Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring and characterizing the localized electromagnetic wave absorption properties of biologic tissues in vivo, using incident electromagnetic waves to produce resultant acoustic waves. Multiple acoustic transducers arranged on an rotatable imaging bowl are acoustically coupled to the surface of the tissue for measuring acoustic waves produced in the tissue when the tissue is exposed to a pulse of electromagnetic radiation. The multiple transducer signals are then combined to produce an image of the absorptivity of the tissue, which image may be used for medical diagnostic purposes. Specific mathematical reconstruction procedures are described for producing images from transducer signals. Specific arrangements of transducers are illustrated, and noise reduction techniques are described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic ranging system and method for detecting the presence of and distance to a target using ultrasonic sound waves generated by an ultrasonic transducer with reduced audible noise. Electrical ultrasonic signal pulses are modulated according to a smooth modulation envelope and a transducer drive signal is generated from the modulated signal pulses. The transducer drive signal drives an ultrasonic transducer which generates ultrasonic sound waves for transmission in a desired path, and further receives ultrasonic sound waves reflected from targets in the transmission path. The received ultrasonic sound waves are converted to an electrical signal that is processed by a processor to provide time and distance information to the target. The distance information is computed by using a middle time value for the transmitted and received signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acoustical microscope which has a plurality of acoustical transducers, each generating an independent beam of acoustic energy. Each acoustical transducer is positioned in an adjacent relationship with the others such that each beam of acoustic energy intersects a different point on a target.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system provides for depth-variable elevational and azimuthal focusing by combining electronic beamforming and fixed mechanical lens (or element shaping). The imaging system includes a plurality of beamformer channels that are selectively allocated to the imaging elements of an array. For phased arrays, a switching circuit controls the allocation of the beamformers, while a linear/convex array also requires an aperture shifting circuit for shifting the aperture along the array. The elevational focusing is achieved using a small number of beamformer channels by sharing the beamformer channels assigned to azimuthal elements for far field imaging and to elevational elements for near field imaging. A portion of the beamformer channels are connected to elevational elements (elements in the off-center rows) during near-field imaging.

Abstract: To explore and analyze the structure of an object (O), the method according to the invention comprises transmission of at least one incident wave into said structure, reception of the waves retransmitted by the structure, by a plurality of independent detection elements (D1, Dn); memorization after digitization of the data supplied by the detection elements, in a field memory (MC); in respect of each point (Pij) of the object (O), computation of the positions occupied, in the field memory by the signals detected by the detection elements (D1, Dn) corresponding to the waves coming from said point (Pij); then reading of the field memory and addition of all the values contained in the memory positions corresponding to each point (Pij), the value (Vp) representative of the importance of the wave coming from said point (Pij) being obtained by multiplying the result of the addition by a correction factor (K).

Abstract: A system is disclosed that employs ultrasonic waves to perform in-situ measurements to determine the properties of films deposited on substrates in the course of various semiconductor or processing steps. In one embodiment a single transducer excites incident acoustic waves at multiple frequencies that reflect from the films. The reflected waves are received by the same transducer. An analysis system determines the phase shift of the received reflected waves and, based on the phase shift, determines the film properties. Other embodiments employ distinct source and receiving transducers. Embodiments are also disclosed that compensate the measured phase shift for temperature variations in the substrate. In one such system, temperature compensation is performed based on the processing of phase measurements made at multiple frequencies or incidence angles or with multiple ultrasonic modes. The disclosed techniques are equally applicable to determining the degree of erosion of chamber members.

Abstract: Device for testing ferromagnetic materials, such as pipelines and the like, for faults, cracks, corrosion, etc. An one electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer includes at least one high frequency current coil and an arraay of permanent magnets which create a magnetic field for exciting and/or detecting ultrasonic waves in the wall of the ferromagnetic material. The ultrasonic transducer is located between the pole pieces of an additional magnet arrangement that produces a magnetic prefield in the material wall.

