Abstract: An ultrasonic probe and a transmitter/receiver scan a 3D region using ultrasonic beams by raising the scanning line density of the transmission of ultrasonic beams for a region of interest compared to the scanning line density of the transmission of ultrasonic beams for regions other than the region of interest among the 3D regions. An image-generating part generates ultrasonic-image data of the 3D region, based on the received beams that have been obtained by the scan.

Abstract: Echolocation data is generated using a multi-dimensional transform capable of using phase and magnitude information to distinguish echoes resulting from ultrasound beam components produced using different ultrasound transducers. Since the multi-dimensional transform does not depend on using receive or transmit beam lines, a multi-dimensional area can be imaged using a single ultrasound transmission. In some embodiments, this ability increases image frame rate and reduces the amount of ultrasound energy required to generate an image.

Abstract: A sterile enclosure is provided for enclosing a hand-held ultrasound device to prevent any material on the ultrasound device from contaminating a sterile environment in which the ultrasound device is used. The enclosure has an opening for insertion of the ultrasound device into the enclosure, a closure for closing the opening, an acoustically-transparent transducer portion for covering an active face of a transducer of the ultrasound device, and a transparent display portion overlaying a display of the ultrasound device. In some embodiments a detachable or integrally formed needle guide is provided with the enclosure, for holding and guiding a needle so that the needle is projected into a field of view of the transducer of the ultrasound device.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is provided having an ultrasound module received in a housing thereof, the ultrasound module including a plurality of transducers longitudinally spaced apart within the housing and a control and processing system electrically coupled to the transducers for collecting ultrasonic data representative of a target biological tissue when the ultrasound probe is in operation. A motor is likewise received in the housing to rotate, oscillate and/or translate the ultrasound module in a data collection mode. Coupling fluid is received in the housing to at least partially surround the ultrasound module and the motor. A method of obtaining ultrasonic data representative of a target biological tissue, such as a bladder, for diagnostic purposes is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasonic probe for producing a real-time three dimensional live action image (a four dimensional image), which has a long lifetime, and an improved image quality, can prevent malfunction.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasound probe; a transmission section which supplies the probe with a drive signal; a receiving section which receives a reception signal sent from the probe; an image generation section which generates frame image data obtained by converting the reception signal; an intermediate image generation section which detects a moved image, identifies a move source and a move destination of the detected image based on a plurality of frame image data, and generates intermediate image data which allocates the moved image at a position obtained by intermediating the identified move source and the identified move destination of the detected image; and a display section which displays the ultrasound diagnosis image, wherein the display section displays the ultrasound diagnosis image so that intermediate image is inserted and displayed in a chronological order into image based on the frame image data.

Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. The invention delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, whereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. The invention can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.

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 accommodative lenses.

Abstract: A non-invasive screening technique for visualizing coronary arteries which overcomes the problems of visualizing the curved arteries by projecting the three dimensional volume of the arteries onto a two dimensional screen. Blood filled areas such as the coronary arteries and veins, are highlighted to contrast with other nearby tissues using non-linear classification and segmentation techniques. Data is gathered as a sequence of 2D slices stored as a 3D volume. Software interpolates voxels intermediate to the slices. Wiener filtering or LMS spatial filtering can be implemented on each 2D scan to improve lateral resolution and reduce noise prior to the use of the scan data with the classification and segmentation algorithms. A traditional handheld ultrasound probe is employed to enable the technician to locate the area of interest, but a gyroscopic stabilizer is added to minimize unwanted variation on two axes of rotation.

Abstract: An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform radial scanning within a body cavity and to acquire reflected signals through the probe. The system produces data based on the signals, constructs and outputs tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue surrounding the body cavity. The system includes an extraction unit for extracting portions of the produced data on the basis of a frame rate upon successively outputting the tomographic images, and a first output control unit for forming, based on the extracted data, real time tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue which are outputted in real time during radial scanning. A storage device stores the produced data, and a second output control unit forms, subsequent to the radial scanning, tomographic images of the body cavity and biotissue based on the stored data which are then outputted.

