Doppler Effect (e.g., Fetal Hr Monitoring) Patents (Class 600/453)
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Patent number: 8568313Abstract: A user wearable portable communication device and a method for collecting and transmitting a plurality of physiological parameters to a remote monitoring center are disclosed. The portable communication device includes a provision for enabling the user to establish a video conference, a fall detection module in conjunction with an accelerometer recognizes a placement of the portable communication device, a home automation module for enabling the user to remotely operate multiple electronic devices, an acknowledgment acceptance module for receiving the acknowledgment, a physiological data collecting module communicatively coupled to a fetal doppler module for monitoring and transmitting the physiological parameters associated with a child, multiple preprogrammed contact numbers for enabling the user to establish a communication, a subscriber identity module for enabling the user establish a communication and data transmission between the portable communication device and the remote monitoring center.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventor: Rajendra Padma Sadhu
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Publication number: 20130261463Abstract: The present invention related to an ultrasound imaging system win which the scan head includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When using a hierarchical two-stage or three-stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated in real-time. The invention further relates to flexible printed circuit boards in the probe head. The invention furthermore related to the use. of coded or spread spectrum signaling in ultrasound imagining systems. Matched filters based on pulse compression using Golay code pairs improve the signal-to-noise ratio thus enabling third harmonic imaging with suppressed sidelobes. The system is suitable for 3D full volume cardiac imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: TERATECH CORP.Inventors: Alice M. Chiang, William M. Wong, Steven R. Broadstone
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Publication number: 20130261464Abstract: A conformal fetal heart monitor includes a flexible substrate and a ultrasonic transducer array, coupled to the flexible substrate, that generates an ultrasonic transmission signal over a sequence of beam angles, that receives an ultrasonic return signal, and that generates an ultrasonic receive signal in response to the ultrasonic return signal. A transducer interface couples the ultrasonic receive signal to a processing system. A flexible housing that houses the flexible substrate, the ultrasonic transducer array and the transducer interface, wherein the flexible housing flexibly, when deployed, conforms to the surface of an abdomen of a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Rahul Singh, Martin Culjat, Richard Brand Caso, Jim Selevan
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Publication number: 20130236450Abstract: This invention relates to methods for using Lipoprotein-associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) to care for subjects in an acute care setting. Specifically, Lp-PLA2 can be used determine if a subject having a vascular event, such as a stroke or heart attack, will benefit from therapy in the acute care setting. Moreover, it relates to methods of assessing risk and severity of a stroke by evaluating Lp-PLA2 levels alone or in combination with other assessments. In addition the invention relates to methods of using Lp-PLA2 to assess the functional outcome in a subject having a vascular event such as a stroke or heart attack.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Joan Montaner, Maria Pilar Delgado Martinez
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Publication number: 20130237828Abstract: A method of obtaining a movement velocity and direction of a tissue, the method including: obtaining vector Doppler data from a target by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal; and detecting the movement velocity and direction of the tissue included in the target based on the obtained vector Doppler data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Jun-kum Lee, Dong-gyu Hyoun
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Patent number: 8523776Abstract: Transmitting and receiving ultrasound with repetition frequency that corresponds to velocity range indicating the measurable velocity to and from a diagnostic site that contains moving fluid within a body to be examined. Generating Doppler spectrum image showing velocity of moving fluid based on signals obtained from transmission and reception of ultrasound. Storing modeled value based on model correlating standard blood velocity waveform with an ECG waveform. Calculating measured blood velocity waveform based on spectrum image of a specified patient. Acquiring ECG waveform at timing corresponding to measured blood velocity waveform. Estimating blood velocity waveform excluding effects of valve signals of patient based on measured blood velocity waveform, ECG waveform, and modeled value.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Tatsuro Baba, Muneki Kataguchi, Kazuya Akaki, Shuichi Kawasaki
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Patent number: 8519998Abstract: A transmitter/receiver transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from a desired region of a subject via an ultrasonic probe. A signal processor obtains a plurality of physical quantities from signals outputted by the transmitter/receiver having received ultrasonic echoes from the subject. A voxel-value generator generates a voxel value containing the plurality of physical quantities. An image generator generates a three-dimensional image by using the plurality of physical quantities including any of the rate, power value or dispersion of a blood flow contained in the voxel value and sequentially executing a rendering process on each voxel. A display controller controls a display to display the generated three-dimensional image.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Shinichi Hashimoto, Itsuki Kuga, Eiichi Shiki