Abstract: A method for automatic state control, inspection, cleaning and/or surface treatment of structures, especially measuring the thickness of plate constructions and pipes by means of ultrasound signals from a self-propelled, remotely controllable unit. The self-propelled unit is continuously moved in the measurement area, and a transmitter transmits an ultrasound signal in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the construction. A reflected signal is received by a receiver which determines thickness and material quality of the construction at the measurement spot, on the basis of the received reflected signal, and parameters such as transit time for the reflected signal. The self-propelled unit performs self-positioning by means of previously known spots on the construction.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively evaluating or validating a processed area of an object such as a metallic laser shock peened surface by determining Rayleigh wave angles at various positions on the surface.

Abstract: A composite probe apparatus exhibiting a high performance and a high efficiency in detecting internal defects of a steel pipe or a steel plate, coupled with offering a stable sensitivity and covering a wide range for flaw detection. A plurality of reception oscillators PR1 to PR4 are disposed in a zigzag fashion in both sides of a transmission oscillator PT. The length l T of the transmission oscillator PT is determined such that a near sound field is established over the entire measuring range, while the width WT of the transmission oscillator PT is determined such that a far sound field takes place over the entire measuring range. The transmission and reception oscillators are constructed with a common piezoelectric plate an electrode of which undergoes division.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically scanning a surface includes a plurality of pairs of 180 degree oppositely disposed transducers mounted in a rotatable head having a central axis about which the head is rotatable. A positioning system for positioning the transducers such that all beam axes of the transducers intersect the central axis at a single point. Axes of each pair are equiangular with respect to the centerline and axes of different pairs have incident and reflective angles between beam axes and the central axis that are different from those of other pairs. Incident and reflective angles of different pairs of transducers are preferably predetermined and in close proximity to a predetermined angle over a range of angles bracketing a predetermined critical angle. A translating system is preferably included for effecting translational motion between the head and the surface such that the single point lies substantially on the surface during scanning.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angle-beam probe and a method for operating the angle-beam probe include an approach wedge to be driven into a gap. The overall height of the probe sets limits which preclude testing starting from a specific gap width. At least two approach wedges are provided in order to give the angle-beam probe a testing sensitivity that is maintained even in the case of a reduced overall height. A device is provided which can be assigned to a pulse generator, a sound evaluator or a connecting element to a sound transducer, in order to influence a sound echo time.

Abstract: A simple, compact and inexpensive ultrasonic wave diagnostic apparatus of electronic focus type in which the delay amount for controlling the phase of a transmission signal for each piezoelectric element is stored in a delay amount storage unit, the pulse width for controlling the frequency of the transmission signal for each piezoelectric element is stored in a pulse width storage unit, the time elapsed from a reference time point is counted by a counter, a change point of the transmission signal from the reference time point is calculated by a processor, the output of the processor is compared with the output of the counter by a comparator, a plurality of clock signals having different phases are generated by a multiphase clock generator, a clock generated by the multiphase clock signal generator is selected by a selective controller, and a pulse of the transmission signal is generated on the basis of the selected clock by a toggle circuit.

