Abstract: An ultrasonic apparatus has a pulse transmission and reception unit, an envelope curve detection unit, a time difference detection unit, and an attenuation characteristic obtaining unit. The pulse transmission and reception unit transmits a first transmitted pulse that a frequency increases with time and a second transmitted pulse that the frequency decreases with time, further receives a first received pulse corresponding to the first transmitted pulse and a second received pulse corresponding to the second transmitted pulse. The envelope curve detection unit detects a first envelope curve based on the first received signal and a second envelope curve based on the second received signal, respectively. The time difference detection unit detects a time difference between the first envelope curve and the second envelope curve. The attenuation characteristic obtaining unit obtains a frequency dependent-attenuation characteristic of an ultrasonic base on the time difference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling access of individuals to a service, device or location in order to restrict access to members of a particular age and/or gender category, by machine-sensing a predetermined biometric characteristic of the individual indicative of the particular age and/or gender category, and utilizing the machine-sensed characteristic for automatically controlling access of the individual. The method and apparatus are particularly suited to controlling access of children to certain Internet sites, TV programs, chat rooms, or other places inappropriate to children.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for locating a region of interest in the calcaneus. A method and apparatus are disclosed that use a pair of ultrasound transducers for ultrasound assessment of various properties of bone. The invention includes positioning the transducers on the medial and lateral sides of the heel, respectively. The positioning is based on a size of a portion of the body of a subject upon whom the ultrasound assessment of the calcaneus is to be made. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of the foot from the back to the head of the first metatarsal is used in conjunction with a proportionality constant and an angle, to position the pair of transducers. The positioning so obtained leads to the ability to make both (i) reproducible measurements and (ii) to be able to compare the results obtained in one person with another, because relatively analogous portions of the highly heterogeneous calcanei are assessed in both.

Abstract: The therapeutic ultrasound waveform is used as a source of stress or ARFI pushing pulse. When the therapeutic ultrasound waveform ceases, diagnostic ultrasound is used to measure the strain, such as measuring tissue displacement. The displacement over time after release of the stress indicates tissue characteristics. The tissue characteristics may be monitored to determine when sufficient therapeutic results are obtained.

Abstract: An impedance model of tissue is useful for describing conductivity reconstruction in tissue. Techniques for determining and mapping conductivity distribution in tissue supply useful information of anatomical and physiological status in various medical applications. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) techniques are highly suitable for analyzing conductivity distribution. Electrical characteristics of tissue include resistive elements and capacitive elements. EIT techniques involve passing a low frequency current through the body to monitor various anatomical and physiological characteristics. The system can interrogate at multiple frequencies to map impedance. Analytical techniques involve forward and inverse solutions to boundary value analysis to tissue characteristics.

Abstract: Elastographic images provide visualization in two or three dimensions of RF ablation lesions to guide in the ablation process. Compression may be applied using the RF probe. A similar technique may be applied to in vivo imaging of soft tissue without ablation.

Abstract: A system and method capable of measuring the fat content in the target organ by the gray level distribution of pixels forming a ultrasonic section image and a recording medium of recording a fat content measuring program are disclosed. In order to quantify the fat content of the target organ from the information of the stored ultrasonic section image, a target section and a comparative section in each of the longitudinal sections are set, and a representative gray level value of the respective section is calculated, thereby the fat content of the target section is quantified in a numerical value relative to the representative gray level value of the comparative section.

Abstract: A hybrid calibration method uses an calibration phantom (exterior reference) scanned simultaneously with the patient, and one or more known tissues of the subject (interior reference) to create a hybrid calibration reference that improves the measurement of tissue densities throughout the body. In addition, the calibration method is used to quantitatively define boundaries of tissue and organs for more accurate measurements of lengths, areas and volumes. Another aspect of the invention uses the calibrated images to quantitatively preset absolute window/levels for filming and image display, which provides standardized viewing for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A method of operating an Internet device, includes downloading via the Internet a medical testing program from a server. At least one sensor is coupled to the Internet device. The sensor is attached or otherwise coupled to a patient. The Internet device executes the test program to obtain test measurement data from the at least one sensor. The test measurement data is uploaded to the server via the Internet. The Internet device receives processed test data from the server as a download from the server via the Internet. The Internet device displays the processed data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of tissue properties, noninvasively, by acquiring data relating to at least one aspect of intrinsic and/or induced tissue displacement, or associated biological responses, are provided. Data relating to tissue displacement and associated biological changes may be acquired by detecting acoustic properties of tissue using ultrasound interrogation pulses, preferably in a scatter or Doppler detection mode. Based on this data, tissue properties are assessed, characterized and monitored. Specific applications for systems and methods of the present invention include non-invasive assessment and monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial blood pressure (ABP), CNS autoregulation status, vasospasm, stroke, local edema, infection and vasculitus, as well as diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and conditions that are characterized by physical changes in tissue properties.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine that generates a pattern of indicia corresponding to tracked moving structure, such as a cardiac wall tissue that is displayed on a monitor. The pattern of indicia is generated by displaying a set of tagging symbols related to the tracked movement of the structure over a time period by an apparatus comprising a front-end that generates received signals in response to backscattered ultrasound waves. A Doppler processor generates a spatial set of signals values representing movement within the structure. A non-Doppler processor generates a set of parameter signals representing a spatial set of B-mode values within the structure. A host processor embodies a tracking function to generate a set of tracked movement parameter profiles and motion parameter profiles over a time period corresponding to anatomical locations associated with the set of tagging symbols.

