Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for investigating a subsurface volume of interest from a borehole. Apparatus comprise an enclosure configured for conveyance along the borehole; an acoustic source in the enclosure configured to generate acoustic signals; a lens assembly disposed in the enclosure and next to the acoustic source, the lens assembly being formed of a plurality of lens elements; wherein each lens element comprises a plurality of cells arranged in a curvilinear cell array, each cell formed as a column oriented transverse to a direction of travel of the acoustical signals. The plurality of cells may be arranged according to a conformal mapping geometry, including a canonical Bipolar conformal mapping transformation of constant [u,v] contour lines to [x,y] Cartesian coordinates. A portion of the cells are scaled down in size by a scale factor. The scale factor corresponding to each cell of the portion varies non-monotonically along periodicity lines.

Abstract: The invention provides for a medical apparatus (200, 400, 500) comprising a high intensity focused ultrasound system (206). Machine executable instructions (260, 262, 264, 266, 408, 526) in a memory (250) cause a processor (244) to: receive (100) location data (252) descriptive of multiple sonication points (224, 226, 228, 230); determine (102) a sonication path (254) for each of the multiple sonication points using a geometric transducer element model (262); detect (104) an overlap region (256, 306) using the sonication path in the near field region; determine (106) transducer control commands (258) using the overlap region, wherein the transducer commands are operable to control the multiple transducer elements to reduce the deposition of ultrasonic energy in the overlap region during sonication of the two or more sonication points; and control (108) the high intensity focused ultrasound system using the transducer control commands.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a beam receiving circuit and a back-end circuit. The beam receiving circuit receives a plurality of digitized echo signals. The back-end circuit is coupled to the beam receiving circuit for outputting a plurality of compressed delay timing parameters corresponding to a plurality of channels to the beam receiving circuit. The beam receiving circuit decompresses the compressed delay timing parameters into a plurality of delay timing parameters, and processes the digitized echo signals into an ultrasound beamforming value according to the delay timing parameters corresponding to the channels. The back-end circuit synthesizes an ultrasound image according to the ultrasound beamforming value outputted from the beam receiving circuit.

Abstract: Described embodiments detect changes in a scene over time using first and second images of the scene. A non-coherent intensity change detector detects large-scale changes between the first image and the second image and generates a large-scale change value for pairs of corresponding pixel locations in the first and second images. If the large-scale change value for a given pair of pixel locations reaches a threshold, a coherent change detector is used to detect small-scale changes between the first and second images. A small-scale change value is generated for the given pairs of pixel locations in the images. A composite change value is generated by combining the large-scale change value and the small-scale change value for each pixel pair. The change thresholds are used to determine whether a change in the scene has occurred over the time period.

Abstract: A method of configuring planar transducer arrays for broadband signal processing by 3D beamforming, wherein a superdirective beamforming technique for low-frequency signal components is combined with a sparse and aperiodic array pattern for high-frequency components in a predetermined frequency range, and wherein the positions of the individual transducers at the aperture of the array and the FIR filter coefficients are further optimized in parallel, by a hybrid iterative process including an analytical calculus for determining the FIR filter coefficients and a stochastic calculus for determining the transducer positions at the aperture of the planar transducer arrays, by minimization of a cost function.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is characterized in comprising: an ultrasonic probe for transmitting/receiving ultrasound to/from a subject; a reception beamformer for applying reception beamforming to ultrasonic echo signals obtained by the ultrasonic probe based on a plurality of different sound velocities; a spatial frequency analyzing section 81 for applying spatial frequency analysis to each of data obtained by the reception beamforming based on each of the plurality of different sound velocities; and a sound-velocity setting section 84 for setting a sound velocity corresponding to one of the results of spatial frequency analysis corresponding respectively to the plurality of different sound velocities that has a highest intensity for a given spatial frequency, as optimal sound velocity in the reception beamforming.

Abstract: Pulse-echo imaging systems and methods are provided, including a transmit code sequencer and a pulse generation circuit, The transmit code sequencer is configured to input a transmit code sequence to the pulse generation circuit. A transducer is configured to receive electrical signals provided as pulses using coded excitation according to the transmit code sequence, and to transduce the electrical signals to pulses of energy other than electrical signals. The transducer is further configured to receive echoes of the pulses of energy other than electrical signals and convert the echoes to received electrical signals generate using coded excitation. A receive circuit is configured to receive the received electrical signals generate using coded excitation, perform analog sampling of the received electrical signals generate using coded excitation, and provide a weighted, summed digital signal by processing the analog samples.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for a compact, inexpensive ultrasound system using an off-the-shelf personal digital assistant (PDA) device interfacing to a hand-held probe assembly through a standard digital interface. The hand-held probe assembly comprises a detachable transducer head attached to a beamforming module that performs digital beamforming. The PDA runs Windows applications and displays menus and images to a user. The PDA also runs ultrasound data processing software to support a plurality of imaging modes. An internal battery is provided in the PDA to power the system. The transducer head is detachable from the beamforming module.