Abstract: An optoacoustic system comprises an optoacoustic transducer including a first array of acoustic transducers and a second array of optical fibers; an acoustic subsystem for controllably exciting at least a first subset of the acoustic transducers to generate acoustic pulses with a prescribed pulse width, and for forming a first image based on return acoustic pulses reflected from a patient; an optical subsystem for controllably generating optical pulses to be transmitted through at least a first subset of the optical fibers toward the patient, and for forming a second image based on light reflected from the patient; and image correlation means for correlating the first and second images. The first and second arrays may take various forms, including the form of an annular array in which the acoustic transducers are arranged coaxially and the optical fibers are disposed around an outer periphery of the first array. The first and second arrays may also take the form of linear arrays.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing system can receive data from at least two ultrasonic transducers and process the data in parallel to each other. The testing system can compress the data by a fixed ratio by storing the value of the sample having the highest-amplitude out of a group of samples. The testing system can also provide threshold-based run-length encoding by compressing data by only storing samples which exceed a user-defined threshold value as well as a user-defined range of samples surrounding said samples. The ultrasonic testing system also provides a hardware gate for storing a peak amplitude and associated time-of-flight for a user-defined interval and a gate for storing the time-of-flight for the first excursion of the data through a user-defined threshold and interval. The operation of these gates or the storage of waveform data may be delayed by a constant delay or until the data exceeds a user-selectable threshold during a user-selectable time interval.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fully programmable plurality of multi-channel receivers, each receiver having a digital multi-channel receive processor and a local processor control. Each receive processor includes a first decimator, time delay memory, second decimator, and complex multiplier. The receive beamformer is a computationally efficient system which is programmable to allow processing mode trade-offs among receive frequency, receive spatial range resolution, and number of simultaneous beams received. Each local control receives focusing data from a central control computer and provides final calculation of per-channel dynamic focus delay, phase, apodization, and calibration values for each receiver signal sample. Further, this invention includes a baseband multi-beam processor which has a phase aligner and a baseband filter for making post-beamformation coherent phase adjustments and signal shaping, respectively.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method for use in presenting composite two dimensional and three dimensional images from individual ultrasonic frames. A cross-sectional reconstruction is applied by using digital ultrasound frames, transducer orientation and a known center. Motion compensation, rank value filtering, noise suppression and tissue classification are utilized to optimize the composite image.

Abstract: A composite scan pattern for ultrasound imaging includes a linear or curved linear scan pattern and one or more sector scan patterns. The sector scan patterns abut the linear or curved linear scan pattern along its boundaries to form the composite scan pattern. The linear or curved linear scan pattern can be steered to a desired angle .theta. for obtaining a high quality image. The sector apertures can be reduced in width and the linear scan pattern can be increased in width for imaging at shallow depths. The composite scan pattern provides a wide field of view for both shallow imaging and deep imaging.

Abstract: An acoustic imaging apparatus and method that achieves desired delays with coded signals. Linear, curved linear and sector scanning is provided in 1-D arrays and planar, curved planar and sector scanning is provided in 2-D arrays. Composite and non-linear implementations are presented. Dynamic and discrete dynamic focusing is disclosed for the relevant arrays. The 2-D array makes possible 3-D imaging.

Abstract: A signal demodulation apparatus using a multi-ary sampling for beam formation of a received signal reduces a difference between a sampling point of time of an in-phase signal and a sampling point of time of a quadrature signal due to an existing secondary sampling method. Each of a plurality of analog-to-digital converters produces a first in-phase signal and at least two first quadrature signals adjacent to the first in-phase by sampling each input signal input via a plurality of channels at a sampling point of time having a sampling period of the input signal and other sampling points of time having a sampling interval smaller than the sampling period of the input signal. A quadrature component calculator of each channel produces second quadrature signals in which an error due to a difference between the sampling point of time of the first in-phase signal and the sampling points of time of the first quadrature signal is reduced.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to detect defects in a material. Waves of known frequency(ies) are mixed at an interaction zone in the material. As a result, at least one of a difference wave and a sum wave are generated in the interaction zone. The difference wave occurs at a difference frequency and the sum wave occurs at a sum frequency. The amplitude of at least one nonlinear signal based on the sum and/or difference waves is then measured. The nonlinear signal is defined as the amplitude of one of the difference wave and sum wave relative to the product of the amplitude of the surface waves. The amplitude of the nonlinear signal is an indication of defects (e.g., dislocation dipole density) in the interaction zone.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic imaging of interior structures and flaws in a test specimen with a smooth or irregular contact surfaces, in which an ultrasonic transducer is coupled acoustically to the contact surface via a plurality of ultrasonic wave guides with equal delay times. The wave guides are thin and bendable, so they adapt to variations in the distance between the transducer and different parts of the contact surface by bending more or less. All parts of the irregular contact surface accordingly receive sound waves that are in phase, even when the contact surface is irregular, so a coherent sound wave is infused in the test specimen. The wave guides can be arranged in the form of an ultrasonic brush, with a flat head for coupling to a flat transducer, and free bristles that can be pressed against the test specimen. By bevelling the bristle ends at a suitable angle, shear mode waves can be infused into the test specimen from a longitudinal mode transducer.

