Abstract: The present invention discloses a structural and mechanical model and modeling methods for human bone based on bone's hierarchical structure and on its hierarchical mechanical behavior. The model allows for the assessment of bone deformations, computation of strains and stresses due to the specific forces acting on bone during function, and contemplates forces that do or do not cause viscous effects and forces that cause either elastic or plastic bone deformations.

Abstract: A method for determining an acoustic velocity in a segment of a bone covered with a layer of soft tissue having an outer surface, which includes determining a first travel time of a first ultrasonic wave along a first path from the outer surface back to the outer surface which path includes at least a first part of the bone segment together with determining a second travel time of a second ultrasonic wave along a second path from the outer surface back to the outer surface, which path includes at least a second part of the bone segment and also determining a third travel time of a third ultrasonic wave along a third path from the outer surface back to the outer surface which path includes at least a third part of the bone segment, and deriving the acoustic velocity in the segment of bone from the three determined travel times.

Abstract: A hand-held 3D ultrasound instrument is disclosed which is used to non-invasively and automatically measure amniotic fluid volume in the uterus requiring a minimum of operator intervention. Using a 2D image-processing algorithm, the instrument gives automatic feedback to the user about where to acquire the 3D image set. The user acquires one or more 3D data sets covering all of the amniotic fluid in the uterus and this data is then processed using an optimized 3D algorithm to output the total amniotic fluid volume corrected for any fetal head brain volume contributions.

Abstract: A hand-held 3D ultrasound instrument is disclosed which is used to non-invasively and automatically measure amniotic fluid volume in the uterus requiring a minimum of operator intervention. Using a 2D image-processing algorithm, the instrument gives automatic feedback to the user about where to acquire the 3D image set. The user acquires one or more 3D data sets covering all of the amniotic fluid in the uterus and this data is then processed using an optimized 3D algorithm to output the total amniotic fluid volume corrected for any fetal head brain volume contributions.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the hydration and water content status of soft biological tissue is disclosed and includes a couple of ultrasonic transducers located at a known distance therebetween and held against the tissue of interest as well as an adjustable support system with angle measuring means necessary for evaluation of ultrasound velocity in this tissue. Based on the time-of-flight results of the ultrasound velocity measurement, the water content in the tested tissue is evaluated and the hydration status is determined. One embodiment of the invention is a wearable device attached to human calf measuring water content in muscle.

Abstract: A method of determining an acoustic velocity in a bone, comprising: transmitting, from a location adjacent a first in-vivo bone, an acoustic wave having a wavelength about the same or smaller than a cross-section of the bone, which cross-section is perpendicular to a main travel direction of said acoustic wave in said bone; receiving said acoustic wave at a location adjacent a second in-vivo bone; and determining an acoustic velocity of at least a portion of at least one of the first and second bones, from a travel time of said wave through said first and second bones and at least one joint between said bones.

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

Abstract: An electronic system for determining the density and structure of bone tissue and stimulating osteogenesis in dentistry, having a diagnosis system for injecting an ultrasonic signal U(t) into a bone portion and analyzing the ultrasonic signal received after traveling through the bone portion to determine a number of characteristic data items of the signal describing physical and structural characteristics of the bone tissue. The diagnosis system performs a number of measuring steps to determine and memorize a set of characteristic data items describing progress of a bone growth process and/or a bone repair process following extraction of a tooth and/or placement of a dental prosthesis in the bone portion. The system also has an osteogenesis stimulation system for directing an ultrasonic stimulation signal onto the bone portion to promote the bone growth and/or bone repair process.

Abstract: A segmentation algorithm is optimized to robustly locate and measure the volume of fluid filled or non-fluid filled structures or organs from imaging systems derived from ultrasound, computer assisted tomography, magnetic resonance, and position emission tomography. A clinical specimen is measured with a plurality of 2D scan planes processed by the segmentation algorithm to estimate the 2D based area the 3D based volumes of fluid-filled and non-fluid filled organs or structures.

Abstract: Accurate tissue motion systems and methods are provided. Motion of the ultrasound transducer is accounted for in estimates at tissue motion. Correcting for transducer motion better isolates localized tissue contractions or expansions, such as motion of the myocardial muscle or fibers. Accurate motion estimation is also provided by determining an angle of motion from the ultrasound data. The angle of motion is used to adjust velocity estimates, providing two-dimensional velocity vectors (i.e. motion estimates comprising motion in at least two dimensions). Movement of tissue is determined by correlating speckle or a feature represented by two different sets of ultrasound data obtained at different times. Additional aspects include tracking the location of a tissue of interest. A characteristic of strain, such as the strain rate or strain, is calculated for the tracked tissue of interest.