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Patent number: 8519956Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound probe receiving echo signals from a subject, and a processor converting echo signals received from the probe to echo data corresponding to an ultrasound image. The system also includes a grayscale mapper transforming the echo data received from the processor to a corresponding value of perception data. The grayscale mapper makes this transformation using a DICOM compliant GSDF calibration curve. The perception data is passed to a transform processor, which also receives an ambient light signal from an ambient light sensor. The transform processor converts the perception values to respective digital driving levels based on the ambient light signal and display characteristics of a display device to which the digital driving levels are applied to maintain optimal image display under varying ambient light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: David Rust, Joseph M. Luszcz
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Publication number: 20130218015Abstract: A method of monitoring a pregnant woman by identifying a moving organ in the woman and tracking or monitoring a movement of said organ using ultrasound. Optionally, the identifying is non-imaging. Optionally or alternatively, the moving organ is part of a fetus and a position of a head is optionally calculated form a heart position which is directed detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Inventors: Yosseph Machtey, Yuri Megel
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Publication number: 20130218014Abstract: A method of generating an ultrasound image includes transmitting an ultrasound signal to a predetermined point included in an object and receiving at least three response signals reflected from the predetermined point; extracting a plurality of response signal pairs by combining the received at least three response signals two-by-two; obtaining a plurality of pieces of prediction vector information, each of the pieces of prediction vector information indicating a prediction velocity magnitude and a prediction velocity direction of the predetermined point, based on reception angles and Doppler frequencies of the response signals included in the plurality of response signal pairs; and determining vector information indicating a velocity magnitude and a velocity direction of the predetermined point, based on the plurality of pieces of prediction vector information.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2013Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
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Publication number: 20130211259Abstract: Methods and a system of determining a condition of a joint. A first signal indicative of a vibration generated by motion of the joint is received in a processor. The processor generate a vibroarthrograph from the first signal and extract a first signal feature from the vibroarthrograph based on a first statistical parameter of the vibroarthrograph. The first signal feature is then compared to a plurality of signal features in a database, each of the plurality of signal features in the database being associated with at least one joint condition. A condition of the joint may then be determine based at least in part on a correspondence between the first signal feature and a signal feature of the plurality of signal features in the database. Multiple signal features may also be combined into one or more functions that provide separation between vibrations from healthy joints and vibrations from injured joints.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: JOINTVUE, LLCInventor: JOINTVUE, LLC
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Patent number: 8506489Abstract: Provided is an ultrasonograph that can automatically optimize the sweep rate of Doppler images and M-mode images according to the heart rate of a test subject, without the need for an operator to perform a troublesome operation. The ultrasonograph is provided with a means for sending an ultrasonic beam into body tissue, a means for receiving an ultrasonic signal that has been reflected off the body tissue and a blood flow, a means for constructing a cross-sectional image of the body tissue from the received ultrasonic signal, a means for performing phase detection on an ultrasonic Doppler blood flow signal that has been reflected off the body tissue by the blood flow, a means for calculating a frequency component of the Doppler blood flow signal on which phase detection has been performed, and a means for performing a sweeping display of the calculated frequency component as Doppler images in a time series.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Yushi Nishimura
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Publication number: 20130204138Abstract: An acoustically-active catheter (AAC) for use with an ultrasound imaging system and a method for tracking the AAC with respect to anatomic target chosen within a body using the interference ultrasonography. A tip of the AAC is equipped with a crystal transmitting an acoustic wave with parameters similar to those of an acoustic wave generated by a transducer of the imaging system so as to produce acoustic interference the strength of which depends on a position of the AAC tip with respect to at least one Doppler scan plane, formed by the imaging transducer, and a distance from a pulsed-wave Doppler sample that is overlapped with the anatomic target. The ultrasound imaging system detects the interference signal and produces a visual and/or audible interference output that indicates the strength of the acoustic interference. Based on the intensity of the interference output, the user can navigate the AAC tip towards the anatomic target. An anatomic target can be chosen within a cardiovascular system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventors: Marek Belohlavek, Eileen M. McMahon
