head, as well as targeted ultrasound imaging of a selected portion of the region from which x-ray images are obtained. A user interface system facilitates various procedures including ultrasound guided needle biopsy procedures.

Abstract: A method and systems for obtaining 2D ultrasound images. The methods may comprise the steps of receiving ultrasonic information from a volumetric region of a body, volume scan converting the ultrasonic information from the volumetric region for processing a rendering box, and volume rendering the rendering box for projecting the rendering box onto a 2D slice by using volume rendering techniques. The systems may comprise an ultrasonic transducer for receiving ultrasonic information from a volumetric region of a body, a volume scan converter for processing a rendering box obtained from the volumetric region, and a volume rendering processor for projecting the rendering box onto a 2D slice by using volume rendering techniques for contrast enhancement.

Abstract: A magnetic field measurement apparatus includes a plurality of magnetometers one comprising SQUID's and three detection coils each of which detects each of three orthogonal directional magnetic field components (BX, BY, BZ) of a magnetic field generated from a subject to be inspected, a display which displays time variation of waveforms of the magnitude {{square root over ( )}(BX2+BY2+BZ2)} of a magnetic field synthesized by square sum of each of the three orthogonal directional magnetic field components of the magnetic field generated from the subject to be inspected, a holding means for holding a Dewar's vessel for arranging magnetometers therein, and a controlling means for controlling a positional relationship between the subject to be inspected and the Dewar's vessel.

Abstract: In an ultrasound scanner (90), signals responsive to received ultrasound waves are processed by a B-mode processor (222) and a computer (232). The data processed by the B-mode processor (222) is used to generate a display of a reference image in an area (120) of a display (100), and the data processed by the computer (232) is used to generate a region of interest (140) of the reference image and an enlarged image corresponding to the region of interest in another area (150) of the display (100), thereby improving the spatial resolution and frame rate of the displayed images.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring data in an ultrasound system are provided. A transducer is operatively connected to a transmit beamformer and a receive beamformer. The receive beamformer is configured to obtain a first value associated with a fundamental frequency interleaved with a second value associated with a harmonic frequency. A first transmit signal is transmitted at a first frequency. A first echo signal is received in response to the first transmit signal. At least the first value associated with the first frequency is obtained from the first echo signal. An interleaved second transmit signal is transmitted at the first frequency or a second frequency. A second echo signal is received in response to the second transmit signal. At least the second value associated with a third frequency is obtained from the second echo signal. Images are generated and displayed based on the at least one first value and the at least one second value.

Abstract: In a self-service health parameter measuring apparatus and method, a person's elbow is placed at a spatial reference point, and means surrounding a user's forearm locate an infrared body fat apparatus measurement point at a substantially fixed distance from the spatial reference point. Motor drive means adjustably tighten or loosen a cuff around an upper arm so that measurements on each user are made at substantially the same pressure of the measuring apparatus against a forearm irrespective of the size of the arm. In a preferred form, the preselected measurement pressure is achieved by inflating the cuff to a maximum level, and allowing deflation. Measurement is made when a lower, second preselected level is reached. Blood pressure is also measured in connection with the inflation and deflation operation. Further health parameters may be measured.

Abstract: What is described here is a method of and a device for visualising the orientation of therapeutic sound waves onto a region to be treated or processed, respectively, using a display unit including a screen on which the orientation of said therapeutic sound waves is symbolically displayed with respect to the region to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recording and displaying in context of an image a location of at least one point-of-interest in a body during an intra-body medical procedure.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously displaying an ultrasound image of an area of interest and a magnified portion of the image are disclosed. Pixel locations on the display device are translated to locations within the area of interest. Signals corresponding to locations adjacent to the translated location are acquired and multiplied with coefficients. The coefficients may be varied in real time to address, for example, context dependence. The multiplied signals are summed to form an interpolated signal corresponding to a given pixel.

Abstract: A hand held ultrasonic imaging device is provided as an integral unit with all components and circuitry necessary for both image acquisition and image display included in a single enclosure. Usually, the device will also include an on-board battery so that it can be used without any power cords or other cables. Preferably, the device is provided as part of a system including a recharging base unit having a receptacle for removably receiving and storing the hand held device.