Abstract: The ultrasonic testing device for weld seams (28) in pipes, sheets and containers, preferably for circumferential welds in pipelines, is fitted with two identical test head supports (20), each fitted with at least one test head (e.g., 23), arranged in lateral inversion to the weld seam, which acoustically irradiate from the basic material (30) of the pipes or sheets laterally into the weld seam (28) and are coupled to the surface of the basic material (30) opposite the root (32) of the weld seam (28).

Abstract: Apparatus for examining carcasses on a slaughter line, in which an ultrasound transducer comes into contact with a surface of the carcasses. The ultrasound transducer is adapted to be mounted immovably on a stationary frame of the slaughter line so that as the carcass transport mechanism of the slaughter line moves the carcasses across the ultrasound transducer, the carcasses rest on the ultrasound transducer with a considerable part of their weight.

Abstract: A plurality of groups of delay time data corresponding to a plurality of focal distances Fn satisfying a condition that a ratio (Fi-Fi-1 )/(Fi-1-Fi-2) is equal to a constant value higher than one are stored in a focus memory. Therefore, the groups of delay time data corresponding to short focal distances are densely stored. When a particular focal distance is specified, a plurality of ultrasonic pulses delayed according to a particular group of delay time data corresponding to the particular focal distance are transmitted from a plurality of micro-piezoelectric transducers to a focal point of an organism at the particular focal distance. Thereafter, a plurality of echo signals reflected at the focal point of the organism are received by the micro-piezoelectric transducers, and a piece of tomographic image data indicating a portion of a tomographic image is produced in a signal processing unit.

Abstract: An ultrasound ellipsoidal backprojection device includes a receiver element array with each element related to an image reconstruction point angle of a receiver apodizer, the apodizer having an apodization weighting amplitude function generator for weighting echoes received by the elements as a function of the image reconstruction point angle of thereceiver elements, and an ellipsoidal backprojection image reconstruction processor for reconstructing images from the weighted echoes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonic inspection of a conduit are provided. The method involves directing a first ultrasonic pulse at a particular area of the conduit at a first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the first ultrasonic pulse, substantially simultaneously or subsequently in very close time proximity directing a second ultrasonic pulse at said area of the conduit from a substantially different angle than said first angle, receiving the reflected sound from the second ultrasonic pulse, and comparing the received sounds to determine if there is a defect in that area of the conduit. The apparatus of the invention is suitable for carrying out the above-described method. The method and apparatus of the present invention provide the ability to distinguish between sounds reflected by defects in a conduit and sounds reflected by harmless deposits associated with the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention-relates to an ultrasonic array imaging system for focusing ultrasonic signals which are reflected from an object to be imaged and received by an array transducer. A digital focusing method and system in accordance with the present invention compensates for phase errors which are contained in digital data by using a quadrature sampling method in digital-processing and focusing of ultrasonic signals. Each of a plurality of delayed-time eliminators receive signals generated by quadrature sampling and removes delayed-time differences from signals. Each of phase compensators receives a digital signal in which a delayed-time difference is removed, and compensates the received digital signal for phase errors. An envelope detector is used to detect an envelope signal using the phase error compensated date.