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Publication number: 20130204097Abstract: A system and method for identifying a stimulation location on a nerve is disclosed. The system includes an image-based navigation interface used to facilitate advancing a stimulation element within a patient body toward a target nerve stimulation site. Using the system one determines, separately for each potential target nerve stimulation site, a neuromuscular response of muscles produced upon applying a stimulation signal at the respective separate potential target stimulation sites. The image-based navigation interface is configured to display a graphic identification of which muscles were activated for each respective potential target nerve stimulation site upon applying the stimulation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: INSPIRE MEDICAL SYSTEMSInventors: John Rondoni, Mark A. Christopherson, Quan Ni
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Patent number: 8500647Abstract: A system and method are provided for producing a signal filter to block clutter. An embodiment includes the steps of acquiring samples of a clutter signal, calculating eigenvectors and eigenvalues representing the clutter signal, comparing said eigenvalues to a threshold to distinguish between eigenvectors representing clutter and those representing noise or signal, and determining filter parameters using the comparison results. Embodiments of the invention allow for optimization of wall filters for different anatomical applications, such as different body parts, in ultrasound imaging. The clutter signal may include Doppler data, and may be acquired using a pulsed wave (PW) mode, although the filter itself may be used in scanning Doppler color mode. The resulting wall filter is optimized for blocking clutter that is comparable to the clutter of the sampled clutter signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.Inventors: Mitchell Kaplan, Clinton T. Siedenburg
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Patent number: 8500646Abstract: Embodiments for processing a color Doppler mode image in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: a Doppler signal acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire first Doppler signals; and a processing unit configured to form color Doppler mode images including power images and velocity images and a mask for detecting a region of interest by using the color Doppler mode images, the processing unit being further configured to mask the power images and the velocity image by using the mask.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.Inventors: Baek Sop Kim, Hyeong Do Lee
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Publication number: 20130190622Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system with pixel oriented processing is provided in which an acoustic signal is generated, echoes from the acoustic signal are received at a plurality of receiving elements to obtain echo signals that are then stored, a given pixel is mapped into a region of the stored signals, the mapped region of the stored echo signals is organized into array for the given pixel after which the array is processed to generate a signal response for the given pixel to obtain acoustic information for the given pixel. The system can be implemented entirely on plug-in cards for a commercial PC motherboard. The system and method can be implemented for pixel-oriented or voxel-oriented image processing and display, eliminating intermediate data computations and enabling extensive use of software processing methods. Advantages include improved acquisition of signal dynamic range, flexible acquisition modes for high frame rate 2D, 3D, and Doppler blood flow imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: VERASONICS, INC.Inventor: Verasonics, Inc.
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Patent number: 8491481Abstract: A method of measuring the instantaneous period of a quasi-periodic signal includes determining an initial template, performing a cross-correlation between the initial template and a quasi-periodic signal and selecting portions of the signal that correspond to the peaks of the correlation signal. The selected portions are then averaged and another cross correlation is performed between the quasi-periodic signal and a template including the averaged selected portions. The instantaneous period is then measured from the correlation signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Serguei Kabakov
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Publication number: 20130184586Abstract: An ultrasound system and a method of forming an ultrasound image by selectively extracting ultrasound data necessary for forming the ultrasound image from stored ultrasound data are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes a storage unit configured to store ultrasound data acquired from an object; and a processor configured to selectively extract ultrasound data necessary for forming a target ultrasound image from the ultrasound data stored in the storage unit, and to form the target ultrasound image by using the extracted ultrasound data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTDInventor: Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.
