Abstract: A system (100) for displaying a multi-dimensional image and an annotation located therein, the system comprising receiving means (110) for receiving: the multi-dimensional image, the annotation, and representation data associated with the annotation, the representation data being indicative of a preferred representation of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein; display means (130) for displaying an initial representation (300) of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein; input means (120) for enabling a user to provide a visualization request when the initial representation shows at least a first part (310) of the annotation; and the display means (130) being arranged for, after receiving the visualization request, displaying the preferred representation (400) of the multi-dimensional image and the annotation located therein in accordance with the representation data, the preferred representation showing at least a second part (410) of the annotation, the second

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of setting an intima-media thickness (IMT) measuring region. The ultrasound system comprises an ultrasound diagnosis unit configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a target object, receive ultrasound echo signals reflected from the target object and form an ultrasound image including a plurality of pixels based on the ultrasound echo signals, each pixel having an intensity of gray level.

Abstract: For generating ultrasonic projection images in which various kind of ultrasonic projection images have been appropriately combined, the invention is provided with: a storage unit that stores tomographic image volume data and elastic image volume data; a volume rendering unit that generates tomographic projection images by volume rendering on the basis of the tomographic image volume data; a display device that displays the ultrasonic projection images generated by the volume rendering unit; and an operation unit for inputting commands to control the volume rendering unit. For one of the rendering spaces partitioned by a cutting plane set in the rendering space by a command input from the operation unit, the volume rendering unit renders voxels of tomographic image volume data corresponding to the voxels of elastic image volume data that have elasticity values satisfying a set threshold value, and generates and displays the tomographic projection image on the display device.

Abstract: Method and system for determining a volume of a placenta in utero. The placenta in utero may be modeled as having a convex-concave shape (e.g., like that of a portion of a spherical shell). Volume of the placenta may be determined based on the width (or height) and thickness of the placenta, or based on width, height and thickness of the placenta. Placenta size characteristics may be measured using imaging techniques, such as ultrasound. In one aspect of the invention, a volume of a placenta in utero may be compared to the volume of other placentas for similar gestational age, and a determination regarding whether the placenta volume poses a risk to fetal health may be made.

Abstract: A user interface for controlling an ultrasound system comprises a display for displaying ultrasound data and a plurality of physical controls. At least one of the physical controls is configured to control multiple functions of the ultrasound system and has a user operable member providing physical actions that are associated with system parameters. The physical actions comprise rotational and translational movements, and each of the system parameters is associated with an ultrasound system action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining right ventricle stroke volume comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional images of right cardiac ventricle of a patient over a cardiac cycle; identically slicing each of the plurality of images; selecting an image from the plurality of images, for each time unit of the cardiac cycle; determining a region of interest in each slice of the selected images, wherein the region of interest shows the right ventricle of the patient; determining area of the region of interest; determining volume of the region of interest; determining total volume of the region of interest for each time unit, wherein the maximum total volume is end diastolic volume and the minimum total volume is end systolic volume; and determining the right ventricle stroke volume using an equation: Right Ventricle Stroke Volume=end diastolic volume?end systolic volume??(3).

Abstract: A motion sensor applicable to medical procedures includes a source of light with a wavelength bandwidth and an optical detector. A first optical coupler terminates in a first probe tip and couples the light into the first probe tip. A second optical coupler terminates in a second probe tip and directs onto the detector scattered light returning through the second probe tip. A presentation device outputs a signal that indicates motion in a target volume of a sample in a vicinity of the probe tips based on a Doppler shift of the scattered light. The volume depends on coherence distance determined by the bandwidth. In variations, the first and second tips are the same tip, a multimode fiber is included, the bandwidth is between 0.1% and 5% of a center wavelength, or the presentation device is a speaker, or some combination.

Abstract: The invention discloses a split row-column addressing method for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging, and the method comprises: for an N×N planar array, obtain the pulse-echo response distribution from fully connected two-dimensional planar array, parameters thereof comprising beam widths A? and B? at ?6 dB and ?20 dB respectively, average side lobe C?, highest side lobe D? and main side-lobe energy ratio E?; set counter K=2, split two-dimensional planar array into K regions in channel direction, determine array elements amount and connect array elements in each region; calculate the time delay according to distance between the coordinates of each region and the focus point within a scanning range of the two-dimensional planar array, and analyze the two-dimensional planar array by ultrasonic sound field simulation algorithm according to the time delay of each region. The invention can solve the prior art of low resolution, and the problem that transmitted and received beam cannot be deflected.