Abstract: A method and a device for imaging an object using ultrasound. Transducer elements of a two-dimensional array are interconnected to form sub-arrays. The transducer elements of each sub-array are driven in the transmit mode with the same time delay and read out jointly in the receive mode. In this manner, the number of required time delays is reduced, and parasitic capacitances on the signal lines are diminished.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method for ultrasonically detecting ply wrinkling in a laminated composite. The composite is ultrasonically scanned with sound wave energy generated from transducer(s) operating in an oblique incidence pulse echo mode. Echo signals reflected from the plies of the composite are then detected with the transducer(s). Each set of reflected echo signals represents a three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) having spatial dimensions (x,y) and a temporal dimension (t) mapping directly to a third spatial dimension (z) orthogonal to the surface of the composite. The three dimensional waveform data set u (x,y,t) corresponds to a three-dimensional volumetric region in the composite. The three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) is then processed into a rectified data set w(x,y,t). Ply noise in the three-dimensional data set w(x,y,t) is then filtered. The filtered three-dimensional data set is then converted into wrinkle severity C-scan and a wrinkle depth C-scan.

Abstract: A high speed method for presenting display of images obtained from a volumetric scanner in which multiple slices of object space are displayed simultaneously in real time thereby enabling a viewer to study relationships between various parts of the object. The slices are selectable by the viewer manipulating an icon on the display screen. Accordingly C-scans or B scans may be selected as well as I scans in which the scan plane has a selected orientation. Multiple I scans may be selected and viewed in perspective so that the viewer has an impression of a three dimensional display. Color and spectral doppler is incorporated with the scans to provide additional information of dynamic properties.

Abstract: An array of ultrasonic transducer elements receives signals to form beams simultaneously from a plurality of beam directions. The echo signals received by each transducer element are sampled in response to two or more interleaved sampling signal sequences, each of which is timed to begin at the initial time of arrival of echo signals from a unique spatial line. Each sampling signal sequence thereby produces signal samples associated with a given line. The stream of interleaved signal samples from each transducer element are separated in correspondence with each sampling signal sequence, and signal samples from corresponding separated sequences from the transducer elements are summed to form coherent signals corresponding to spatially separate ultrasonic beams.

Abstract: A multizone ultrasonic inspection apparatus and method of employing the apparatus for inspecting titanium billets is provided, in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers having focal zones of increasing depth are positioned to examine a cylindrical billet of titanium through the thickness of the billet. The focal zones partially overlap the adjacent focal zones, thus assuring complete examination through the thickness of the entire billet. The reflected signals from the transducer receivers are processed into digital form in order to be used in generating an image of the billet undergoing inspection, and to be used in storing the image data in, for example, a hard disk or an optical disk.

Abstract: A shoe (1) is provided which includes two housings designed for receiving ultrasonic probes (2) of which the vertical position with respect to the track is adjustable via two pressure cylinders (9). The shoe (1) is connected via two pressure cylinders (13) to a frame (12, 22, 23) designed for mounting under a railway vehicle. The shoe (1) is guided and driven along the track by deformable rings (14). Conduits (15, 16) are arranged in the body of the shoe (1) in such a manner as to allow the supply of a fluid in front of the probes (2) and the recovery of one part of this fluid behind said probes (2). Cleaning shoes (30, 30') and high pressure sprayers (31, 31') clean the track in front of the measuring carriage.

Abstract: A three dimensional object under test is measured to obtain shape data representing a shape of the three dimensional object. The object under test is measured using, for example, an ultrasonic probe LED to obtain defect test data. A processing mechanism forms a three-dimensional graphic image of a defect zone from the defect test data and a three-dimensional graphic image of the object under test from the shape data. A display mechanism is provided for displaying the three-dimensional graphic image of the defect zone superimposed over the three-dimensional graphic image of the object under test.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic process for testing, by immersion, the soundness of a metal piece (26) using at least one transducer (21) emitting ultrasonic waves focused in the piece (26). There are a plurality of transducers (21) used. Each of the transducers having in the tested piece (26) a focal spot at -6 dB, the section of which, perpendicular to the axis of propagation of the waves is less than 40 mm2. The focal spots of the transducers (21) being distributed depending on the depth to be tested of the piece (26). Additionally, the invention describes a process to guarantee the soundness of the interior of a piece (26), in particular a bar made of a titanium alloy (26) of a diameter of between about 50 and 400 mm for use in aeronautics.