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Publication number: 20130178743Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating an ultrasonic image, the method including: transmitting an ultrasonic signal to a predetermined portion of an object and receiving at least three response signals which are reflected from the predetermined portion; selecting at least two response signals from among the at least three received response signals; and acquiring vector information which indicates a speed and a movement direction of the predetermined portion based on a receiving angle and a Doppler frequency of each of the selected at least two response signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicants: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University
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Patent number: 8480590Abstract: Some embodiments include acquisition of color Doppler data, and detection of one or more transitions of the color Doppler data, each of the one or more transitions being between a first area representing flow velocity in a first direction and a second area representing flow velocity not in the first direction. A normalized energy function across one or more of the one or more transitions is calculated, a configuration of flow areas within the color Doppler data is determined, and aliasing corrections for the color Doppler data are determined based on the normalized energy functions and the configuration of flow areas.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Tamura
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Patent number: 8480583Abstract: Methods and apparatus for 4D data acquisition and analysis in an ultrasound protocol examination are provided. The method includes acquiring 4D ultrasound scan data during a protocol based examination. The method further includes aligning images formed from the 4D ultrasound scan data while the 4D ultrasound scan data is being acquired to allow the automatic extraction of standard imaging projections.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Vidar Lundberg
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Patent number: 8475381Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an image creating unit, an image-creation control unit and a display control unit. The image creating unit creates an ultrasound image from data created by adding a reflected wave signal of an ultrasound wave transmitted to an imaging target portion of a subject by using a reception delay time calculated from a set sound velocity set as a sound velocity in the imaging target portion. The image-creation control unit switches a set sound velocity set at a present moment in a variable range, and controls the image creating unit so as to create a plurality of ultrasound images each using a reception delay time corresponding to each of the set sound velocities to be switched. The display control unit controls display such that the ultrasound images created are displayed on a certain display unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Akihiro Kakee, Muneki Kataguchi, Kenichi Ichioka, Yasushi Kamewada
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Publication number: 20130165793Abstract: There are provided embodiments for providing Doppler information of a target object by using vector Doppler. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: a processing unit configured to form vector information of a target object based on ultrasound data corresponding to the target object, the processing unit being further configured to form motion information corresponding to motion of the target object based on the vector information, wherein the motion information includes at least one of a Doppler spectrum image and a Doppler sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTDInventor: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD
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Publication number: 20130165792Abstract: There are provided embodiments for transmitting ultrasound signals to a living body including a moving target object in at least one transmission direction, and receiving ultrasound echo signals from the living body in at least one reception direction to form vector information of the target object. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquiring unit configured to transmit ultrasound signals to a living body including a moving target object in at least one transmission direction, and receive ultrasound echo signals from the living body in at least one reception direction to acquire ultrasound data; and a processing unit configured to form vector information of the target object based on ultrasound data corresponding to the at least one reception direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG MEDISON CO., LTD.Inventors: Han Woo Lee, Min Woo Kim, Deok Gon Kim, Hyoung Jin Kim
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Publication number: 20130158406Abstract: An approximate distance between an ultrasonic transducer and a fetal heart is determined. A range of distances from the ultrasonic transducer is sensed using the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the range has a minimum distance based upon the approximate distance. A heart rate of the fetal heart is monitored using ultrasonic echo signals from the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Serguei Kabakov, Steven Mitchell Falk, Bradley C. Fox
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Publication number: 20130158407Abstract: A fetal heart signal contribution is determined from an ultra sound signal by suppressing any maternal contribution from the ultrasound signal. The fetal heart signal contribution is canceled or subtracted from the ultrasound signal. An alarm is outputted based upon a result of the cancellation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Serguei Kabakov, Steven Mitchell Falk, Bradley C. Fox
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Patent number: 8460191Abstract: An diagnostic imaging apparatus for imaging information changing with time and displaying it in real time, composed of an ultrasonic probe (2), having piezoelectric elements arranged in an array form that transmit ultrasonic waves to a target object (1) and acquires a reflection signal from the target object; a body movement measuring unit (12) that constitutes a two-dimensional ultrasonic image using the reflection signal acquired by the ultrasonic probe, sets, in the image plane, a plurality of measuring areas used for measuring the body movement of the target object, and measures the body movement and deformation amounts in the measuring areas; and an image accumulating (subtracting) unit for accumulating or subtracting images using body movement measured by the body movement measurement unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Medical CorporationInventors: Hideki Yoshikawa, Takashi Azuma, Kenichi Kawabata, Kazuaki Sasaki, Shinichiro Umemura