Abstract: Method of urinary continence training utilizing an objective measurement indicative of the state of fullness of the bladder of the subject to identify the occurrence of an appropriate continence training opportunity. When the objective measurement equals or exceeds a signal threshold value, set to correspond to a bladder volume that is less than a reflexive urination volume, a signal is provided to the subject or to a caregiver. The objective measurement may be performed by a bladder monitor, using any of several modalities of automatic sensing, and preferably using ultrasound. The signal threshold value may be recalculated and increased, so as to continue to correspond to a relatively full bladder, as the subject grows and/or achieves progress toward continence. The method may include other steps directed to help the subject associate the physical sensation of a full bladder with voluntary urination, such as informing the subject that urination is imminent.

Abstract: A remote palpation technique in breast imaging involves the use of multiple applications of radiation force in rapid succession throughout a two-dimensional plane in the target tissue medium (10), and combination of the small, two-dimensional displacement maps from each force location into a single, larger remote palpation image (block 43). Apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method of urinary continence training, utilizing an objective measurement, indicative of the state of fullness of the bladder of the subject, to identify the occurrence of an appropriate continence training opportunity. When the objective measurement equals or exceeds a signal threshold value, set to correspond to a bladder volume that is less than a reflexive urination volume, a signal is provided to the subject or to a caregiver. The objective measurement may be performed by a bladder monitor, using any of several modalities of automatic sensing, and preferably using ultrasound. The signal threshold value may be recalculated and increased, so as to continue to correspond to a relatively full bladder, as the subject grows and/or achieves progress toward continence. The method may include other steps directed to help the subject associate the physical sensation of a full bladder with voluntary urination, such as informing the subject that urination is imminent.

Abstract: Ultrasound measurement of bone quality using nonlinear analysis in combination with or alternatively using shear waves provide improved information about human bone conditions. Surface waves also provide a novel method to estimate shear wave velocity.

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

Abstract: Ultrasonic bone testing apparatus including a pair of spaced piezoelectric copolymer transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy through a bone-containing portion of a human or other animal disposed between the transducers, and circuitry for detecting an electrical signal generated by the receiving transducer in response to reception of ultrasonic energy. The transducers are disks of the copolymer supported by rigid rings spaced inwardly of their peripheries. A method of determining a characteristic of bone in a bone-containing portion of an animal includes positioning a pair of piezoelectric copolymer ultrasonic transducers respectively on opposite sides of, and ultrasonically coupling both transducers to, the animal portion, and transmitting ultrasonic energy through the animal portion including the bone to be tested from one transducer to the other. The animal portion may be a human heel.

Abstract: In a method for identifying a living tissue in an ultrasonic diagnosis, the elasticity of a living tissue to be diagnosed is measured for each local small area by using ultrasound. Elasticity data for each kind of known living tissue is composed of an elasticity modulus frequency histogram in each local small area for each kind of living tissue and is managed in a data library. Regarding the elasticity data serving as the measurement results, the kind of living tissue to be diagnosed is identified by using the elastic data for each kind of known living tissue.

Abstract: A positioning system 1 for an applicator 4 is provided which can discriminate and present an optimum position of the applicator 4 inserted into a living body in order to treat an affected part.

Abstract: A method for determining a value for at least one parameter that characterizes propagation of sound in a body part comprising: transmitting ultrasound pulses at each of a plurality of different distinct carrier frequencies through the body part; detecting the pulses after they are transmitted through the body part and generating signals responsive thereto; and processing the signals responsive to pulses at each of the carrier frequencies to determine a value for at least one parameter that characterizes propagation of ultrasound in the body part.

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

Abstract: A method and system for determining meat quality in cattle is provided. In preferred embodiments the method comprises obtaining an ultrasound measurement of a cattle specimen between the 12th rib and 13th rib at weaning age. The ultrasound measurement is utilized to extrapolate a harvest quality parameter. Based on the harvest quality parameter, and preferably a yield grade, the specimen is categorized. Particularly preferred harvest quality parameters are ribeye area, fat thickness, intramuscular fat and ribeye shape. Method for determining tenderness, stress and intramuscular fat are described and claimed.

Abstract: An ultrasound transceiver scans a bladder in a three dimensional array to measure the thickness and surface area of the bladder to determine bladder mass. The bladder wall thickness and masses may be determined for anterior, posterior, and lateral locations of the bladder.

Abstract: A hand-held 3D ultrasound instrument is disclosed which is used to non-invasively and automatically measure amniotic fluid volume in the uterus requiring a minimum of operator intervention. Using a 2D image-processing algorithm, the instrument gives automatic feedback to the user about where to acquire the 3D image set. The user acquires one or more 3D data sets covering all of the amniotic fluid in the uterus and this data is then processed using an optimized 3D algorithm to output the total amniotic fluid volume corrected for any fetal head brain volume contributions.