Abstract: Switchable micromachined transducer arrays are described where one or more switches, or relays, are monolithically integrated with transducer elements in a piezoelectric micromachined transducer array (pMUT). In embodiments, a MEMS switch is implemented on the same substrate as the transducer array for switching operational modes of the transducer array. In embodiments, a plurality of transducers are interconnected in parallel through MEMS switch(es) in a first operational mode (e.g., a drive mode) during a first time period, and are then interconnected through the MEMS switch(es) with at least some of the transducers in series in a second operational mode (e.g., a sense mode) during a second time period.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a 3D ultrasonic color image of a fetus based on skin color of a mother includes a sample image acquisition unit acquiring a sample image by photographing a skin of a pregnant woman, a 2D color map generator generating a 2D color map based on the sample image, a probe irradiating ultrasonic signals into the pregnant woman and receiving reflected ultrasonic echo signals, a volume data generator generating 3D volume data based on the ultrasonic echo signals, and a controller generating a 3D ultrasonic color image of the fetus by applying values of the 2D color map to a 3D ultrasonic image obtained by volume rendering of the 3D volume data.

Abstract: According to one of the aspects of an MRI apparatus of the present invention, the MRI apparatus includes an imaging data acquiring unit and a blood flow information generating unit. The imaging data acquiring unit acquires imaging data from an imaging region including myocardium, without using a contrast medium, by applying a spatial selective excitation pulse to a region including at least a part of an ascending aorta for distinguishably displaying inflowing blood flowing into the imaging region. The blood flow information generating unit generates blood flow image data based on the imaging data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic image is captured by an ultrasonic probe. A reference image is obtained by extracting a tomographic image corresponding to the scan plane of the ultrasonic image from volume image data that is pre-obtained by a diagnostic imaging apparatus and that is stored in a volume-data storing unit. The ultrasonic image and the reference image are displayed on the same screen. In this case, of the reference image, a portion corresponding to the view area of the ultrasonic image is extracted and the resulting reference image having the same region as the ultrasonic image is displayed as a fan-shaped image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a framework for facilitating automatic planning for medical imaging. In accordance with one aspect, the framework receives first image data of a subject. One or more imaging parameters may then be derived using a geometric model and at least one reference anatomical primitive detected in the first image data. The geometric model defines a geometric relationship between the detected reference anatomical primitive and the one or more imaging parameters. The one or more imaging parameters may be presented, via a user interface, for use in acquisition, reconstruction or processing of second image data of the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring device including: an ultrasonic transducer device; an emission unit for emitting an ultrasonic beam; a reception unit for receiving an ultrasonic echo reflected by a test subject; and a processing unit for processing reception, wherein the processing unit identifies a transfer function with respect to the ultrasonic transducer device and the test subject based on a first reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a first area in the test subject, a second reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a second area in the test subject, and a third reception signal corresponding to an ultrasonic beam radiated to a third area located between the first area and the second area in the test subject, and performs ultrasonic image generation processing including filter processing using a deconvolution filter including the transfer function performed on the reception signals.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: A medical imaging apparatus, such as including a processor circuit, can be used to construct a first image of a plane parallel to the surface of an ultrasonic imaging transducer, the plane corresponding to a locus at a specified depth within a first region of tissue. The apparatus can obtain information about a location of a vessel in the first image, then obtain, from a second region of tissue, imaging information corresponding to loci in planes parallel to the surface of the transducer, the planes at depths automatically determined at least in part using the obtained information about the location of the vessel in the first image. In an example, the apparatus can automatically determine an adjusted depth corresponding to the location of the vessel in the second region, and construct a second image of a plane corresponding to the adjusted depth within the tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a centerline of a tubular structure from volumetric data of vessels where a contrast agent was injected into the blood stream to enhance the imagery for centerlining. Given a 3D array of scalar values and a first and second point, the system and methods iteratively find a path from the start position to the end position that lies in the center of a tubular structure. A user interface may be provided to visually present and manipulate a centerline of the tubular structure and the tubular structure itself.

Abstract: When multiple tissues having differing speeds of sound are intermixed in the viewing field of a measured subject such as a living body, the invention measures hardness, such as modulus of elasticity or viscosity, with high precision.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a centerline of a tubular structure from volumetric data of vessels where a contrast agent was injected into the blood stream to enhance the imagery for centerlining. Given a 3D array of scalar values and a first and second point, the system and methods iteratively find a path from the start position to the end position that lies in the center of a tubular structure. A user interface may be provided to visually present and manipulate a centerline of the tubular structure and the tubular structure itself.