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Publication number: 20130144152Abstract: Inventive embodiments include a system for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in an infant, by the application of Stochastic Resonance neurological stimuli. The system includes a crib mattress and copper noise grids, wherein the copper noise grids are embedded in the crib mattress. The system also includes a mechanism for generating time controlled white noise and time controlled cyclic signals, combined with a multitude of varying frequencies and harmonics, wherein the mechanism is adjustable for measured local (near crib) white noise power density levels, the mechanism further adjustable for diurnal and seasonal white noise power density level changes. The system also includes circuitry effective for producing positive and negative adjustable DC voltage levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Element 1 Systems LLCInventor: Adan R. Cervantes
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Publication number: 20130144166Abstract: A method of full-field or “ping-based” Doppler ultrasound imaging allows for detection of Doppler signals indicating moving reflectors at any point in an imaging field without the need to pre-define range gates. In various embodiments, such whole-field Doppler imaging methods may include transmitting a Doppler ping from a transmit aperture, receiving echoes of the Doppler ping with one or more separate receive apertures, detecting Doppler signals and determining the speed of moving reflectors. In some embodiments, the system also provides the ability to determine the direction of motion by solving a set of simultaneous equations based on echo data received by multiple receive apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventors: Donald F. SPECHT, Kenneth D. BREWER, David M. SMITH, Josef R. CALL, Tony LE, Bruce R. RITZI
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Patent number: 8451158Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, apparatuses and methods for performing analog to digital conversion. For example, an analog to digital converter circuit is discussed that includes an analog input, a number of analog to digital converters and a generalized beamformer. The analog to digital converters are operable to receive the analog input and to yield a number of digital streams. Each of the analog to digital converters samples the analog input with different phase offsets. The generalized beamformer is operable to weight and combine the digital streams to yield a digital output.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: LSI CorporationInventors: Yu Liao, Hongwei Song
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Publication number: 20130123637Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for fetal cardiac monitoring. For improving ultrasonic monitoring, the number of periodic signals, such as signals caused by the fetus and the mother, is assessed and the time window of the signal demodulation is adapted if more than one periodic signal is assessed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Markus Wohlschlager, Christoph Franck
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Publication number: 20130123636Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide fetal monitoring belt devices. The fetal monitoring belt devices include belts and a back support. In certain embodiments, the belts may further include one or more rows of buttonholes to provide multiple places for attachment of one or more ultrasound transducers via buttonhooks. In certain embodiments, the back support may further include an interior pouch to hold a therapeutic device, such as a hot or cold pack and/or a vibration element. The fetal monitoring belt devices of the present invention provide a comfortable, long-term, stable way of maintaining the proper positioning of ultrasound transducers during prenatal exams, labor and delivery.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: INTERMOUNTAIN INVENTION MANAGEMENT, LLCInventor: Melanie Longmore
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Patent number: 8439842Abstract: A method of operating an ultrasound signal generator includes generating a stimulus signal and receiving a returned signal. The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the returned signal is computed. The SNR is compared to an optimal SNR range. A control signal is generated to control the transmission power of the stimulus signal. A new stimulus signal is generated at the new transmission power. A device for collecting and analyzing a quasi-periodic signal includes a SNR calculator that computes the SNR of a returned signal. A signal analysis selector selects between a first and a second signal analysis technique. A transmission power controller compares the computed SNR with an optimal SNR range for the selected technique and modifies the transmission power as a result of this comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Serguei Kabakov
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Patent number: 8441624Abstract: Flow cytometry concepts are modified to enable dynamic characterizations of particles to be obtained using optical scattering data. Particles in flow will be introduced into a sample volume. Light scattered by a particle in the sample volume is collected and analyzed. What differentiates the concepts disclosed herein from conventional flow cytometry is the use of an acoustic source that is disposed to direct acoustic energy into the sample volume. As the particle passes through the sample volume, it responds to the acoustic energy, causing changes in the light scattered by the particle. Those changes, which are not measured during conventional flow cytometry, can be analyzed to determine additional physical properties of the particle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Thomas J. Matula, Jarred Swalwell
