Abstract: Medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging is performed with a multi-dimensional transducer array and an imaging system for planar scanning. The elements of the array may be distributed on a periodic grid with aperiodic shifts in position. When a one-dimensional array is formed on the array, the aperiodic shifts better distribute acoustic energies, reducing peaks in side lobes. Using a layered structure of switches underneath the acoustic elements, side lobes may be further reduced. The switches are used for interconnecting elements to form macro elements of the one-dimensional aperture on the multi-dimensional array. The switches are distributed on a grid corresponding to the desired imaging frequency. The acoustic elements are distributed with a finer pitch. The finer pitch allows formation of the macro elements for the one-dimensional aperture where the edges of the macro elements have fewer or no periodic patterns.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe for cavity scanning of a body, comprising: an elongated rod-like member (101), with a longitudinal axis (102), configured to accommodate at its one end a first transducer (104). The first transducer (104) has a field of view (105a, 105b) established by acquiring an image along radial scan lines in a first image plane that coincides with the longitudinal axis (102). The field of view covers more than 15 degrees of scan lines at each side of its intersection with the longitudinal axis and more than 15 degrees of scan lines at each side of its intersection with a transverse axis (103) that lies in the first image plane and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The probe may comprise a first and second needle guide (203, 204) arranged to guide an instrument along a path (202, 201) which intersects with the first field of view (105), respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound system, which comprises: a signal acquiring unit to transmit an ultrasound signal to an object and acquire an echo signal reflected from the object; a signal processing unit to control TGC (Time Gain Compensation) and LGC (Lateral Gain Compensation) of the echo signal; a TGC/LGC setup unit adapted to set TGC and LGC values based on TGC and LGC curves inputted by a user; and an image producing unit adapted to produce an ultrasound image of the object based on the echo signal. The signal processing unit is further adapted to control the TGC and the LGC of the echo signal based on the TGC and LGC values set by the TGC/LGC setup unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound data relaying method is performed by an ultrasound data relaying apparatus. According to the method, user information is received from a mobile terminal connected to the ultrasound data relaying apparatus. Ultrasound photographing information is received from an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus. The ultrasound photographing information is transmitted to the mobile terminal based on the received user information.

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e. concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.

Abstract: Previously captured three-dimensional image data of a subject from which a reference image is extracted are provided in the form of time-series volume data 14, 15 composed of two-dimensional image data groups which are recorded over at least one period of a periodically moving organ of the subject, with time-phase information of a biological signal of the subject added thereto. Two-dimensional image data whose time-phase information is identical with the time-phase information of the biological signal of the subject at the time when an ultrasonic image is captured are extracted from the three-dimensional image data so as to provide the reference image.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe including a plurality of ultrasound transducers; a device for determining optimum sound speed values at a lattice point set in a shallower region than a region of interest (ROI) and in the ROI on the basis of an ultrasound detection signal outputted by the ultrasound probe; a device for arithmetically operating a received wave received from the ROI on the basis of the optimum sound speed value; a device for setting an assumed sound speed in the region of interest, obtaining a received wave received from each lattice point on the basis of the assumed sound speed and the optimum sound speed value at the lattice point, and synthesizing received waves at lattice points to obtain a resultant received wave; and a device for determining a local sound speed value in the ROI on the basis of the received wave and the resultant received wave.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe diagnosing apparatus which diagnoses an ultrasound probe having an array of a plurality of ultrasound transducing elements on the basis of how the ultrasound probe receives reflected ultrasound waves from a test object placed to face the ultrasound probe, includes a part which detects a posture of the ultrasound probe with respect to the test object by comparing reflected ultrasound signals received by at least some of the plurality of ultrasound transducing elements, and a presenting part which presents information based on the detected posture.