Abstract: An improved method for repair of incore-instrumentation-housing and related defects in a nuclear reactor system involves three stages, each with ultrasonically assisted inspections. In the first stage, a defective incore housing is removed and the exposed area and aperture at the former location of the incore housing is ultrasonically inspected using an ultrasonic probe with a tiltable disk-shaped head that self-conforms to the local contour of the reactor vessel bottom. In the second stage, a weld buildup is formed. The reactor is then sealed and the weld buildup is machined to define an aperture therethrough. The weld buildup is then ultrasonically inspected with a second probe with a centering member that is stationary as the probe body is moved vertically relative to it. In the third stage, a J-prep is formed. A new incore housing is inserted through the weld buildup aperture. The new incore housing is welded at the J-prep. The J-weld is ultrasonically inspected using a third ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: A receiving beamformer is provided which simultaneously generates a plurality of receiving beam signals corresponding to receiving beams of a plurality of directions on the basis of signals received by an array of vibrator elements for receiving an ultrasonic wave. This receiving beamformer includes a variable amplifying unit for amplifying the received signals in accordance with the depth of measurement to produce output signals, an A/D converting unit for converting the output signals from the variable amplifying unit into digital signals at a predetermined sampling period, a digital delay unit for receiving each of the digital signals and for producing a plurality of delayed signals corresponding to the receiving beams for each of the digital signals, and a first adding unit for adding the delayed signals corresponding to each of the receive beams and to the respective digital signals.

Abstract: An improved piezo-electric transducer to provide a maximal transmission of ultrasonic energy into and from human and animal tissues for the determination of abnormalities eliminating the necessity of collimating accessories at transducer level, which accessories result in avoidable energy transmission and receipt losses. An ICT (Intrinsically Collimated Transducer) provides parallel beam transmission with the emitted beam focussed at infinity. The transducer affords an intrinsically collimated beam of energy to insure a most favorable diagnostic approach to detection of tissue abnormalities. A thin piezo-electric, ceramic, member is provided with one side having a plurality of isolated electrodes which are commonly or individually connected by means of a flexible, compressible, elastomeric, energy conducting membrane or means such as highly conductive metals, though relatively inflexible when compared to elastomers are relatively flexible as compared to solid metals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which scans an image region to receive a plurality of spatially arranged lines of ultrasonic image information signals. These ultrasonic line information signals are used in an interpolater to interpolate one or more lines which are spatially interlineated between each pair of spatially adjoining received lines. These interpolated lines are produced using either the received RF or demodulated IF ultrasonic image information signals. The interpolated lines are produced prior to scan conversion, and preferably prior to nonlinear processing such as detection or log compression to reduce spatial aliasing artifacts. In one preferred embodiment the interpolater comprises a transversal filter of four taps which is responsive to received line information signals from a common range or depth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise and enhancing the dynamic range of an image data set gather from an array (12) of transducers (T). The method includes the step of processing the image data set in a digital computer (17) by a noise reduction technique, such as deconvolving the noise component by means of a CLEAN or other algorithm. Thereafter the artifact image data introduced by the noise reduction technique is reduced by masking the processed image data set with the original image data set. This masking is done by multiplying each data value in the processed image data set by the corresponding data value in the original image data set. The method further includes scaling and normalizing the masked data and finally displaying the same on an image display device (42).

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for performing dynamic focusing of ultrasonic waves during transmit and receive. The present invention includes a method and a means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a multiple depths within a body. The present invention optimizes the transmit frequency for each of the multiple depths to localize the energy of the ultrasonic waves. The present invention also includes a method and means for performing dynamic receive focusing of the reflected ultrasonic waves produced by discontinuities in the body, such that it is focused to receive ultrasonic waves from the depth at which the transmitted ultrasonic waves are focused.