Abstract: A method of determining accurate values of acoustic parameters of tissues, comprising: transmitting first acoustic energy through the tissue along a path in a first direction; acquiring a first reflection signal generated by said tissue along said path from the transmitted first acoustic energy; transmitting second acoustic energy through the tissue along the path in a second direction opposite from the first direction; acquiring a second reflection signal generated by said tissue along said path from the transmitted second acoustic energy; and generating one or more of values of attenuation along the path, velocity of acoustic energy along the path, acoustic impedance of materials along the path and reflection along the path, responsive to both the first and second acquired reflection signals.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of predicting bone or joint disease in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods of determining the effect of a candidate agent on any subject's risk of developing bone or joint disease.

Abstract: An echogenic medical device such as a stent for insertion into a biological tissue or vessel comprising an elongate tube and having at least one lumen extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. The elongate tube comprises a material having an acoustic impedance different from the acoustic impedance of the biological tissue or vessel of a patient body such that ultrasonic imaging of the tube inside the patient's body may be achieved. The elongate tube may comprise a plastic material such as polyethylene or any formable, pliable material which may be molded and/or extruded to a variety of shapes depending upon a specific application. The invention improves ultrasonic imaging by entrapping air in a lumen of the stent, which may have any cross-sectional shape and which may be sealed anywhere along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Ultrasonic strain measurements, which characterize the structure of tissue, may be obtained by combining multiple echo signals acquired at different compressions and at different angles. Such angular compounding may improve the quality of the elastic signal and provide at one time both an axial and lateral strain measurement.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method for calculation and display of tissue deformation parameters are disclosed. The tissue deformation parameter strain is determined by an accumulation of strain rate estimates for consecutive frames over an interval. The interval may be a triggered interval generated by, for example, an R-wave in an ECG trace. Three quantitative tissue deformation parameters, such as tissue velocity, tissue velocity integrals, strain rate and/or strain, may be presented as functions of time and/or spatial position for applications such as stress echo. For example, strain rate or strain values for three different stress levels may be plotted together with respect to time over a cardiac cycle. Parameters which are derived from strain rate or strain velocity, such as peak systolic wall thickening percentage, may be plotted with respect to various stress levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for generating and displaying filtered strain rate signals corresponding to tissue structure within a subject in response to complex Doppler signals generated by an ultrasound system. Various combinations of several processing techniques are employed including filtering out high strain rate signals due to reverberation and other sources of noise, complex autocorrelation, velocity signal estimation, real strain rate signal estimation, complex strain correlation signal estimation, complex signal averaging, and real signal averaging. Color strain rate imaging is provided using the techniques such that the color images have reduced noise and improved image quality.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for indicating mechanical stiffness properties of body tissue employing Doppler imaging techniques. Ultrasonic signals that are transmitted to the target not only are reflected for developing images of the target from the reflections, but, by appropriate selection of the intensity of the transmitted signals, the body tissue being investigated is deformed or moved when the transmitted signals impinge on the target. The deformation or movement of the body tissue being investigated is imaged and is representative of the mechanical stiffness of this body tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides for ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices, particularly methods, compositions and devices that provide for interrogating with ultrasonic transducer(s) at multiple transmission angles in an anatomic region. The invention provides for improved interrogation devices that reduce tissue artifacts arising from heterogenous structures in tissues.