Abstract: A matrix array transducer probe has a two dimensional array of transducer elements coupled to adjustable delays for each element. A controllable switch matrix combines a plurality of differently delayed element signals to form a patch signal and produces a plurality of patch signals in this manner. The switch matrix determines the patch configuration in consideration of the number of channels of a system beamformer which completes the beamformation, and the element delays are set in consideration of the configuration of the elements to be used in each patch. Patch signal formation may be done in two stages, including a stage which includes a hard-wired signal combiner. The matrix array probe can be operated with differently sized system beamformers or the same transducer stack used in different probes configured for specific beamformer configurations.

Abstract: An aperture partitioning element for an imaging system is disclosed. The aperture partitioning element includes a plurality of segments each including a reflective surface and a body. The plurality of segments are each independently moveable in at least one of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis of the aperture partitioning element. The aperture partitioning element also includes at least one positioner received within the body of a corresponding segment. The at least one positioner is actuated to move the corresponding segment in at least one of the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a beam for processing a radar signal is provided. In order to form a beam, by processing signals that are received through a plurality of antennas, a first symbol signal and a second symbol signal, which are complex signals are generated. The first and second symbol signals include a plurality of symbols that are arranged in an antenna array order. By applying a weight value on each antenna basis and a window coefficient for windowing processing to sequentially input each symbol of the first and second symbol signals, and by accumulating on a beam basis to generate, a beam symbol signal is generated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ultrasound imaging method/technique for speckle reduction/suppression in an ultra sound imaging system in which scan conversion and speckle reduction is performed simultaneously in the scan conversion stage avoiding any kind of conventional interpolation. An improved method for speckle reduction in an ultrasound imaging system and an improved ultra sound imaging system for speckle reduction is provided in the present invention. The method comprises steps of receiving in a processor means raw data samples as an input comprising image signals with noises from a logarithmic amplifier, processing the received image signals for scan conversion and speckle reduction in the processor means so as to get pixel value from the raw data samples and to perform speckle reduction so as to provide speckle filtered output image.

Abstract: An acoustic wave measuring apparatus includes: a probe having a plurality of transducers that are capable of converting an acoustic wave into an electric signal and vice versa; a transmitting and receiving unit that includes a plurality of channels connected to the probe, generates an acoustic wave from the probe, and obtains a reception signal of the probe; a plurality of switches that switch connections between the transducers and the channels; and an image generating unit that generates an image from the reception signal. The transducers include a central element row and an end portion element row, and the plurality of channels are respectively connected to the transducers on the central element row and the transducers on the end portion element row alternately via the switches.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement apparatus includes a reception processing unit, a harmonic processing unit, a signal processing unit and an image generation unit. The reception processing unit is configured to receive, as a received signal, an ultrasonic echo corresponding to an ultrasonic wave transmitted toward a subject. The harmonic processing unit is configured to extract a harmonic component of the ultrasonic echo from the received signal. The signal processing unit is configured to add a weighting to the harmonic component by using a weight that varies depending on a value of the harmonic component. The image generation unit is configured to generate an image based on a signal to which the weighting has been added.

Abstract: Sensors and sensor systems incorporating piezoresistive materials for integration with footwear are described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measurement device includes a substrate, an ultrasonic element array, an ultrasonic transducer device, and an integrated circuit device. The ultrasonic element array has a plurality of ultrasonic elements arranged on the substrate. The ultrasonic transducer device is formed on the substrate and having a plurality of signal electrode lines electrically connected to the ultrasonic element array. The integrated circuit device has a plurality of terminals to output a transmission signal to the ultrasonic element array. Each of the signal electrode lines includes an electrode layer in which at least one signal electrode among some of the ultrasonic elements is formed to extend on the substrate. The integrated circuit device is mounted on the substrate, and each of the terminals of the integrated circuit device is connected to a corresponding one of the signal electrode lines.