Abstract: An edge detector executes a process to extract a surface of an inner wall of a left ventricle from a binarized image output from a binarization circuit. A telediastolic edge memory stores an intracardial surface image at the end of ventricular diastole from among intracardial surface images for time phases output from the edge detector. A displacement detector unit detects the amount of displacement for each site of the intracardial surface between time phases from the intracardial surface image at the telediastolic which is output from the telediastolic edge memory, a current intracardial surface image which is output from the edge detector, and a center-of-mass coordinate of the intracardial section at the telediastolic point which is stored in a telediastolic center-of-mass memory. A coloring processor unit applies a coloring process to each site of the surface of the current intracardial surface image based on the amount of displacement and outputs the result to an image synthesizer unit.

Abstract: A bone densitometer accepts inputs of non-bone density patient information to provide a measure of absolute fracture risk to provide a more accurate and personal assessment of osteoporosis. A simple graphical output compares this risk to standard populations.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, compositions, and devices for measuring adipose tissue and lean tissue using ultrasonic methods, compositions and devices, particularly methods, compositions and devices that facilitate placement of ultrasonic probe(s) using external anatomic landmarks such as the umbilicus, and methods, compositions, and devices that improve the reproducibility of ultrasonic measurements of object layer thickness.

Abstract: An ultrasound machine measures coronary intima-medial thickness and relates it to a statistically derived vascular age. Quantitative risk of coronary heart disease may be calculated using vascular age to substitute for chronological age in publicly available risk assessment data.

Abstract: A bone densitometer accepts inputs of non-bone density patient information to provide a measure of absolute fracture risk to provide a more accurate and personal assessment of osteoporosis. A simple graphical output compares this risk to standard populations.

Abstract: A hollow probe cooperates with an ultrasonic transducing device designed with liquid flow-through capability. The probe and transducing device are combined into a probe assembly, which can be integrated into an automated liquid handling workstation. As a functional component of the workstation, the probe can be connected to and manipulated by a robotic arm of the workstation, and thus programmed to move in three-dimensional space to and from various locations of the sampling apparatus. In particular, the probe can be inserted into the individual wells or test tubes of a plate or rack utilized to contain sample substances. The probe can be used to conduct a variety of liquid handling tasks and additionally can be used to ultrasonically excite sample substances contained in the individual wells of the plate, thereby improving dilution of such sample substances and increasing throughput of any given sample preparation procedure. A liquid level detection device can be connected to the probe assembly.

Abstract: Alcohol is used as a coupling medium between an ultrasonic transducer and patient skin providing rapid settling of quantitative measurements.

Abstract: An ultrasound system for assessment of distance between an area of interest and a known location of a non-bone canal for use in drilling in an implant receiving cavity in the alveolar bone of a human subject's posterior mandible or posterior maxilla. The system comprises an ultrasound probe capable of being introduced at the area of interest and transceiving pulse echo ultrasound signal to the alveolar bone and therefrom and an electronic circuitry for processing the ultrasound signal and providing an indication of the remaining alveolar bone distance between said ultrasound probe and a canal within the alveolar bone.

Abstract: An ultrasound transceiver scans a bladder in a three dimensional array to measure the thickness and surface area of the bladder to determine bladder mass. The bladder wall thickness and masses may be determined for anterior, posterior, and lateral locations of the bladder.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises a phase of ultra-sound analysis for creating a sequence of ultra-sound images of a muscle under examination. The sequence of images is directly memorised in an electronic processor which carries out a processing phase of data relating to the sequence of ultra-sound images. The apparatus of the invention uses an ultra-sound apparatus, which collects a sequence of ultra-sound images of the muscle under examination, and an electronic processor which comprises a video card that directly memorises the sequence of ultra-sound images of the muscle under examination obtained by the ultra-sound apparatus. The electronic processor comprises an electronic processing system which directly processes the sequence of images memorised in the processor.

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

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

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

Abstract: A rapid vascular endothelium function examining method with improved reproducibility is provided. An apparatus for the method comprises systems for acquiring ultrasound images by an ultrasound probe, processing the acquired images and moving/rotating the ultrasound probe. The method comprises: a first step where the acquired image is processed so that the center of a blood vessel is laid on the center of the image; a second step where a series of operations for acquiring an image, processing the acquired image and moving the probe based on the processed result, are repeated so that the probe is moved in parallel to the blood vessel; a third step where the similar operations to the second step are executed so that the probe is moved in parallel to and immediately above the blood vessel; a fourth step for determining a blood vessel diameter from the finally acquired image at the third step.