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Patent number: 8435182Abstract: A system for ultrasound imaging may include acquisition of color Doppler data associated with a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) and a baseline shift, selection of a frame of the color Doppler data associated with low flow velocity, determination, based on the selected frame, of a first area of non-aliased flow velocities and a first direction of the non-aliased flow velocities, and detection, in another frame of the color Doppler data, of a first transition between one or more velocities of the first area and one or more velocities of an adjacent second area. A second transition may be detected between the second area and an adjacent third area of the color Doppler data, and a velocity corresponding to a Doppler shift frequency of fPRF is subtracted from or added to each of the flow velocities of the second area.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Tamura
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Patent number: 8425422Abstract: Adaptive volume rendering is provided for medical diagnostic ultrasound. The opacity of B-mode data is set relative to the opacity of Doppler data. The opacities for the different types of data are set as a function of ray depth. For example, the opacity of B-mode data near a tissue border is set to be more opaque than for tissue away from the border, and the opacity for flow data near a flow border is set to be less opaque than for flow away from the border. An image is rendered using a rendering parameter set as a function of ray depth, B-mode information and Doppler information. Other processes for enhancing and/or using rendering may be used.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Seshadri Srinivasan, Patric Ljung, Bruce A. McDermott, Merv Mencias Smith-Casem
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Publication number: 20130096440Abstract: A portable device utilizes an ultrasound probe, which is placed on the abdomen of a mother and allows ultrasound video and pictures, as well as Doppler heartbeat detection of the fetus. It is also capable of performing spontaneous brain activity recordings (referred here as fetal-EEG or fetal electroencephalography) and analyzing the fetal EEG measurements. The spontaneous electrical brain waves are detected by a sensor, amplified, digitized, and analyzed in one portable device, using analog and/or digital filters to improve the signal/noise ratio. The portable computer uses quantitative analysis software to compare the data from the fetus to normative data or to prior states of the fetus' own data. The EEG signals are recorded for an extended period of time and can be analyzed in real time or at a later time for rhythmicity patterns indicative of epilepsy or other developmental brain disorders.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventor: Marianna Kiraly
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Publication number: 20130096434Abstract: In general, the invention provides methods for use in the acquisition and display of ultrasound images. In particular, the invention provides methods for displaying ultrasound images using gating of ultrasound acquisition based on subject respiration and/or triggering ultrasound acquisition based on subject ECG. The methods may be employed with any suitable ultrasound system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: James Mehi, Christopher A. White, Kai Wen Liu, Jerrold Wen, Desmond Hirson, Andrew Needles
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Publication number: 20130096430Abstract: According to one embodiment, a detector detects a position at a leading end of a puncture needle. A determination unit determines a first scanning region in a subject and a second scanning region based on the position at the detected leading end, the second scanning region being narrower than the first scanning region. A transmission/reception controller controls a transmitter and a receiver to switches between first ultrasonic scanning for the first scanning region and second ultrasonic scanning for the second scanning region according to an instruction from an operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Hiroki YOSHIARA, Naohisa KAMIYAMA, Tetsuya YOSHIDA, Yoko OKAMURA
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Patent number: 8394027Abstract: A volumetric method for 2-D flow imaging is provided in medical diagnostic ultrasound. Flow data for a volume is acquired. For more rapid acquisition, broad beam transmission and reception along many scan lines distributed in the volume is used. The volumetric flow data is filtered, such as by calculating statistical information, to generate a planar/2-D flow image. The statistical information from the three-dimensional flow data is used to determine the display values for the flow imaging.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Seshadri Srinivasan, Kutay F. Ustuner, Ismayil M. Guracar
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Patent number: 8394023Abstract: A method for determining a time to aortic valve closure comprises receiving data corresponding to an imaged region of a left ventricle of a heart. A plurality of points within the data is identified. A peak negative strain is determined for each of the points and the peak negative strain comprises a maximum contraction value and a time from onset to maximum contraction value. A weight value for each of the points is determined based on the peak negative strain. A time to aortic valve closure is determined based on the weight value and the time from onset to maximum contraction value for each of the points.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Zvi M. Friedman, Peter Lysyansky, Nahum Smirin
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Publication number: 20130060143Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a placement device for a flat Doppler probe and a method of use that allows for hands-free use of a flat Doppler probe. The device replaces gel for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals or alternatively encapsulates the gel. The placement device includes a hydrophilic surface that contacts a patient and allows for the transmission and receiving of ultrasound signals. The placement device eliminates the use of gel for easier clean up and optimizes the transmission of ultrasound signals. The placement device includes an adhesive on the patient contacting surface that allows the placement device to adhere to a surface on a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: Vasamed, Inc.Inventors: Paulita M. LaPlante, Daniel J. Bartnik, John Campbell