Abstract: An ellipsoidal axes setting unit sets major and minor axis of an ellipsoid based on cross sectional position information and ellipsoidal parameters input by a user while viewing a display. A major axis end detector unit, a front view minor axis end detector unit, and a side view minor axis end detector unit detect ends of the major and minor axes based on the major and minor axes set at the ellipsoidal axes setting unit and a target tissue surface image for each time phase output from an edge extractor unit. A major/minor axes setting unit selects appropriate lengths of the major and minor axes from the input ends of the major and minor axes and outputs the selected lengths to a region-of-interest generator unit where a three-dimensional region of interest is generated.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for using imaging methods to aid in drug discovery, and drug development. This invention also relates to methods of using imaging methods for diagnosis, prognostication, monitoring and patient management of musculoskeletal disease.

Abstract: There are provided an ultrasonic imaging system and method which can correct a phase shift effect to image a real change in acoustic impedance in a living body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for noninvasive assessment of cardiac tissue properties and cardiac parameters using ultrasound techniques are disclosed. Determinations of myocardial tissue stiffness, tension, strain, strain rate, and the like, may be used to assess myocardial contractility, myocardial ischemia and infarction, ventricular filling and atrial pressures, and diastolic functions. Non-invasive systems in which acoustic techniques, such as ultrasound, are employed to acquire data relating to intrinsic tissue displacements are disclosed. Non-invasive systems in which ultrasound techniques are used to acoustically stimulate or palpate target cardiac tissue, or induce a response at a cardiac tissue site that relates to cardiac tissue properties and/or cardiac parameters are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound information processing system is disclosed in which ultrasound image data is packetized into ultrasound information packets and routed to one or more of a plurality of processors for performing image processing operations on the ultrasound image data, the ultrasound information packets being routed according to entries in a host-programmable routing table. A common distribution bus is coupled between packetizing circuitry and dedicated input buffers corresponding to each processor for distributing the ultrasound information packets, and a common output bus to is used to transfer processed image data from the processors to an output device. The disclosed ultrasound information processing system architecture allows for a high throughput rate for accommodating real-time image processing operations, while also allowing for ready programmability and upgradability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the elastic characteristics of a medium by estimating variations in the speckle patterns in ultrasound images. The method for measuring the elastic characteristics of a medium comprises the steps of applying vibrations to the medium; acquiring a plurality of ultrasound image frames of the medium; estimating a variation in brightness of the speckle pattern over the plurality of ultrasound image frames; and measuring the elastic characteristics of the medium based on the estimated brightness variation. The apparatus for measuring the elastic characteristics of a medium comprises a vibrator for applying vibrations to the medium; transducers for acquiring a plurality of ultrasound image frames of the medium; a device for estimating a variation in brightness of a speckle pattern over the plurality of ultrasound image frames; and a device for measuring the elastic characteristics of the medium based on the estimated brightness vibration.

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmission unit for an imaging/quantitative ultrasound device provides for coaxial transducer crystals which may be operated independently with a first crystal operated alone for quantitative measurement and the first and second crystal operated together to provide a broad illumination for imaging of structure.

Abstract: A method for treating podotrochlosis (navicular disease/navicular syndrome) in the foot of a horse is disclosed. The method comprises identifying the specific area(s) of the horse's foot affected by navicular disease and applying at least one extracorporeal shockwave to the affected area(s). In a preferred embodiment, a sonar-emitting device is used to identify the areas within the foot affected by podotrochlosis.

Abstract: An ultrasound system used for both imaging and delivery high intensity ultrasound energy therapy to treatment sites and a method for treating tumors and other undesired tissue within a patient's body with an ultrasound device. The ultrasound device has an ultrasound transducer array disposed on a distal end of an elongate, relatively thin shaft. In one form of the invention, the transducer array is disposed within a liquid-filled elastomeric material that more effectively couples ultrasound energy into the tumor, that is directly contacted with the device. Using the device in a continuous wave mode, a necrotic zone of tissue having a desired size and shape (e.g., a necrotic volume selected to interrupt a blood supply to a tumor) can be created by controlling at least one of the f-number, duration, intensity, and direction of the ultrasound energy administered. This method speeds the therapy and avoids continuously pausing to enable intervening normal tissue to cool.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively assessing fat content in a target organ from an ultrasound visual image is provided. This method includes obtaining an ultrasound visual image of the target organ, setting a target region in the obtained image, measuring a quantified representative gray level of the target region from a gray level distribution of pixels of the target region, and assessing fat content corresponding to the quantified representative gray level of the target region.