Abstract: A medical system, a medical imaging apparatus, and a method of setting a 3-dimensional (3D) marker on a 3D image are provided. The medical imaging apparatus a display unit displaying a 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image generated by using 3D data; a user input unit receiving first input information for selecting a predetermined point of the 3D ultrasound image; and a processor detecting 3D geometry information of a 3D marker that corresponds to the predetermined point in the 3D data based on the first input information, and setting the 3D marker on the 3D image based on the 3D geometry information that is detected.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method includes acquiring data including a first plane and a second plane. The system and method includes adjusting a first orientation of the first plane and automatically adjusting a second orientation of the second plane in order to maintain a fixed relationship between the second plane and the first plane.

Abstract: Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of generating crop biometric information in field conditions that includes scanning top surfaces of various plant crown structures of a plurality of plants in one or more rows of plants within a field to collect scan data of the crown structures. Additionally, the method includes converting the scan data into a high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map that illustrates an aggregate 3-dimensional field contour of the scanned plants. The method further includes extracting, from the high spatial resolution 3-dimensional field contour map, biometric information relating to the plants in each of one or more selected rows of the scanned rows of plants.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system comprises a vertical stand (1), a computer (3), as well as an ultrasound scanner, a space sensor, and a first display (8) connected to the computer (3) respectively. The ultrasound scanner is provided with an ultrasonic probe (17). The three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging system further comprises a gravity balance board (2) mounted under the vertical stand (1) and connected to the computer (3), a second display (4) connected to the computer (3), and a support structure for supporting a patient. The support structure is mounted on an upper part of the vertical stand (1). The gravity balance board (2) is used to measure feet pressure distribution data information of the patient, and send the feet pressure distribution data information to the computer (3).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a transmission/reception unit generates a reception signal. A signal extraction unit extracts a harmonic signal and fundamental wave signal from the reception signal. A calculation unit calculates a feature amount based on values corresponding to the amplitudes of the harmonic signal and fundamental wave signal. An area determination unit determines an area in a scanned area based on the feature amount and a predetermined threshold. A change unit changes the value corresponding to the amplitude of the harmonic signal in the determined area. An image generation unit generates a corrected harmonic image based on the harmonic signal in the scanned area including the determined area having the changed value.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging apparatus and a method of operating the diagnostic imaging apparatus. The diagnostic imaging apparatus includes: a probe that scans a subject, into which a contrast agent is injected, to obtain a scan signal; and a display unit that displays a scan video image obtained based on the scan signal, on a first region of a screen, and N captured images from the scan video image on a second region of the screen, where N is a natural number.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting ultrasound images from a body under examination. The apparatus comprises a unit emitting ultrasound pulses and a unit receiving ultrasound pulses. The emitting unit and the receiving unit face each other and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. These units are arranged at opposite sides of a cavity housing the body under examination. The ultrasound pulses emitted from the emitting unit are received by the receiving unit after passing through the body under examination and are transformed into transmission signals. Included is a control unit for the emitting unit, a unit processing the received signals, image generating device and image displaying device. The processing unit comprises a unit comparing the values of a propagation speed of ultrasound pulses and/or of the attenuation of ultrasound pulses with predetermined threshold values.

Abstract: Image data and E-mode images used in ultrasonic elasticity imaging may be automatically evaluated for quality to provide a single value used as operator feedback or for automatic selection of images for averaging or animation.

Abstract: Provided is a method of displaying additional information related to a measured value of an object, which includes acquiring measurement item information of the object; acquiring at least one of a measurement point and a measurement direction for the object; determining a reference value for a measurement based on the acquired measurement item information; acquiring the measured value of the object based on the at least one of the measurement point and the measurement direction; and displaying additional information including the determined reference value and the acquired measured value.