Abstract: An MRI device for providing high-contrast, high-resolution images of a fluid. The device includes: an envelope for at least partially confining the fluid; a plurality of magnets located at least partially around the envelope; and a CPU to process the images, including a computer readable medium containing instructions for generating at least one third image superimposing at least one image of the first images with at least one image of the second images, whereby a high-contrast, high-resolution real-time continuous images of the fluid is obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein relate to ultrasound device circuitry as may form part of a single substrate ultrasound device having integrated ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasound device circuitry may facilitate the generation of ultrasound waveforms in a manner that is power- and data-efficient.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus generates volume data by performing three-dimensional scan of a three-dimensional region with an ultrasonic wave. An input unit sets or changes at least one of a plurality of correlated scan conditions for the three-dimensional scan. A determination unit determines the other scan conditions of the plurality of scan conditions on the basis of at least one scan condition that is set or changed. A display unit displays at least one of the set or changed scan condition and the determined scan conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound diagnostic device. The ultrasound diagnostic device comprises: a storage unit configured to store a plurality of consecutive image frames based on ultrasound echoes reflected from a target object; an image processing unit configured to form preview images of the image frames, wherein the preview images are stored in the storage unit in association with the corresponding image frames; and a user input unit allowing a user to input a selection instruction for selecting one of the preview images, wherein the image processing unit is further configured to read out an image frame corresponding to the selected preview image from the storage unit in response to the selection instruction.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a controller, to which a probe and a monitor are connected, the probe having an array of transducers, in which a number of transducers are arranged in a first direction. The controller controls transmission of an ultrasonic beam using the array of transducers and reception of an echo signal reflected from a region of interest, generates image data based on the echo signal, and gets echo signals received from multiple points of the region of interest by either moving or swinging the array of transducers in a second direction that intersects with the first direction at right angles. If the sum of image data ranges of measured value retrievable portions of the region of interest at the multiple points synthesized based on the echo signals, is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the controller calculates a detected value of the region of interest.

Abstract: A method of providing an ultrasound image, the method including: marking a cut line or a cut surface on a 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound image of an object which is obtained by using a probe, wherein the cut line and the cut surface are used to view a cross section of the 3D ultrasound image; detecting motion information about the probe by using a sensor included in the probe; and changing a location of the cut line or the cut surface based on the detected motion information about the probe.

Abstract: A system and method for device identification includes a receiver adapted to detect an electromagnetic radiation interference signal emitted by a device and a microprocessor operatively connected to the receiver. The microprocessor may identify at least one device characteristic parameter of the electromagnetic radiation signal. The system includes memory for storing at least one constant or predicted future characteristic value associated with the device and the microprocessor may compare the detected characteristic parameter to the at least one constant or predicted future characteristic value to identify and recognize the device that emitted the electromagnetic radiation signal.

Abstract: Embodiments for enhancing an image quality of an ultrasound image based on entropy information in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound data acquisition unit acquires multiple ultrasound data, and a processing unit forms entropy information based on the multiple ultrasound data and adaptively perform data processing for image enhancement upon the multiple ultrasound data based on the entropy information. The processing unit forms multiple ultrasound images based on the multiple ultrasound data with the data processing performed.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a plurality of slice images are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to thereby output ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form volume data based on the ultrasound data, set a reference slice, a reference point and a window on the volume data based on input information of a user and set a sagittal view for measuring a thickness of a nuchal translucency (NT) of a fetus on the volume data.

Abstract: A video processing device may generate a two dimensional (2D) output video stream from a three dimensional (3D) input video stream that comprises a plurality of view sequences. The plurality of view sequences may comprise sequences of stereoscopic left and right reference fields or frames. A view sequence may initially be selected as a base sequence for the 2D output video stream, and the 2D output video stream may be enhanced using video content and/or information from unselected view sequences. The video content and/or information utilized in enhancing the 2D output video stream may comprise depth information, and/or foreground and/or background information. The enhancement of the 2D input video stream may comprise improving depth, contrast, sharpness, and/or rate upconversion using frame and/or field based interpolation of images in the 2D output video stream.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique provides a method and apparatus for use in modulated X-ray harmonic detection and identification. More specifically, it specifies a X-ray backscatter imaging system using radio frequency modulation of the incident X-ray beam at two frequencies and detection patterns in the backscattered signal corresponding to harmonics of the modulation frequencies.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining a position and a change in the position of an anatomical structure. The system utilizes a surgical navigation system and a substrate that is capable of being removably mounted to an outer surface of a patient's body. The substrate includes a sensor that is tracked by the surgical navigation system and a positional device that determines the position of an anatomical structure relative to the sensor. The concatenation of the position of the sensor and the relative position of the anatomical structure allows a global position of the anatomical structure to be determined by a computer system and displayed to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary nebulization device installed to a container that contains a liquid to be nebulized, and the rotary nebulization device includes a main body, an electric connection ring, an nebulization ring and a rotary ring. The main body contains a power supply, the electric connection ring, the nebulization ring and the rotary ring sequentially installed on a side of the main body, and the electric connection ring has a first contact electrically coupled to the power supply, and the nebulization ring has an nebulization module electrically coupled to the first contact, and the rotary ring has a second contact corresponding to the first contact. The corresponding container has an opening portion and a liquid storage slot, and the rotary ring is provided for switching the connection and electric conduction between the liquid storage slot and the nebulization module to improve the convenience of operation.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes an image data generation unit configured to generate image data corresponding to one frame of a subject, based on sound ray data acquired by transmitting ultrasound to the subject, a high intensity image determination unit configured to compare strength of sound ray data corresponding to the one frame with a predetermined value and determine whether the one frame is a high intensity image, a setting unit configured to set a region of interest onto an image based on the image data generated by the image data generation unit, and a time intensity curve arithmetic unit configured to eliminate sound ray data corresponding to the region of interest in the high intensity image and perform an arithmetic operation on a time intensity curve in which pixel values of the region of interest set by the setting unit are made consecutive.