Abstract: A method and system for determining meat quality in cattle is provided. In preferred embodiments the method comprises obtaining an ultrasound measurement of a cattle specimen between the 12th rib and 13th rib at weaning age. The ultrasound measurement is utilized to extrapolate a harvest quality parameter. Based on the harvest quality parameter, and preferably a yield grade, the specimen is categorized. Particularly preferred harvest quality parameters are ribeye area, fat thickness, intramuscular fat and ribeye shape. Methods for determining tenderness, stress and intramuscular fat are described and claimed.

Abstract: Accurate tissue motion systems and methods are provided. Motion of the ultrasound transducer is accounted for in estimates at tissue motion. Correcting for transducer motion better isolates localized tissue contractions or expansions, such as motion of the myocardial muscle or fibers. Accurate motion estimation is also provided by determining an angle of motion from the ultrasound data. The angle of motion is used to adjust velocity estimates, providing two-dimensional velocity vectors (i.e. motion estimates comprising motion in at least two dimensions). Movement of tissue is determined by correlating speckle or a feature represented by two different sets of ultrasound data obtained at different times. Additional aspects include tracking the location of a tissue of interest. A characteristic of strain, such as the strain rate or strain, is calculated for the tracked tissue of interest.

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

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

Abstract: A mechanical diagnostic probe is used to determine the thickness of articular cartilage, so that any degeneration in the articular cartilage can be detected at an early stage. The probe advantageously allows for calibrating the speed of the ultrasound in situ thereby allowing for more accurate measurements of the tissue thickness. The probe also can be used to monitor the condition of the cartilage after surgery and/or after or during physical rehabilitation of the cartilage. The probe is comprised of a probe handle and a probe, which is comprised of an ultrasonic transducer, strain-gauges, and a linear displacement actuator. A predetermined displacement then is applied to the indenter tip and a computer program is then used to analyze the results.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous-point determination device for determining a location of a point associated with a surface of an animal organ. The device comprises an ultrasound device configured to emit a focused ultrasound beam along an ultrasound beam axis having a known orientation with respect to the ultrasound device. The ultrasound device is configured to output ultrasound data indicative of a distance from the ultrasound device to the point. A position measurement device is configured to output position data indicative of a location of the ultrasound device. The device includes a computer configured to process the ultrasound data and position data to thereby determine a location of the point.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of measuring layer thickness in an object comprising 1) transmitting at least a first and a second ultra-sonic pulse from at least a first and second position, 2) measuring at least one reflective distance from the first pulse and at least one reflective distance from the second pulse, wherein the reflective distance is from the object's external surface (or probe) to a reflective interface of at least one layer, 3) selecting the reflective distance having the shortest reflective distance to indicate the distance between the external surface (or probe surface) and the reflective interface of at least one layer, wherein the selecting of the shortest reflective distance reduces ultra-sonic transmission parallax of the first and second pulses relative to a plane in the object.

Abstract: A microwave-induced thermoacoustic tomography system and method is provided to image biological tissue. Short microwave pulses irradiate tissue to generate acoustic waves by thermoelastic expansion. The microwave-induced thermoacoustic waves are detected with an ultrasonic transducer or transducer array. Each time-domain signal from the ultrasonic transducer is converted to a one-dimensional image along the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer. Scanning the system perpendicularly to the acoustic axis of the ultrasonic transducer generates multi-dimensional images in real time without computational image reconstruction.

Abstract: A system for estimating the volume of fluid in the bladder sequentially scans the bladder with ultrasonic beams that section the bladder into a number of transverse planes. The system determines, from the scan lines associated with a given plane, a plurality of points on each of the front and back walls of the bladder. It then fits a curve to the set of front wall points and another curve to the set of back wall points, to determine an outline of the bladder in the plane. The system next calculates the cross sectional area of the bladder in the plane based on the two curves. After determining the area in each of the planes, the system determines the volume of the bladder by summing weighted version of the planar areas. The system includes a transducer that consists of a plurality of piezo-electric elements held in a relatively thin elastomeric pad and/or substrate that is acoustically impedance matched to skin.

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

Abstract: Ultrasound images are obtained using a set of Golay codes with orthogonal property as ultrasound receiving and transmitting signals. Ultrasound signals having a plurality of codes are transmitted simultaneously by using the orthogonal property of the Golay codes. A superior signal-to-noise rate (SNR) is realized using the Golay codes, without suffering a decrease in the frame rate.

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

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used by surgeons to measure and monitor changes before, during, and after a liposuction procedure and assist in producing symmetrical body contours. The device comprises a remote control and data processing unit, a handheld ultrasound transducer, a display monitor and means for marking anatomical points to be measured.