Abstract: A method for automatically measuring interventricular septum thickness is provided. The method in one embodiment comprises acquiring a series of ultrasound images of a heart, acquiring a septum mask by applying a septum segmentation algorithm on the series of ultrasound images, localizing a mitral valve tip using a valve tip localization algorithm and calculating the thickness of the interventricular septum using an interventricular septum thickness algorithm. The interventricular septum thickness algorithm uses the septum mask and the localized mitral valve tip as inputs.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnosis system including a motor driving multi-plane ultrasound probe for acquiring image data at a voluntary scanning plane in a body of a patient is provided. The data acquisition is performed by driving rotation of a plurality of transducers arranged in a head portion of the probe toward a target angle of a prescribed rotation range by driving an arranged surface of the plurality transducers so as to make a plurality of scanning planes toward a first direction in a normal mode. The driving direction of the head portion is automatically reversed by 180 degrees to a second direction opposite to the first direction at a high speed in a reverse mode when the rotation angle of the head portion arrives at the target angle. The reversed head portion can continue to acquire image data at the same scanning planes to the previous scanning planes of the rotation drive to the first direction.

Abstract: An elastic image suitable for diagnosis is easily acquired without depending on the examiner's pressure technique. The displacement of tissue in a tomographic portion of an object is measured on the basis of a pair of RF signal frame data items regarding the tomographic portion, which are obtained at different times by transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave to and from the object (b). The average displacement of each beam line (d0 to dn) of an ultrasonic wave is calculated (c), and a displacement gradient (50) in the scanning direction of an ultrasonic probe is calculated on the basis of the displacement average (d). A correction coefficient (52) with respect to the displacement of each beam line is calculated on the basis of the calculated displacement gradient (e), and the displacement distribution measured on the basis of the calculated correction coefficient is corrected (f).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a fastening part having a band shape and wound around a diagnosis object; and an examination part connected to the fastening part and allowing a probe to move in a different direction from a winding direction of the fastening part around the diagnosis object. During ultrasonic diagnosis, with the fastening part wound around a diagnosis object, the probe moves in a different direction from a winding direction of the fastening part around the diagnosis object and provides uniform ultrasound images of the object, thereby improving reliability of the ultrasonic diagnosis.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is provided having an ultrasound module received in a housing thereof, the ultrasound module including a plurality of transducers longitudinally spaced apart within the housing and a control and processing system electrically coupled to the transducers for collecting ultrasonic data representative of a target biological tissue when the ultrasound probe is in operation. A motor is likewise received in the housing to rotate, oscillate and/or translate the ultrasound module in a data collection mode. Coupling fluid is received in the housing to at least partially surround the ultrasound module and the motor. A method of obtaining ultrasonic data representative of a target biological tissue, such as a bladder, for diagnostic purposes is also provided.

Abstract: In an examination section of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, an ultrasonic transducer (UT) unit, a shape measurement unit, and a belt conveyor for moving the UT unit and the shape measurement unit parallel to an object to be viewed are provided. The UT unit has an UT array constituted of five ultrasonic transducers UTa to UTe arranged on a curved convex surface. The UT unit performs ultrasonic scanning of the object C to be viewed. The shape measurement unit has a laser light source and a light receiver, and measures a shape of the object C to be viewed. Based on the result of the shape measurement, a main controller of a processor selectively drives the UT, which could apply the ultrasonic wave vertically to the object C to be viewed, among the UTa to UTe, according to the moved position of the UT unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method comprises: providing a probe that includes one or more transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves; generating a sequence of spatially distinct transmit beams which differ in one or more of origin and angle; determining a transmit beam spacing substantially based upon a combination of actual and desired transmit beam characteristics, thereby achieving a faster echo acquisition rate compared to a transmit beam spacing based upon round-trip transmit-receive beam sampling requirements; storing coherent receive echo data, from two or more transmit beams of the spatially distinct transmit beams; combining coherent receive echo data from at least two or more transmit beams to achieve a substantially spatially invariant synthesized transmit focus at each echo location; and combining coherent receive echo data from each transmit firing to achieve dynamic receive focusing at each echo location.