Abstract: A system for optically recognizing, interpreting, and digitizing human readable instruments, annunciators, and controls includes an image acquisition sensor operable to capture images of at least one of the instruments, annunciators, and controls; and a logic processing unit operable to decode the images captured by the image acquisition sensor and interpret the decoded images to determine a state of the at least one of the instruments, annunciators, and controls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for display of multi-channel image data, characterized in that multi-channel image data of an object that are provided by multiple channels of an imaging device are received, an image synthesis is performed on the basis of the multi-channel image data, and a synthesized image data set is output on a display device, characterized in that the image synthesis is performed in a way that the single-channel image data are temporally shifted according to a given function and the parameters of the given function are controllable by a user during the output of the synthesized image data set on the display device.

Abstract: Embodiments for providing a 2-dimensional (D) computerized-tomography (CT) image corresponding to a 2-D ultrasound image through image registration between 3-D ultrasound and CT images are disclosed. An imaging system comprises a CT imaging unit, an ultrasound image forming unit, a storing unit, a processor and a display unit. The processor extracts the 2-D CT image from the 3-D ultrasound-CT registered image by performing a rigid-body transform upon the 3-D ultrasound image and calculating similarities between reference images and the 2-D ultrasound images, wherein the reference images are obtained through the rigid-body transform.

Abstract: A system and method for ultrasound imaging includes acquiring volumetric data of a volume of interest with an ultrasound imaging system. The system and method includes acquiring planar data with the ultrasound imaging system during the process of acquiring the volumetric data, the planar data including data of a plane through the volume of interest. The system and method includes displaying a reference image based on the planar data during the process of acquiring the volumetric data. The system and method also includes displaying an image based on the volumetric data.

Abstract: Different intracardiac echocardiography volumes are stitched together. Different volumes of a patient are scanned with ICE. To stitch the volumes together, creating a larger volume, the volumes are spatially aligned. The alignment is based on feature, surface, or both feature and surface matching of the ICE volumes with a preoperative model of the same patient. The matching with the model indicates a relative position of the ICE volumes with each other. Using machine-trained classifiers may speed performance, allowing for real-time assembling of a volume from ICE data as the catheter is moved within the patient.

Abstract: An MRI device for providing high-contrast, high-resolution images of a fluid. The device includes: an envelope for at least partially confining the fluid; a plurality of magnets located at least partially around the envelope; and a CPU to process the images, including a computer readable medium containing instructions for generating at least one third image superimposing at least one image of the first images with at least one image of the second images, whereby a high-contrast, high-resolution real-time continuous images of the fluid is obtained.