Abstract: A fluid visualization and characterization system includes a measuring section with a housing defining a fluid flow path for fluid flow. The measuring section includes one or more transducers to emit ultrasonic signals into the fluid flow, and at least one receiver to receive reflections of the ultrasonic signal from reflectors in the fluid flow. The system includes a memory for storing data and a processor operatively connected to the memory. The processor comprises several modules. A velocity estimating module is configured to apply one or more velocity estimation algorithms to received reflections of the ultrasonic signal, or data indicative thereof, to determine a velocity profile of the fluid flow. A deconvolution module is configured to apply a deconvolution algorithm at least to the determined velocity profile to determine a true velocity profile of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining a 3D surface reconstruction of an object, which comprises generating a first 3D surface reconstruction of the object from a plurality of 2D images of the object obtained from different perspectives. A region of interest of the object is specified. At least one viewing direction is determined for viewing the specified region of interest. At least one 2D image of the object corresponding to the at least one viewing direction is obtained. A second 3D surface reconstruction of the object is generated from all or part of the 2D images used to generate the first 3D surface reconstruction and the at least one 2D image of the object corresponding to the at least one viewing direction for the specified region of interest. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging method for detecting a target region of altered stiffness is provided. The method comprises delivering at least one reference pulse to the target region to detect an initial position of the target region, delivering a first pushing pulse having a first value of a variable parameter to a target region to displace the target region to a first displaced position, delivering a first tracking pulse to detect the first displaced position of the target region, delivering a second pushing pulse having a second value of the variable parameter to the target region to displace the target region to a second displaced position, and delivering a second tracking pulse to detect the second displaced position of the target region. An ultrasound imaging system for detecting a region of altered stiffness is also provided.

Abstract: A method for locating a catheter tip within a human body is disclosed. An audio sensor is positioned at a site on the human body. An audio signal is detected by the audio sensor, and transmitted to an audio signal processing unit. The audio signal processing unit determines if the audio signal corresponds to a target location of the catheter tip, and transmits a notification signal to a user notification unit. An infusion of fluid or an audio emitting element can be used to generate the audio signal at the catheter tip.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for determining at least one material property of an anatomical structure can be provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, it is possible to apply at least one first coherent radiation to at least one portion of the anatomical structure, and receive at least one second coherent radiation from such portion(s). The first and second coherent radiations can be associated with one another. In addition, it is possible to determine the material property based on the second coherent radiation(s). Such determination can be performed without (i) any portion of an apparatus performing the procedure causing an induction of at least one mechanical deformation on or in the anatomical structure, and/or (ii) any mechanical deformation on or in the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Techniques for imaging adjusting a cine-loop are described herein. A cine-loop may be generated, and it may be identified whether the cine-loop has a stitching artifact. The cine-loop may be played, and the length of the cine-loop may be adjusted while the cine-loop is playing until the stitching artifact is substantially removed.

Abstract: A method is provided in which radiussed components are scanned by moving the focal point of a curved array into the component, while keeping the geometric focal point of the array coincident with that of the radiussed component.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is provided. The measuring apparatus includes a measurement reference part setting unit configured to set-measurement reference parts to each of a plurality of sequential ultrasound images of a subject, a tracking unit configured to perform tracking of a plurality of regions in the ultrasound images, a first motion information calculating unit configured to calculate first motion information of the regions, based on the tracking performed by the tracking unit, and a second motion information calculating unit configured to calculate second motion information of the measurement reference parts, based on the first motion information, wherein the plurality of regions move with the measurement reference parts and include parts capable of capturing moving factors that are not able to be captured by tracking the measurement reference parts between a first ultrasound image and a second ultrasound image using the tracking unit.

Abstract: In ARFI imaging, a cost function is used to identify a time of displacement that best or sufficiently indicates the desired information. For example, the displacements associated with a combination of contrast and signal-to-noise ratio are identified. The time at which the desired displacements occur may be other than the time of the maximum. Since the time is common to displacements for one or more scan lines, the displacement image may be assembled line-by-line or by groups of lines.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a photo-realistic rendering apparatus and method. An illumination model is used that includes placing a synthetic or virtual light source adjacent a region of tissue of interest in order to visualize the thickness of the tissue by modeling how light from the virtual light source interacts with the tissue of interest, through effects including absorption and scattering, as light emitted from the light source travels through the tissue of interest to a view point of view plane. It is simulated how some light is absorbed making tissue regions that are thicker darker (since more of the light is absorbed and the intensity reduces) and more red (since tissue tends to absorb blue and green wavelengths more strongly than red wavelengths and this chromatic effect is incorporated in the illumination model). A 2D image can thus be provided in which the color and intensity of light propagating through the tissue provides visual feedback on the tissue thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasound probe which outputs a transmission ultrasound toward a subject and a received signal obtained by receiving a reflected ultrasound from the subject, a transmission unit, a receiving unit and a puncture needle position detection unit which obtains a puncture needle echo information indicating an angle and a position of the puncture needle from the plane-wave received signal, and an ultrasound image is displayed on the basis of the received signal, the transmission unit applies the driving signal to the ultrasound probe so that a plane-wave transmission ultrasound is output from the ultrasound probe, and the receiving unit receives a plane-wave received signal which is obtained in such a way that the plane-wave transmission ultrasound is transmitted from the ultrasound probe, reflected by a puncture needle to be the reflected ultrasound and received by the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Mechanisms for identifying a characteristic of a material. An X-ray signal is generated. The X-ray signal is modulated with at least two radio frequency modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal. The modulated X-ray signal is directed toward a target material. A backscatter signal is received from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal. Based at least in part on the harmonic components, a characteristic of the target material is identified.