Abstract: A system includes at least one transducer, connected via a transceiver to a switch, configured to transmit signals into and receive signals from an operating environment, a first and a second amplifier connected to the switch, a first filter connected to the first amplifier and a second filter connected to the second amplifier, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) connected to the first filter and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to second filter, a digital system connected to both the DAC and ADC, and a processor connected to the digital system. At least one of the digital system and the processor has a plurality of software modules stored therein. One of the software modules is configured to reconfigure the operating frequency of the digital system based upon the operating frequency of the transducer.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting at least one defect in a test object (2). At least one test head (1) radiates an ultrasonic signal at different measuring points (MP) into the test object (2) with each point at an insonation or radiation angle (?) in order to ascertain multiple measurement data sets (MDS). The angle is constant for each data set (MDS). An analyzing unit (4) carries out an SAFT (Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique) analysis for each ascertained measurement data set (MDS) using a common reconstruction grid (RG) inside the test object (2) in order to calculate an SAFT analysis result for each measurement data set (MDS). The analyzing unit (4) superimposes the calculated SAFT analysis results in order to calculate an orientation-independent defect display value (SRP) for each reconstruction point (RP) of the common reconstruction grid (RG).

Abstract: The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in different directions and the diagnostic apparatus body combines a plurality of images captured in the different directions of transmission and reception to produce an ultrasound image. In this process, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus measures the temperature of the ultrasound probe to change the ultrasound transmission and reception for producing a composite ultrasound image or makes the directions of transmission and reception in the last ultrasound image in one composite ultrasound image coincide with those in the first ultrasound image in its temporally adjacent composite ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus thus enables consistent ultrasound diagnosis against heat generated in the integrated circuit board of the ultrasound probe while simplifying the control of the ultrasound transmission and reception.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a catheter configured for housing at least a portion of a catheter configured for insertion into a body lumen in proximity of a targeted anatomical site and having an imager at a distal end thereof and an adjustable chamber configured for covering the imager. The catheter is configured for introducing a wave conductive medium to the adjustable chamber to increase wave conductivity between said targeted anatomical site and the imager.

Abstract: For volume ultrasound imaging, the view direction for rendering a volume image is used. In one approach, imaging parameters for acquiring the volume data prior to rendering are set based on the view direction. For the resolution example, the data for imaging is acquired with the resolution in a view plane greater than resolution along the ray tracing direction. In another approach, sets of data representing a volume are acquired or formed with different settings. The sets are weighted based on the view direction and combined. For the resolution example, an image rendered from the combined data may have greater resolution in the view plane where the set of data with greater resolution in that view plane is weighted more in the combination.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire an ultrasonic image, a first calculation unit which calculates directions of edges in a local region in the ultrasonic image, sizes of the edges in the local region, and directional uniformity of the edges in the local region, a second calculation unit which calculates a composite coefficient by using the sizes of the edges and the directional uniformity of the edges, a third calculation unit which calculates a filtering coefficient for a region corresponding to the local region based on the composite coefficient, and a filtering unit which performs filtering processing for sharpening or smoothing the ultrasonic image with respect to the ultrasonic image by using the filtering coefficient.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for tracking movement over the ground or other surfaces of tools or instruments or equipment, such as buried object locators or other devices, and generating motion, position, location, mapping and/or related information for tracked locations, as well as measuring and storing associated signals and other information detected or generated during tracking.

Abstract: In general, embodiments of the ultrasound imaging system save power in relation to a predetermined active aperture and or a predetermined update depth. With respect to a predetermined active aperture, the imaging system saves power by reducing or turning off a predetermined portion of the receive electronics when the predetermined receive electronics portion is not operating in relation to the active aperture range. That is, in a first power saving mode, the predetermined receive electronics portion operates only when it is collecting and or processing the data inside the active aperture range. Furthermore, with respect to a predetermined update depth, the imaging system saves power by reducing the operational frequency as the predetermined receive electronics portion collects or process the data from a deeper area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for I/O mismatch calibration and compensation for wideband communication receivers may include receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal in a receiver of a communication device, down-sampling said received RF signal to generate a channel k and its image channel ?k at baseband frequencies, determining average in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) gain and phase mismatch of said channel k and said image channel ?k, removing said average I and Q gain and phase mismatch of said channel k and said image channel ?k, determining, after said removing said average I and Q gain and phase mismatch, a residual phase tilt of said channel k and said image channel ?k, and compensating for said determined residual phase tilt of said channel k and said image channel ?k utilizing a phase tilt correction filter.