Abstract: A measurement data processing device measures a size of a diagnostic region from a tomographic image as two-dimensional information. An ROI width determining device determines a size of a region of interest based on the size (lateral width and longitudinal width) of the diagnostic region. An oscillation angle determining device determines a range of an angle for oscillating ultrasonic transducers based on the size. An oscillation rate determining device determines a rate for oscillating the ultrasonic transducers based on information indicating the oscillation angle and image quality. In order to acquire a three-dimensional image of the diagnostic region, the probe oscillation control device controls the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducers based on the information. A three-dimensional image processing device extracts a three-dimensional image of in the determined region of interest from the acquired three-dimensional image. A display device displays the extracted three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is configured such that: a piezoelectric element group is housed within a sealed container so as to be rotated and oscillated left and right about a center line that equally divides a plate surface of the piezoelectric element group; and the sealed container is filled with a liquid that serves as an acoustic medium, and in the sealed container there are provided an inlet hole for the liquid as well as an exhaust hole, to the inlet hole there is connected a flexible tube that functions as a diaphragm, and on the flexible tube and the exhaust hole there are respectively provided sealing lids. As a result, there is provided an ultrasonic probe that prevents an occurrence of air bubbles in a liquid that serves as an ultrasonic wave medium, and that realizes excellent ultrasonic characteristics.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for mounting variously configured medical imaging probes for imaging applications. In one aspect, a holding device allows for interfacing/holding most conventional ultrasound probes such that the probes may be attached to a positioning device using a common interface. As ultrasound probes come in various sizes and lengths, the device may adjust to different lengths, widths and shapes of different probes. Hence, the device may work in a substantially universal manner while securely holding probes with little wobble or other problems.

Abstract: A method for forming an image of a target from echo return data in an ultrasound system by receiving a set of scanlines from an ultrasound transducer and applying a transform to map the scanlines to a plane of best fit, then mapping and interpolating the transformed data to a raster image and displaying the resultant image.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph comprising a probe for measurement by bringing the probe into contact with a subject in a first state, first image creating means for creating a first image of the subject from the information sent from the probe, image display means for displaying the first image created by the first image creating means, means for setting at least one piece of reference information on the first image displayed by the image displaying means, second image creating means for creating a second image of the subject from the measurement information collected by bringing the probe into contact with the subject in a second state different from the first state, means for collecting information on the distortion of a desired region of interest in the second image on the basis of the variation, in the second image, of the reference information set on the first image by the setting means, and display control means for controlling the display of the distortion information collected by the distortion collecting means on

Abstract: An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform radial scanning within a body cavity produces data based on signals received by the probe to construct and display a tomographic image of the body cavity and surrounding biotissue. The system includes a generation unit, a selection unit and a conversion unit. The generation unit generates and outputs synchronization signals in synchronization with a timing of acquisition cycles of line units of the signals and generated at a higher frequency than output signals outputted corresponding to rotational angles of the probe upon performing the scanning. The selection unit successively receives the output signals, and selects and outputs first ones of the synchronization signals as received subsequent to the receptions of the output signals. Responsive to successive inputs of the synchronization signals selected by the selection unit, the conversion unit converts the reflected signals into digital signals and outputs the digital signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a short-axis image of a blood vessel under a skin of a living being, the apparatus including an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic array which has a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in one direction in an emission surface and which emits, from the emission surface, an ultrasonic beam toward the blood vessel, the ultrasonic probe additionally including a main frame which is adapted to be placed on the skin of the living being, an x-axis supporting device which is supported by the main frame and which supports the ultrasonic array such that the ultrasonic array is rotatable about an x axis parallel to the direction of arrangement of the ultrasonic transducers in the emission surface, and an x-axis control device which controls a posture of the ultrasonic array supported by the x-axis supporting device such that in a y-z plane, the emission surface of the ultrasonic array is parallel to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A surgical navigation system has a computer with a memory and display connected to a surgical instrument or pointer and position tracking system, so that the location and orientation of the pointer are tracked in real time and conveyed to the computer. The computer memory is loaded with data from an MRI, CT, or other volumetric scan of a patient, and this data is utilized to dynamically display 3-dimensional perspective images in real time of the patient's anatomy from the viewpoint of the pointer. The images are segmented and displayed in color to highlight selected anatomical features and to allow the viewer to see beyond obscuring surfaces and structures. The displayed image tracks the movement of the instrument during surgical procedures. The instrument may include an imaging device such as an endoscope or ultrasound transducer, and the system displays also the image for this device from the same viewpoint, and enables the two images to be fused so that a combined image is displayed.