Abstract: Pulse inversion harmonic separation is performed utilizing echoes from three or more pulses of alternating phase or polarity. Temporally different echoes of opposite phase or polarity are combined in pairs, which are in turn combined to form partial sums and a final sum in which fundamental frequency signal components are substantially eliminated. Preferably the signals are normalized to a common reference level. The inventive technique can be performed by a filter structure using weighting coefficients exhibiting a Gaussian variation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for color mapping of flow power data in which the flow states containing information of most interest to the user are enhanced, while flow states not containing information of interest are suppressed. This is accomplished using a color mapping having three segments which are connected at upper and lower knee points, the latter being settable either automatically or via operator inputs. In the automatic mode, the host computer determines the positions of the knee points based on analysis of a single or a mean image frame of power Doppler data or based on system parameters (e.g., dynamic range) set by the operator. The host computer then constructs a color mapping having the determined knee points and loads that color mapping into the video processor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a signal processing method comprising: the acquisition of a first and a second set of data formed from signals respectively relating to first and second moving parts of an object having moving parts, and the construction on the basis of said first and second sets of data of a sequence called a sequence of color velocity images with superimposed graphics which is formed from a sequence of intensity images in which said intensity images are provided with color coded representations of velocity zones of said first moving parts and with schematic graphic representations reproducing the movements of said second moving parts. The invention also concerns an ultrasonic apparatus carrying out said method.

Abstract: A method for configuring an ultrasound imaging system having a programmable signal processor and an operator interface. Application codes for programming the signal processor to process signals in accordance with respective imaging modes are stored in memory. A user operates an operator interface to select one of the plurality of imaging modes. The master controller programs the signal processor with the application code corresponding to the selected imaging mode. The signal processor is programmable to process signals in the B mode, M mode, color flow imaging mode and Doppler imaging mode. Preferably, the programmable signal processor is an array of digital signal processor chips. Incoming vector data is partitioned amongst the respective digital signal processor chips. The processed vector segments are then recombined to form a vector of image data for display.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of strain velocity in real time is disclosed. Strain velocity may be determined from tissue velocity. Tissue velocity determined by measuring the pulse-to-pulse Doppler shift at range positions along an ultrasound beam and calculating tissue velocity based on the Doppler shift. The strain velocity is then calculated as a gradient of tissue velocity. Alternatively, linear regression methods may be used to calculate strain velocity from tissue velocity. Alternatively, strain velocity may be determined directly from the difference in Doppler shift between range positions. The result of the strain velocity determination may be displayed in a number of manners such as M-mode, color-coded video images or time-variation curves, and may be displayed in combination, or as a mixture, with a B-mode image. A reliability index may be calculated and used to modify the display of strain velocity information.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system 20, including an ultrasound probe 22 and a console 26, creates a simultaneous multiplane image in real time. The system 20 includes an ultrasound probe 22 with an ultrasound transducer array 34. The probe 22 has a device 38 for causing the array to take 2-D images in multiple planes. The console 26 allows for the association of multiple 2-D images into a combined image.

Abstract: The PC based ultrasound system utilizes a standard PC central processing unit or CPU (an Intel 486 processor or better), standard PC memory storage and retrieval components, a scan conversion board and a video processing board, all disposed and electronically linked to the bus in the computer. Additionally, the analog drive and return scan video signals are sent to and received from a video processing and motor control unit. The video processing and motor control unit is coupled to an ultrasound scan lead or probe. The virtual control user interface for the ultrasound system includes a software driven display obtained from memory. The software driven display reveals images representative of hardware control configurations for many different ultrasound processors.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously displaying an ultrasound image of an area of interest and a magnified portion of the image are disclosed. Pixel locations on the display device are translated to locations within the area of interest. Signals corresponding to locations adjacent to the translated location are acquired and multiplied with coefficients. The coefficients may be varied in real time to address, for example, context dependence. The multiplied signals are summed to form an interpolated signal corresponding to a given pixel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of a needle-like instrument, such as a biopsy needle, inserted in a human body. The instrument is visualized by transmitting ultrasound beams toward the instrument and then detecting the echo signals using a linear array of transducer elements. The problem of ultrasound being reflected from a biopsy needle in a direction away from the transducer array is solved by steering the transmitted ultrasound beams to increase the angle at which the beams impinge upon the biopsy needle. Ideally the ultrasound beams are perpendicular to the biopsy needle. This increases the system's sensitivity to the needle because the reflections from the needle are directed closer to the transducer array. This can be accomplished using either the B mode or the color flow mode of an ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: A method for generating anatomical M-Mode displays for ultrasonic investigation of living biological structures during movement of the structure, for example a heart function, employing an ultrasonic transducer (21) comprises the acquisition of a time series of 2D or 3D ultrasonic images (22), arranging said time series so as to constitute data sets, providing at least one virtual M-Mode line (23) co-registered with said data sets, subjecting said data sets to computer processing on the basis of said at least one virtual M-Mode line, whereby interpolation along said at least one virtual M-Mode line is effected, and displaying the resulting computed anatomical M-Mode display (24) on a display unit.