Abstract: An MRI device for providing high-contrast, high-resolution images of a fluid. The device includes: an envelope for at least partially confining the fluid; a plurality of magnets located at least partially around the envelope; and a CPU to process the images, including a computer readable medium containing instructions for generating at least one third image superimposing at least one image of the first images with at least one image of the second images, whereby a high-contrast, high-resolution real-time continuous images of the fluid is obtained.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a display control unit configured to display cross-sectional images based on planes passing through positions designated for a plurality of items of three-dimensional image data; and a change unit configured to cooperatively rotate the planes around the designated positions and to change the cross-sectional images to be displayed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprises a data acquisition unit configured to scan a region which includes at least part of a heart of an object and acquire ultrasonic data associated with the region, a curve acquisition unit configured to acquire temporal change curves of a wall motion parameter associated with a plurality of regions of the heart by using the ultrasonic data associated with the region to be scanned and a value acquisition unit configured to acquire an index value associated with cardiac wall motion by calculating a difference value of the wall motion parameter of two arbitrary regions, of the plurality of regions of the heart, at each phase in an analysis period by using temporal change curves associated with the two arbitrary regions, calculating a total sum of the difference values in the analysis period, and normalizing the total sum with a predetermined value.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.

Abstract: An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus that can display image data acquired at a plurality of measuring positions in panoramic image data and display measured results of diagnosis parameters for each of the measuring positions of the panoramic image data The panoramic image data is generated by combining a plurality of reference image data generated at a plurality of diagnosis target positions. The plurality of measuring positions is designated based on the latest reference image data composing the panoramic image data. Based on Doppler signals acquired through ultrasound transmissions and receptions to and from the plurality of measurement positions, image data is generated.

Abstract: [Object] The invention is intended to provide a medical image processing apparatus in which improvement of accuracy of boundary detection of a heart is achieved. [Solving Means] A medical image processing apparatus acquires volume data of a heat, detects a three-dimensional left ventricle coordinate system composed of three axes including at least a left ventricle long axis of the heart from the volume data; uses a boundary model expressed in the left ventricle coordinate system and detects a left ventricle boundary from the volume data, and displays a cross-sectional image orthogonal to at least one axis of the three axes of the left ventricle coordinate system together with the detected left ventricle boundary on the cross-sectional image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating accurate and precise ultrasonic images of biological materials or animate objects, such as the cornea and lens of the eye, and, in particular, to an ultrasonic scanning apparatus that can position its virtual center of curvature such that its ultrasonic transducer will emit pulses that reflect substantially perpendicularly from a curved specular surface of interest within the eye. This invention can allow real time imaging of a lens as it accommodates and can better enable researchers and ophthalmic surgeons to develop, fit, implant and diagnose performance of artificial lenses including accommodative lenses.

Abstract: Embodiments for forming a strain image by compensating for displacement in a later direction in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire first ultrasound data where compression is not applied to a target object and second ultrasound data where compression is applied to the target object; and a processing unit configured to compensate for displacements in axial and lateral directions in the second ultrasound data based on the first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data, the processing unit being further configured to form a strain image based on the first ultrasound data and the axial and lateral displacement compensated second ultrasound data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasound transducers which perform transmission and reception of ultrasonic waves toward a target site of a subject containing a puncture needle. A method of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave uses the ultrasound transducers. The apparatus and the method form an ultrasonic beam to be transmitted from a transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers, acquire information relating to a specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam in the puncture needle, set a first receive aperture different from the transmit aperture set on the ultrasound transducers on the basis of the information relating to the specular-reflective component of the ultrasonic beam, and process an ultrasonic echo signal received by the ultrasound transducers using the first receive aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for processing and displaying computer-aided detection (CAD) information associated with medical breast x-ray images, such as breast x-ray tomosynthesis volumes, are described. An interactive graphical user interface for displaying a tomosynthesis data volume is described that includes a display of a two-dimensional composited image having slabbed sub-images spatially localized to marked CAD findings.

Abstract: A demodulation image sensor, such as used in time of flight (TOF) cameras, extracts all storage- and post-processing-related steps from the pixels to another array of storage and processing elements (proxels) on the chip. The pixel array has the task of photo-detection, first processing and intermediate storage to create subframes, while the array of storage and processing elements provides accumulation into frames. Particularly, sampled values of several subframes are summed in a compressed manner. Possible compression is to use exponential function.

Abstract: A normal vector on a regression plane in a reference time phase in a three-dimensional space is defined with regard to a moving tissue typified by a myocardial wall. Orthogonal projection vectors on the regression plane at each vertex (Pij(t)) in each time phase are calculated by using the normal vector on the regression plane, and the angle defined by the orthogonal projection vectors is calculated, thereby acquiring a local rotational angle at each vertex (Pij(t)) in each time phase relative to the reference time phase.