Abstract: It is possible to improve an image quality of an ultrasonographic device and improve visibility of a tissue structure and a lesion. According to a noise amount estimated for each of at least two resolution levels and reliability of the noise amount estimation, a corrected noise amount is calculated. An intensity conversion is performed on a decomposition coefficient obtained by a multi-resolution decomposition process using the corrected noise amount. Moreover, by performing intensity conversion of the respective decomposition coefficients according to a plurality of decomposition coefficients, it is possible to generate a high-quality image. Furthermore, by switching processing parameters in accordance with the imaging condition, the image type, and the imaging object, it is possible to simultaneously realize the processing time and the image quality appropriate for the purpose.

Abstract: Three-dimensional image data is constructed without reducing precision of tomographic image data by each radial scanning which is acquired by scanning in a longitudinal axis direction of a probe even when a variation of rotational speed of radial scanning occurs due to a variation of torque in wave radiation from a probe distal end. A signal processing unit is configured by including an A/D conversion section, a line data generating section, a frame memory section, a memory control section, a data recording control section, an image constructing section, a data recording section, an longitudinal moving amount calculating section and a control section. The frame memory section stores reflection intensity data from the line data generating section by frame unit based on a rotation detection signal Sa, and is configured by including a first memory, a second memory and a third memory which are constituted of three frame memories for storing reflection intensity data of three frames.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is an ultrasound processing system that communicates images over a single asynchronous serial channel according to a scheme that does not require an isochronous serial channel and that switches among ultrasound imaging modes robustly. For example, the system is configured to packetize ultrasound image data of at least one ultrasound imaging mode into a stream of data frames and to convey the stream of data frames via the asynchronous channel. Each data frame includes indication of the ultrasound imaging mode and includes ultrasound-imaging-mode-specific imaging parameters. Other embodiments exist.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound system for forming an ultrasound image by using a plurality of sub-frames, comprising: a plurality of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals along a plurality of scan lines to obtain sub-frames; a determination unit for locating a common point where extensions of said scan lines with respect to the transducers intersect, determine a plurality of virtual common points based on the located common point and determine a plurality of transducer groups, steering angles and a plurality of scan-line groups; a controller responsive to a change of the sub-frames to select scan lines corresponding to the changed sub-frame and adjust steering angles of the selected scan lines based on the plurality of transducer groups, the steering angles and the plurality of scan-line groups; and a processor for synthesizing the plurality of sub-frames to form an ultrasound image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for generating a motion-corrected 3D image of a cyclically moving object by means of an ultrasound probe, comprising the steps of providing at least one 3D reference image of the object, the 3D reference image showing the object substantially at one particular phase in its cyclic movement; acquiring a set of sub-images of the object by sweeping the ultrasound probe over the moving object; registering at least two, preferably all, of the sub-images with the 3D reference image, thereby generating at least two motion-corrected sub-images; and reconstructing a motion-corrected 3D image from the motion-corrected sub-images. The invention is also directed to a corresponding device, computer program, and digital storage medium.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and depicting ultrasound images of a moving object are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, ultrasound images are acquired as the field of view of an ultrasound probe is advanced across the tissues of interest during a resting period between periods of relatively large-scale heart cycle motion. A series of images acquired during a particular resting period may be represented as a three-dimensional volume image, and the comparison of volume images from adjacent cardiac resting periods enables three-dimensional volume image modulation analysis which may be presented for a user as a moving volume image of the objects of interest within the field of view.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Abstract: Unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal transmitters may leave the transmitter in any of various states at the end of one pulse. Undesired acoustic energy may be generated to change states prior to beginning another transmit sequence or pulse. For example, phase inversion for tissue harmonic imaging is performed where two sequential pulses are transmitted with different phases. The first waveform starts at a low state and ends at the low state of a unipolar transmitter. The next waveform starts at the high state. Transmit apodization or spectrum control techniques may require a pattern of waveform starting states different than a current state. Acoustic disruption due to a change of state of the transmitter between transmissions for imaging is minimized.