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Publication number: 20130053696Abstract: A heart rate of a subject is determined using a probabilistic segmental model. Reflections of ultrasound signals from the subject, for instance, are down modulated to an audio band and velocity samples are obtained. For a signal analysis window of the samples, e.g., 25 msec. of samples, features of the samples are obtained. Based on the features, a first set of probabilities is obtained for different candidate current heartbeat periods. A second set of probabilities is determined based on combinations of different previous heartbeat periods. One of the candidate current heartbeat periods is determined to be most probable, based on the first and second sets of probabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: SALUTRON, INC.Inventor: Mark Allan Hasegawa-Johnson
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Patent number: 8372010Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic wave diagnosis instrument. The ultrasonic wave Doppler diagnosis instrument transmits an ultrasonic continuous wave in a range direction and receives a reflective wave of the ultrasonic continuous wave. The ultrasonic wave Doppler diagnosis instrument includes: a modulation unit that subjects the ultrasonic continuous wave to frequency modulation such that a phase is varied in accordance with the distance of the range direction; a demodulation unit that demodulates the reflective wave for each range of the range direction while interlocking with the frequency modulation, and generates a reception signal in the range in a separated state; and a presentation unit that presents information by using a signal of a Doppler component based on the reception signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Tatsuro Baba, Yasuo Miyajima, Takeshi Sato, Tetsuya Kawagishi, Yasutsugu Seo, Yoshitaka Mine
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Patent number: 8366624Abstract: Some embodiments include acquisition of color Doppler data associated with a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) and a baseline shift, detection of a first area of the color Doppler data representing zero flow velocity, detection of a second area of the color Doppler data, detection of a first transition between one or more velocities of the second area and one or more velocities of an adjacent third area of the color Doppler data, detection of a second transition between the third area and an adjacent fourth area of the color Doppler data representing non-zero flow velocities in the first direction, subtraction of a velocity corresponding to fPRF from each of the flow velocities of the third area if the second direction is positive, and addition of the velocity corresponding to fPRF to each of the flow velocities of the third area if the second direction is negative.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Aloka Medical, Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Tamura
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Publication number: 20130030299Abstract: There are provided embodiments for measuring an inclination angle of an ultrasound probe to correct a Doppler angle in real time. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an inclination measuring unit configured to measure an inclination angle of an ultrasound probe at a predetermined cycle to form measuring information including the inclination angle, wherein the inclination measuring unit is mounted inside or outside of the ultrasound probe; and a processing unit configured to calculate a Doppler angle correction value corresponding to the inclination angle based on the measuring information and calculate a corrected Doppler angle based on the Doppler angle correction value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Dae Young KIM
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Patent number: 8357096Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming a Doppler mode image. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit operable to transmit/receive ultrasound signals at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) to form an n number of Doppler signals. The ultrasound system further comprises a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit computes a first mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n?1)th Doppler signal and a second mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n?k)th Doppler signal, wherein k is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2. The signal processing unit estimates a Doppler frequency and compensate for aliasing of the Doppler signal based on the first and second mean frequencies to produce Doppler signal with the aliasing compensated. An image processing unit operable to form a Doppler mode image based on the Doppler signals produced by the signal processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Medison Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mok Kun Jeong, Sung Jae Kwon
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Publication number: 20130018267Abstract: An electronic catheter stethoscope measures and analyzes acoustic fields and dynamic pressure variations in the gaseous or liquid fluid inside a conventional medical catheter that is positioned in a patient's urologic, digestive, reproductive, cardiovascular, neurological or pulmonary system. Measurement transducers are installed in a housing connectable to multiple preselected medical catheters. The transducers detect bodily functions that are transmitted to the preselected catheter from within the body. The transducers, housing, electrical interface and signal processing electronics are positioned outside the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicants: THE CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDAInventors: University Of South Florida, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
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Patent number: 8348847Abstract: A system for managing a patient is disclosed and can include a patient interface adapted to obtain ultrasound information about the patient, a provider interface adapted to facilitate communication between the system and a provider, and a controller in communication with the patient interface and the provider interface, the controller including a clinical management module adapted to receive the ultrasound information and to recommend a clinical management strategy based upon the ultrasound information. A method of presenting a clinical management strategy is also described including obtaining information regarding a condition of a patient, developing a determinant reflecting the condition, and presenting a user with a clinical management strategy on an output device.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Guardsman Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Vezina