Abstract: High-frequency ultrasound imaging can be performed with greater quality and suppressed grating lobes by using methods and systems for effectively reducing the temporal length of transmit grating lobe signals in received ultrasound echoes. Systems and methods are provided for improved high-frequency ultrasound imaging. In various aspects, the method of shortening the time domain of grating lobe signals comprises splitting an array of N transmit elements into K sub-apertures. In further aspects, the grating lobes are suppressed by performing signal processing of the shortened grating lobe signals. In certain aspects, the signal processing method comprises weighting the samples by a calculated phase coherence factor.

Abstract: An object information acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of transducer elements each configured to transmit an acoustic wave to an object, to receive reflected waves reflected from inside the object, and to convert the reflected waves into a time-series reception signal; and a processor configured to perform frequency domain interferometry combined with adaptive signal processing by using the reception signals output from the plurality of transducer elements and a reference signal so as to obtain acoustic characteristics at a plurality of positions located inside the object. The processor is configured to switch the reference signal to another reference signal at least once in accordance with a target position located inside the object while performing the frequency domain interferometry so as to obtain the acoustic characteristics at the plurality of positions located inside the object.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product example embodiments provide short-range communication based location finding. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method comprises receiving, by a first transceiver of an apparatus mounted on a moveable platform, from a remote device, one or more wireless packets including information packets containing angle of arrival information from the remote device, wherein the moveable platform is in motion relative to the remote device; determining in the apparatus, at least a first angle of arrival from the received angle of arrival information; and generating distance estimation data in the apparatus relative to the remote device, based on the determined first angle of arrival.

Abstract: A method for amplifying an echo signal, in which an analog echo signal suitable for detection of a vehicle's surroundings is amplified by a gain dependent on the transit time of the echo signal, the analog echo signal being amplified by an amplifier having a plurality of outputs, each having a different gain, and a downstream A/D converter having a time-variable reference voltage. In the process, there is a switch between the different outputs of the amplifier at predefined switching points in time, and the reference voltage of the A/D converter varies over time between the switching points in time in such a way that the echo signal is present at the output of the A/D converter with a transit time-dependent total gain having a predefined characteristic.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a beamformer (104) configured to beamform ultrasound signals. The beamformer includes input/output (110) configured to at least receive ultrasound signals. The ultrasound imaging system further includes a first ultrasound probe connector (128) and a second ultrasound probe connector (128). The ultrasound imaging system further includes a switch (134) that concurrently routes ultrasound signals concurrently received via the first ultrasound probe connector and the second ultrasound probe connector to the beamformer, which processes the ultrasound signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creation and display of artifact-corrected three dimensional (3D) volumetric data from biplane fluoroscopic image acquisition is disclosed. Orthogonal images of a patient are obtained during an interventional medical procedure, the orthogonal images including an anterior-posterior (AP) image and a lateral image. A common coordinate system is established. The orthogonal images and the patient are plotted onto the common coordinate system. An intersection volume of the images is calculated. The data at each frame of the images are analyzed and a determination made regarding which x,z point of an AP image matches with which y,z point from a lateral image. An artifact correction process is performed and a resulting volumetric data set is plotted and displayed.

Abstract: In FIG. 2 (A), a reception beam (102) is formed using a weighting function (112). A position of a peak of the weighting function (112) is set at the position of the reception beam (102). A reception beam (104) is formed using a weighting function (114), and a position of a peak of the weighting function (114) is set at the position of the reception beam (104). A reception beam (106) is formed using a weighting function (116) and a position of a peak of the weighting function (116) is set at a position of the reception beam (106). In this manner, the positions of the peaks of the weighting functions (112, 114, 116) are shifted in the receive aperture, to follow movements of the reception beams (102, 104, 106) caused by electrical scanning.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for realistically expressing an object. The image processing apparatus includes a volume data generator configured to generate volume data using received signals of an object, and a volume rendering unit configured to perform volume rendering using the volume data to acquire a projection image, and apply a subsurface scattering effect according to virtual lighting information, to the projection image with respect to a user's viewpoint to produce a final image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (8) for determining tissue layer boundaries of a body (14), comprising a probe (10) for acquiring (S12) two or more ultrasound images (36) at adjacent positions of a surface (12) of the body (14), a converter (44) for converting (S14) said ultrasound images (36) separately to depth signals (46), wherein a depth signal (46) is obtained by summing intensities of one of said ultrasound images (36) along a line (66) of substantially constant depth in the body (14), a detector (48) for detecting (S16) a set of candidate tissue layer boundaries (50) for an ultrasound image (36) by thresholding the depth signal (46) obtained for said ultrasound image (36), a selection means (52) for selecting (S18) from a set of candidate tissue layer boundaries (50) a nearest candidate tissue layer boundary (54) that is nearest to the surface (12) of the body (14), and a processing means (56) for determining (S20) an actual tissue layer boundary (58) from the nearest candidate tissue layer