Abstract: The same analytic data is combined in response to different relative phases. The resulting combinations are detected. The combination associated with the maximum magnitude is then selected for further processing. As a result, the complex data is processed across a variety of possible temporal discontinuities using candidate or possible phase shifts. The phase shift with the least cancellation and the associated combination is selected to minimize motion artifact cancellation.

Abstract: To provide an ultrasound breast diagnostic system suitable for screening of breast cancer and minimizing the burden on the doctor examining the captured image. An ultrasound breast diagnostic system comprises an ultrasound breast imaging apparatus having a water bath into which left and right breasts can be dipped downward and an ultrasound probe so disposed on the bottom of the water bath to mechanically scan and adapted to three-dimensionally image the whole region of the breasts by transmission/reception an ultrasound wave, a breast voxel data creating device for creating voxel data on the entire breasts from image data acquired by the apparatus and a display device used for interpretation of images for displaying an image for image examination from the voxel data on the breasts created by the device which sequentially displays tomograms of cross-sections at bilaterally symmetrical positions of the breasts.

Abstract: Methods and related apparatuses are described for acquiring and displaying ultrasound mammographic image information. The system includes an ultrasound image acquisition device having at least one ultrasonic transducer positionable by a user on breast tissue of a patient so as to provide sonographic information of the breast tissue. A processing system controls the ultrasonic transducer, receives sonographic data from the transducer, and processes the data to generate sonographic image information for real time viewing by the user. A graphical user interface includes a touch-sensitive display programmed and configured to accept user adjustments with respect to the sonographic imaging process, and display the sonographic image information to the user responsive to the accepted adjustments in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for planning and supervising minimally invasive surgery. Included are enhancements to systems for planning, monitoring, and controlling cryosurgery.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging catheter system includes a pivot head assembly coupled between a ultrasound transducer array and the distal end of the catheter. The pivot head assembly includes a pivot joint enabling the transducer array to pivot through a large angle about the catheter centerline in response pivot cables controlled by a wheel within a handle assembly. Pivoting the ultrasound transducer array approximately 90° once the catheter is positioned by rotating the catheter shaft and bending the distal section of the catheter, clinicians may obtain orthogonal 2-D ultrasound images of anatomical structures of interest in 3-D space. Combining bending of the catheter by steering controls with pivoting of the transducer head enables a greater range of viewing perspectives. The pivot head assembly enables the transducer array to pan through a large angle to image of a larger volume than possible with conventional ultrasound imaging catheter systems.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic pulses to/from a living body in which microbubbles for contrast are introduced and forming a contrast image of the inside of the living body by using the microbubble for contrast, wherein transmitting/receiving operations are performed N times (N=an integer of three or greater) by using transmission pulse waves having a common envelope signal while varying carrier waves in phase by 360°/N from one wave to another under the same transmission/reception wave focus condition, and by summing N pieces of time-series reception echo signals obtained by the N times of transmitting/receiving operations to obtain a summed signal, thereby forming the contrast image.

Abstract: In a medical imaging apparatus for imaging mammary gland and breast while compressing the breast with a compression plate, the influence of reflection and attenuation of ultrasonic waves in the compression plate can be reduced to improve the image quality of ultrasonic images. The medical imaging apparatus includes: an imaging stage; a compression plate for compressing an object between the imaging stage and itself; an ultrasonic probe provided to maintain acoustic connection with the compression plate, for transmitting ultrasonic waves according to drive signals and receiving ultrasonic echoes to output reception signals; an ultrasonic imaging unit for supplying the drive signals to the ultrasonic probe and generating image data based on the reception signals; and a control unit for controlling the ultrasonic imaging unit according to information based on a material and/or a thickness of the compression plate to adjust levels of the drive signals.