Abstract: A bone mineral density meter comprises first input device which enters a sound of speed in a bone; second input device which enters a weight of the person to be measured; third input device which enters fat free mass of the person to be measured; arithmetic device which computes the bone mineral density based on data from said first input device and data from said second input device and said third input device; and display which displays a bone mineral density value computed by said arithmetic device. The present invention allows a bone mineral density to be safely estimated, at a low cost, and with proper accuracy and without having to worry about exposure to X-rays.

Abstract: The invention provides for ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices, particularly methods, compositions and devices that provide for interrogating with ultrasonic transducer(s) at multiple transmission angles in an anatomic region. The invention provides for improved interrogation devices that reduce tissue artifacts arising from heterogenous structures in tissues.

Abstract: A physics based model of the absorption of light by histological stains used to measure the amount of one or more stains at locations within tissue is disclosed. The subsequent analysis results in several improvements in the detection of tissue on a slide, improvements to autofocus algorithms so focusing during image acquisition is confined to tissue, improvements to image segmentation and identification of tissued and its features, improvements to the identification of stain where multiple stains are used, and improvements to the quantification of the extent of staining. The invention relates to the application of these improvements to stain detection and quantification to provide for objective comparison between tissues and closer correlation between the presentations of such features and concurrent patterns of gene or protein expression.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing zones with different contrast agent concentrations in a contrast agent infused target. An aspect of the method is subjecting the target to an ultrasound flash capable of producing first and second target zones, the first target zone having a higher concentration of contrast agent than the second target zone. Another aspect of the method is forming an ultrasound image of the target, wherein the first and second target zones in the ultrasound image have different ultrasonic responses. An embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention comprises a front-end controller (FEC) for use in a medical imaging system wherein the FEC controls a transducer to selectively radiate, in a single frame, a first beam position at a first energy and a second beam position at a second energy.

Abstract: Improved focusing of waves is accomplished by compensation for attenuation effects in a medium. The invention is a combination of a method of attenuation leveling to allow operation over uneven surfaces and a method of signal compensation for attenuation that varies with frequency. This combination allows effective focusing of wide band wave signals that operate through irregular surfaces that cause uneven attenuation effects. Apparatus is provided to implement this method in clinical applications and research applications. Spatial attenuation leveling is accomplished with material that attenuates like the body part to be imaged. Compensation for attenuation that varies with frequency is provided by electronic modification of signal waveforms. Applications in the field of ultrasonic imaging in human tissue are specifically discussed. The apparatus includes conformal surfaces that are in contact with a patient's body that serve to prevent direct contact of the body with the attenuating material.

Abstract: A method for measuring bone age including:

Abstract: A method and system for using real time closed loop feedback to control the delivery of heat energy is disclosed herein. An energy delivery system may be used to deliver heat energy to a target to effect a change in the target. For example, medical professionals use laser energy to irreversibly damage cells found in cancerous tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy cells. The energy delivery system includes a temperature detection system, a data processor, and a heat generating device. The temperature detection system obtains temperature data from a target and transmits the data to the data processor. The data processor may process the temperature data to provide real time feedback control to the heat generating system, as well as display the data as one or more images on a graphical user interface. The heat generating system receives control commands from the data processor and modulates its heat output accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring subcutaneous fat using an ultrasonic wave, comprising a step of measuring a portion of an abdomen on a median line of a person under test. The present invention also provides an apparatus for measuring subcutaneous fat using an ultrasonic wave. The apparatus comprises: a reference position setting device which sets said apparatus at a reference position for measurement on a person under test; an ultrasonic transmitter disposed at the predetermined position relative to said reference position setting device; and an ultrasonic receiver disposed at the predetermined position relative to said reference position setting device. According to the present invention, a navel of the person is defined as the reference position for measurement. The area to be measured on the abdomen of the person is located along the median line between the sternum and the pubis of the person.

Abstract: The present invention solves a problem that has been a barrier to development of high resolution ultrasonic imaging. It is based on an analysis that formulates the 5 problem of wave propagation in an inhomogeneous medium as a summation of an ideal wave and distortion waves. This analysis then leads to an apparatus that includes a forward propagation apparatus that enables measurement of the distortion waves and determination of corrections that are applied to originally received signals such that the ideal wave is left as the only basis for the final output signal. After signals are corrected, basic beamforming processes work as if the propagation medium was homogeneous such that ideal high resolution performance is achievable. The method is generally useful for improving any form of wave propagation system that is disturbed by inhomogeneities in the medium.

Abstract: The effect of ultrasound irradiation of a human or other animal body portion is enhanced by operating the body portion as a trapped mode resonator. The intensity and location of resonances within the body portion is controlled by controlling such variables as the amplitude, frequency and/or phase of the ultrasound irradiation. This minimizes the overall energy required to be applied to the body portion in order to achieve a desired localized intensity level.