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a support body, a first piezoelectric layer, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a second piezoelectric layer. The support body has an opening section and a displacement section covering the opening section on one side of the support body. The first piezoelectric layer is disposed inside of the displacement section when viewed in a plan view along a thickness direction of the support body. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer contact with the first piezoelectric layer. The second piezoelectric layer is disposed over the first conductive layer, apart from the first piezoelectric layer when viewed in the plan view. The second conductive layer is disposed over the second piezoelectric layer and intersects the first conductive layer when viewed in the plan view.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe and an ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of transducer elements arranged in an array. The plurality of transducer elements are organized to form a transmit aperture and a receive aperture. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a plurality of summing nodes. The ultrasound probe and ultrasound imaging system include a set of receive switches associated with each of the transducer elements in the receive aperture. Each set of receive switches is configured to selectively connect the associated transducer element to any one of the plurality of summing nodes.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device for detecting and warning users of unhealthy levels of a given substance is disclosed having more than one sensor for each substance to be detected. Each sensor for each substance detected may be positioned in more than one plane or surface on the device. The device may be capable of auto or self calibration. Methods for reading substance levels and auto calibrating are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods which operate to identify interventional instruments and/or other objects in images are shown. Embodiments operate to extract relevant information regarding interventional instruments from a multi-dimensional volume for presenting the information to a user in near real-time with little or no user interaction. Objects may be identified by segmenting a multi-dimensional volume, identifying a putative object of interest in multiple multi-dimensional volume segments, and determining a position of the object of interest within the multi-dimensional volume using the putative object of interest segment identifications. Identification of objects of interest according to embodiments may be utilized to determine an image plane for use in displaying the objects within a generated image, to track the objects within the multi-dimensional volume, etc., such as for medical examination, interventional procedures, diagnosis, treatment, and/or the like.

Abstract: Responsive power saving is provided for ultrasound imaging, such as in portable ultrasound systems. By reducing scan line density in response to removal of a transducer from a patient, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. By disabling the display, power usage may be reduced while still monitoring for return of the transducer to the patient. All or most electronics not associated with monitoring for the return of the transducer to the patient may be disabled or not used to conserve power.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for high-frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics are disclosed. According to one aspect a method for high frequency contrast imaging and image-guided therapeutics includes: providing ultrasound of a first frequency bandwidth, directed toward the volume to be imaged, the volume containing a carrier having non-linear acoustical properties, wherein the ultrasound of the first frequency bandwidth causes the carrier to generate ultrasound of a second frequency bandwidth that is different from the first frequency bandwidth; receiving, from the volume to be imaged, ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth; and using the received ultrasound of the second frequency bandwidth to generate an image of the volume to be imaged, wherein the components of the second frequency bandwidth that are detected are of a frequency greater than 20 MHz.

Abstract: An embodiment of a monitoring system for inspecting underground well structures includes a transmitter, a receiver, a processing module, and a power supply. The monitoring system is used to monitor pipe casings and structures surrounding the exterior of the pipe casings of a well. During operation, the transmitter directs time dependent energy radially towards a portion of a pipe casing, and the receiver measures energy that is returns to the system. The processing module amplifies, digitizes, and analyses the measurements of energy to produce monitoring information regarding the well structures.

Abstract: Described is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus which includes an ultrasound probe and which generates ultrasound image data sets for displaying an ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a transmitting unit which performs ultrasound scanning for a plurality of times so that a part of or all of scan regions overlap in a plurality of different directions, an image processing unit which generates a plurality of ultrasound image data sets according to the receive signals and an anisotropic aspect evaluation unit which evaluates an anisotropic aspect of ultrasound wave reflection in the subject according to at least either of the ultrasound image data sets and the receive signals. In the ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus, the image processing unit generates synthetic image data in which the plurality of ultrasound image data sets are synthesized according to an evaluation result of the anisotropic aspect evaluation unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that transmits an elastic wave to an object and receives a reflected wave, this apparatus including: a transmitting and receiving unit having elements for converting an elastic wave to an electric signal, and being arranged at least in one direction; an element controlling unit that inputs an electric signal to the element and causes the element to transmit an elastic wave; and a detecting unit that detects a reflected wave to be received by the element, wherein the electric signal to be inputted to the element is an encoded pulse signal encoded among the elements, and the detecting unit decodes the reflected wave and executes at different time points aperture synthesis processing of synthesizing the decoded reflected wave with respect to the intersections of two axes at different time points.