Abstract: An imaging method using shear waves for observing a viscoelastic medium, comprising: several successive excitation steps j during which elastic shear waves are generated respectively at different excitation loci (Lj) in the viscoelastic medium by an imaging device, the different excitation loci being separated from one another by a maximum distance Dm, an imaging step corresponding to each excitation step j, in which a set j of successive raw images Imj(tk) of the viscoelastic medium at times tk are determined during propagation of the shear wave, the raw images having a resolution R which is larger than the maximum distance Dm, an averaging step in which raw images Imj(tk) corresponding to the same relative time tk are averaged to determine an average image Im?(tk).

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods (i.e., utilities) that are directed to correcting misalignments or offsets between a series or sequence of medical images. The utility corrects offsets between a series of medical images obtained where an imaging device (e.g., ultrasound probe) is supported by a positioning mechanism where there is misalignment between an imaging axis or other reference point of the imaging device and the axis of movement of the positioning device. The determination of this offset between these axis allows for calculating a transformation that allows for placing each of the series images into a common frame of reference.

Abstract: A sensor attachment for use with three dimensional ultrasound mapping devices is presented. According to the invention, one or more sensors are attached to specific locations on the body, such as the nipple and sternum, the inventive sensor attachments enabling accurate recording of target information, including location and size; the present invention especially helpful in subsequent and comparative examinations. A method of use is also presented.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a console and a key pad. The console includes a two dimensional display region having a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension, wherein the horizontal dimension is smaller than the vertical dimension. The display region includes an upper portion configured to display image data and a lower portion configured to display, concurrently with displaying the image data in the upper portion, a touch screen menu including a set of soft controls that are respectively configured to control a secondary set of ultrasound imaging functions. The key pad includes a set of physical controls that are respectively configured to control a primary set of ultrasound imaging functions, wherein the key pad has a width that is less than a width of the console. In one embodiment, the key pad is hermetically sealed, and is easily cleanable, disinfectable and/or sterilizable.

Abstract: To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of producing a three-dimensional image of an object for an organ region within a range of elasticity values desired by an operator and allowing the operator to recognize the region easily, elasticity value data included in a desired elasticity value range among elasticity value data constituting a volume data are selected and rendered. Whereby, a three-dimensional elasticity image in the set elasticity value range is produced. An area corresponding to the elasticity value range is displayed on at least one of a two-dimensional elasticity image and a section image.

Abstract: An imaging part transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject and receives reflected waves from the subject, thereby acquiring plural volume data of the subject. A specifying part specifies a surface site included in a face corresponding to the surface of the subject, in each of the plural volume data. A synthesizer executes position matching of the subject shown in each of the plural volume data. The synthesizer couples the plural volume data after position matching, and couples the respective surface sites specified in the respective volume data, thereby generating synthesized volume data. Based on the synthesized volume data, an image generator generates morphology image data showing the morphology of the subject and surface image data showing the coupled surface sites. A display controller controls a display to display a morphology image based on the morphology image data and a surface image based on the surface image data.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling the field of view in imaging systems are provided. For example, in one embodiment an imaging system includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for use within an internal structure of a patient, an imaging transducer positioned within the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, an imaging marker positioned to be detectable within a field of view of the imaging transducer, and a controller in communication with the flexible elongate member and configured to adjust a control signal of the flexible elongate member based on the detection of the imaging marker in data received from the flexible elongate member in order to achieve a desired field of view for the imaging transducer.

Abstract: The disclosed anesthesia systems provide an integrated, extendable clinical center and clinician/anesthesia office that accommodates for physical separation of clinical and clerical functions. The disclosed anesthesia systems allow for a portion of the system to be brought closer to the patient such that clinical controls can be accessed while tending to the patient airway, without compromising office space available to the clinician or crowding the patient area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating an ultrasonic image are provided. The apparatus includes a transceiver configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object, and receive an echo signal. The apparatus further includes a beam former configured to perform beamforming on the received echo signal to generate image data. The apparatus further includes a point spread function (PSF) estimator configured to update a PSF of the ultrasonic signal at each multiscale level to update the image data.