Abstract: Improved methods of signal processing for generating estimates of tissue strain are presented. These techniques generally employ the frequency shifting of post-compression spectral data to determine a scaling factor which approximates the applied tissue strain. The scaling factor can be determined by finding the maximum correlation between the frequency shifted post-compression data to the pre-compression data and can also be determined by minimizing the variance of the ratio of such data. Correlation tracking and maximum correlation magnitude techniques for improving the results of elastography are also presented.

Abstract: A body fat thickness measurement apparatus. The apparatus comprises a transducer, an output control circuit, and a signal control device. The transducer outputs ultrasound waves with a frequency above 10 MHz and receives the ultrasound reflected back by the subject. The transducer then converts the reflected ultrasound to an analog signal. The output control circuit outputs a high voltage pulse depending on a predetermined time period or a position of the transducer. The signal control device receives the analog signal and converts it to a digital signal. A processor converts the digital signal into a video signal to be displayed on a monitor.

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

Abstract: A method of enhancing a medical image including identifying at least one physical characteristic of a tissue portion based on a characteristic of a portion of the image and applying an image processing technique to the image portion chosen based on the at least one tissue characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of tissue properties, noninvasively, by acquiring data relating to at least one aspect of intrinsic and/or induced tissue displacement, or associated biological responses, are provided. Data relating to tissue displacement and associated biological changes may be acquired by detecting acoustic properties of tissue using ultrasound interrogation pulses, preferably in a scatter or Doppler detection mode. Based on this data, tissue properties are assessed, characterized and monitored. Specific applications for systems and methods of the present invention include non-invasive assessment and monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP), arterial blood pressure (ABP), CNS autoregulation status, vasospasm, stroke, local edema, infection and vasculitus, as well as diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and conditions that are characterized by physical changes in tissue properties.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method for indicating a characteristic of intraparenchymal brain tissue includes the transmission of broadband ultrasound from a transmitting transducer positioned on one side of a patient's cranium to a receiving transducer located on another side of the cranium with decomposition of the received signal into narrowband components and determination therefrom of group delay, phase angle and attenuation as a basis for derivation of the characteristic of the intraparenchymal tissue within the cranium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the construction and/or use of multidimensional fields that can be used for high-resolution detection and characterization of features within objects. The multidimensional field is constructed from data that is collected by an array of radiation detectors that substantially surround the object under study. The detected radiation is produced by an array of radiation sources and is subsequently scattered, reflected, transmitted, or diffracted by the object under study and any features within the object under study. In particular embodiments of the invention, the radiation that is used is ultrasonic radiation and the object under study is human or animal tissue or an organ. In this case, the invention permits the detection and identification of cancer by an intelligently trained evaluation system.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Improved methods of signal processing for generating estimates of tissue strain are presented. These techniques generally employ the frequency shifting of post-compression spectral data to determine a scaling factor which approximates the applied tissue strain. The scaling factor can be determined by finding the maximum correlation between the frequency shifted post-compression data to the pre-compression data and can also be determined by minimizing the variance of the ratio of such data. Correlation tracking and maximum correlation magnitude techniques for improving the results of elastography are also presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging method for determining propagation parameters of transient shear wave front, comprising steps of forming transient shear waves in a tissue (5), acquiring ultrasonic image data (S,S*) of the tissue, along image lines (i), during a time delay (TSW) a transient shear wave front to propagate over a depth (z) in said tissue, estimating the tissue velocity (V) for each line, constructing a tissue velocity image sequence [I(V)] from the ultrasonic data (S,S*) and the tissue velocities (V) on the lines, and deriving the velocities (CSW) of the shear wave front at instants of the sequence. Tissue parameters such as elasticity are then calculated from said front velocity. The invention also relates to an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system having processing means (100, PROCESSING1, PROCESSING2) for carrying out this method. The processing means may be a computer program product having instruction to this end.

Abstract: A method for investigating the mechanical properties of bone inside a live animal or human being, said method comprises launching an ultrasound pulse wave into the body of the being and establishing a trace related to the magnitude of a reflected ultrasound wave versus the time lapsed since the launching of the pulse wave. On the trace an interval in which the magnitude of the reflected ultrasound wave exhibits a steady decline versus time, is identified, and the attenuation of the ultrasound wave based on the readings of the trace within this interval is computed. The invention also provides an apparatus for adapted for providing diagnostic information concerning the mechanical properties of bone.