Abstract: Aberration estimation uses cross correlation of receive-focused transmit element data. A set of sequentially fired broad transmit beams insonify an object from different steering angles. Each transmit beam emanates from an actual or a virtual transmit element. For every firing, a receive beamformer forms a transmit element image of the insonified region by focusing the received signals. An estimator estimates aberration by cross correlating or comparing the transmit element images. Where a virtual transmit element is used, the virtual transmit element images are back propagated to an actual transmit element position before aberration estimation. The estimations are used to form corrected transmit element images which are then summed pre-detection to form a high-resolution synthetic transmit aperture. Alternatively, the estimations are used to improve conventional focused-transmit imaging.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for ultrasound beamforming on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In certain embodiments, the system includes an ultrasound probe that includes a plurality of transducer elements electrically coupled to an ASIC. The ASIC includes a plurality of waveform generators electrically coupled to a plurality of delay units. Each delay unit receives a waveform from a waveform generator or an adjacent delay unit, applies a delay to the waveform, and outputs the waveform to adjacent delay units, one or more of the plurality of transducer elements, or both. The delays that are provided to waveforms before being output to a transducer element determine the beamforming characteristics of the ultrasonic pulses generated by the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic observation apparatus includes: a region of interest setting unit capable of setting information on a region of interest; a focus point calculation unit that divides the region of interest into a plurality of partial regions of interest according to the number of focus points in the region of interest, calculates a focus point in each of the partial regions of interest, and determines a transmission timing according to calculation results; a transmitting and receiving unit that performs a transmission-and-reception of an ultrasonic wave which is focused on the focus point; a frequency analysis unit that calculates a plurality of frequency spectra by analyzing the received ultrasonic wave with reference to the focus point; a feature data extracting unit that approximates the frequency spectra to extract feature data thereof; and an image processing unit that generates display image data based on the feature data.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display, and a plurality of piezoelectric patch transducers disposed beneath the display. A controller is configured to switch each of the transducers between a tactile feedback mode to provide tactile feedback via the touch-sensitive display, and an object detection mode to provide acoustic detection of a contactless position of an object relative to the device. The object is free of contact with the device at the contactless object position. Using the same transducers to provide tactile feedback and object detection provides these features without additional costs associated with adding further components. A microphone of the device can receive ultrasonic signals, emitted from the transducers and via associated acoustic ports, and the device can process the received signals to determine a contactless three-dimensional gesture that is performed, for example above the display.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly for a test object includes a sensor array having a plurality of sensor elements. The sensor elements detect a characteristic of the test object. The sensor elements are arranged in a matrix formation. Each of the sensor elements includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal and a receiver for receiving the transmitted signal. The sensor array has a curvature that substantially matches a curvature of the test object. A method of detecting characteristics of the test object is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound diagnostic imaging apparatus including an ultrasound probe which outputs a transmission ultrasound wave toward a subject due to a driving signal and which outputs a received signal by receiving a reflection ultrasound wave from the subject, a transmitting unit which makes the ultrasound probe generate the transmission ultrasound wave by outputting each of a first transmission signal, a second transmission signal, a third transmission signal and a fourth transmission signal as the driving signal, and a signal component extraction unit which extracts a higher harmonic component and a difference frequency component by compounding a first received signal, a second received signal, a third received signal and a fourth received signal.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with wireless circuitry for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Control circuitry may be used to adjust transmit power levels for the wireless signals and other settings for the wireless circuitry. The electronic device may be operated in conjunction with an external accessory. The accessory may be equipment that includes a dock connector, a case to enclose the electronic device, equipment that is coupled to the electronic device using a cable, or other external electronic equipment. An identifier may be stored in the accessory. The impact of the accessory on the wireless performance of the electronic device may be characterized and associated with the identifier. During operation of the electronic device, the electronic device may adjust transmit power levels and other settings based on the identifier of the accessory and based on sensor data, user input, and other information.