Abstract: A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image. Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic probe of the present invention, a probe main body that comprises a flat shaped piezoelectric element group having a plurality of strip shaped piezoelectric elements arranged in a line in the major axis direction, which is the crosswise direction of the piezoelectric elements, is formed and housed within a container main body and sealed therein with a cover. The ultrasonic probe is characterized in that, in order to mechanically and linearly scan the probe main body in the minor axis direction, which is the lengthwise direction of the piezoelectric elements, the probe main body is linearly reciprocated and mechanically scanned in the minor axis direction, by an endless belt that is driven by a drive source via another endless belt linearly in the minor axis direction, while being guided by a pair of linear guides.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe 2 for transmitting/receiving ultrasonic waves to/from an object to be examined, ultrasonic image construction unit 7 for constructing a 3-dimensional ultrasonic image based on the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image data from the ultrasonic signals received from the ultrasonic probe 2, and display unit 7 for displaying the 3-dimensional ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus further includes: position sensor 4 for detecting the position of the ultrasonic probe; and positional information analyzing unit 6 for storing the first position of the ultrasonic probe 2 obtained from the position sensor 4 and analyzing the positional relationship between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A short axis scanning type ultrasonic wave probe configured such that: a plurality of strip shaped piezoelectric elements is arranged in a long axis direction, which is a crosswise direction of the piezoelectric elements, so as to form a flat piezoelectric element group; the piezoelectric element group is housed within a sealed container filled with a liquid that functions as an ultrasonic wave medium; and the piezoelectric element group is mechanically scanned in a short axis direction, which is a lengthwise direction of the piezoelectric elements, and the piezoelectric element group is linearly moved in the short axis direction so as to be mechanically scanned. Thereby, there is provided a short axis mechanical scanning probe in which the ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving surface thereof can be easily brought into contact with a protruding section (such as a breast) of a subject human body, while realizing excellent lateral resolution.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of an object within a body of a subject includes at least one acoustic wave generator, adapted to direct a first acoustic wave toward the body at a first frequency. An acoustic tag is adapted to be fixed to the object, the tag including a shell defining a cavity therein and a medium contained within the shell, such that responsive to incidence thereon of the first acoustic wave, the tag emits a second acoustic wave at a second frequency, different from the first frequency. One or more detectors are adapted to detect the second acoustic wave and to generate signals responsive thereto. A signal processor is coupled to process the signals so as to determine coordinates of the object in the body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and imaging method for harmonic enhancement or suppression are disclosed. A fundamental transmit signal and a 3f0 transmit signal are combined to emit as an ultrasonic pulse signal. For harmonic enhancement, when the phase of 3f0 transmit signal is adjusted relative to that of the fundamental transmit signal, the harmonic signal is effectively enhanced due to the frequency-sum and frequency-difference components being in-phase for constructive combination. For harmonic suppression, the 3f0 phase can be further adjusted for about 180 degrees from that of maximal enhancement. The harmonic signal is effectively suppressed due to the two components being out-phase for destructive cancellation. With the apparatus, both harmonic enhancement and harmonic suppression can be achieved for better image quality in ultrasonic harmonic imaging.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of optimizing parameters in frequency compound imaging. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an optimal parameter calculation unit that calculates optimal values of processing parameters in the frequency compound imaging, and the optimal parameter calculation unit outputs a result that satisfies c1??1=c2??2= . . . cn??n where the number of divided frequency bands is n, a bandwidth of a divided signal is ?i and a signal intensity at the time of addition is ci (i=1, 2, . . . , n).

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a displacement measuring unit, a motor information measuring unit, a comparison parameter calculation unit and a parameter image data generating unit. The displacement measuring unit two-dimensionally measures displacements of a myocardial tissue in pieces of ultrasonic image data adjacent in time direction. The motor information measuring unit measures strains and strain rates of the myocardial tissue based on the displacements as motor information. The comparison parameter calculation unit calculates comparison parameters based on the strain rates, or the strains and strain rates. The parameter image data generating unit generates parameter image data using the comparison parameters.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has a probe, an ultrasonic wave control unit, a volume data generation unit, and a three-dimensional display processing unit. The ultrasonic wave control unit controls the probe to transmit low-sound-pressure pulses to a scan region at a first pulse repetition period as well as controls the probe to receive an echo corresponding to the low-sound-pressure pulses. Further, the ultrasonic wave control unit controls the probe to transmit high-sound-pressure pulses to the scan region at a second pulse repetition period smaller than the first pulse repetition period. The volume data generation unit generates volume data based on the echo received by the probe under the control of the ultrasonic wave control unit. The three-dimensional display processing unit generates three-dimensional image data by performing a rendering process based on the volume data, and controls display of the three-dimensional image data on a monitor.