Abstract: Elements in an ultrasound array are activated according to a transmit beamformer to create a series of transmit beams. For each transmit beam, the first stage of a receive beamformer determines a plurality of primary receive beams. A second beamformer stage then computes secondary receive beams as a function of the primary receive beams that correspond to return signals from different transmit beams to a common receive beam origin. For example, each secondary receive beam may be calculated as a function of the weighted, time-delayed sum of the primary receive beams. At least one of the secondary receive beams is then output from the beamformer to be used in creating a displayed image.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe having a transducer array for acquiring ultrasound data and a first beamformer for partially beamforming the information received from the transducer array, and a portable host system in communication with the ultrasound probe, the portable host system including a second beamformer to perform additional beamforming on the partially beamformed data received from the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Transmitting an ultrasonic wave focused on a predetermined transmit focus position by driving each of the elements of the ultrasonic probe based on a predetermined transmit delay time, and determining a true focal position of the ultrasonic wave transmitted to the transmit focus position or a focal point valid region that includes the true focal position based on a receive signal received by each element according to a reflection wave reflected by the transmission of the ultrasonic wave to the transmit focus position.

Abstract: This ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises: an operation unit with which a time division of a staining commencement time when a contrast agent enters is specified for each pixel of an ultrasonic image which is constructed chronologically with the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus; and an image analyzing unit which determines a color assignment according to the time division of the staining commencement time, and applies a color to the pixel of the ultrasonic image with the determined color assignment, generating a contrast progress image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a vector interpolation of an ultrasound image are provided. The apparatus includes a probe, beam former, demodulator and interpolation processor. The probe converts an electric signal into an ultrasound signal, transmits the ultrasound signal to an object, and converts a reflected ultrasound signal from the object into a reflected electric signal. The beam former forms a receive-focused signal based on the electric signal converted from the reflected ultrasound signal by the probe. The demodulator demodulates the receive-focused signal for forming I data corresponding to in-phase components and Q data corresponding to quadrature-phase components. And the interpolation processor performs a vector interpolation with 1:M weighting (M is a natural number) between different complex-valued signals, based on the I data and the Q data.

Abstract: A method of correcting ultrasound images, the method including the operations of, by an ultrasound output unit, outputting an ultrasound signal to a target object; obtaining an mechanical index (MI) map indicating a correlation between depth values according to a travel direction of the ultrasound signal, and MI values by the ultrasound signal; and adjusting a gain value of an ultrasound echo signal corresponding to the ultrasound signal by using a reverse MI map that is obtained by reversing the MI map, so as to allow the MI values, which are displayed on the MI map, to be a virtually constant MI value with respect to the depth values.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus and method include a receiver configured to receive an image, a display configured to display the received image, an extractor configured to extract a first object contour by applying a preset algorithm to an area of the displayed image designated by a user and extract a second object contour based on the designated area, an image analyzer configured to analyze the displayed image, and a controller configured to determine weight values for the first and second object contours based on an analysis result of the image analyzer and extract an object contour based on the first and second object contours to which the determined weight values are applied. The image processing apparatus extracts an object intended by a user even in a heavily noisy image.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an imaging unit that divides an imaging area of a subject into a plurality of blocks and captures images of the blocks; an image processing unit that merges the images of the respective blocks captured by the imaging unit to generate an entire image; a measuring unit that measures a plurality of points on the subject to acquire measured data before an image of the subject is captured by the imaging unit; and a dividing position adjusting unit that adjusts dividing positions of the subject based on the measured data of the measuring points acquired by the measuring unit so that boundaries of the blocks are arranged at positions having smaller spatial variations in values of the measured data. The imaging unit captures an image of each block according to the dividing positions adjusted by the dividing position adjusting unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a graphic environment control device for use therein, and a control method therefor are provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a touch panel for detecting an operator's touch position; a display for displaying images in response to ultrasonic waves radiated from a probe and reflections of the ultrasonic waves; and a graphic control unit for displaying an input panel layout corresponding to the touch panel on the display, selecting a position on the input panel layout corresponding to a touch position detected by the touch panel, and performing a control operation corresponding to the position selected on the input panel layout.