Abstract: A real time ultrasonic surface contour mapping system is provided including a digitally controlled phased-array of transmitter/receiver (T/R) elements located in a fixed position above the surface to be mapped. The surface is divided into a predetermined number of pixels which are separately scanned by an arrangement of T/R elements by applying phase delayed signals thereto that produce ultrasonic tone bursts from each T/R that arrive at a point X in phase and at the same time relative to the leading edge of the tone burst pulse so that the acoustic energies from each T/R combine in a reinforcing manner at point X. The signals produced by the reception of the echo signals reflected from point X back to the T/Rs are also delayed appropriately so that they add in phase at the input of a signal combiner. This combined signal is then processed to determine the range to the point X using density-corrected sound velocity values.

Abstract: The distance sensor means and the ultrasonic probe are integrally coupled to each other in such a manner that a preceding scanning line to a current scanning line which is scanned by the ultrasonic probe is scanned by the distance sensor means, and the shape-measurement scanning operation of the distance sensor means and the flaw-detection scanning operation of the ultrasonic probe are performed in parallel with each other. A flaw detection area is divided into plural sub-areas, and plural storing areas are arranged in a mesh form in one-to-one correspondence to the sub-areas, only one shape information of position storing area including the flaw detection area being stored in each of the storing areas. The position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe at each flaw detection point is controlled using the stored shape information.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining objects by ultrasonic echography includes an array of m ultrasonic transducer elements and a transmission stage having n transmission channels for causing n of the m transducer elements associated with an ultrasonic aperture to radiate echographic signals to the object and a receiving and processing stage having n receiving channels for receiving and processing echographic signals returned by the object being examined. The transmission and the receiving and processing stages include transmission-mode and receiving-mode circuits, respectively, for focusing by the provision of suitable focusing delays in the n channels of each. The receiving and processing stage includes a stage for determine after a first burst, (n-1)correction values for the focusing delays, and a circuit for correcting the focusing delays as a function of the (n-1) correction values thus determined.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic inspection system for inspecting the surface condition of an object or the existence or absence of internal defects in it by ultrasonically scanning the object with ultrasonic beams, which have been successively produced as a result of successive excitation of a number of array element oscillators (10.sub.1 -10.sub.n) arranged in a row, and then analyzing waves reflected by the object, reference data for individual ultrasonic beams (individual channels) are collected by ultrasonically scanning a reference material of defect-free uniform quality before ultrasonic inspection of the object. Correction values are prepared based on these reference data, and signals received by the ultrasonic scanning of the object are corrected by these correction values. According to one correction means, the ratios of the average value of reference values of the individual channels to the reference values of the individual channels are determined channel by channel.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic imaging system, a desirable ultrasonic image of an interior portion of a biological body scanned by ultrasonic pulses is obtained without occurrences of residual ultrasonic echoes and idle time.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic imaging system including a transducer array for transmitting pulses of ultrasound energy in a transmitting mode and for receiving reflected ultrasound energy in a receiving mode, a transmit control circuit, coupled to and controlling the transducer array, for selecting an angle and a focus to steer a transmitted pulse of ultrasound energy in a desired direction in the transmitting mode, and a receive focusing circuit, coupled to the transducer array, for dynamically varying a receive steering angle and focus in real time during reception of ultrasound energy to focus the received ultrasound energy along at least one virtual scan line that is not required to pass through a center of mass of an applied apodization function. The at least one virtual scan line may originate at a virtual apex that is disposed at a location other than on a face of the transducer array.

Abstract: Scan conversion or data interpolation is performed on the signal generated by acoustic transducers in an acoustic imaging system before the signal is processed by detecting and limiting it. This processing uses signal phase information, which is normally lost during the image reconstruction process, to increase image resolution. A nonlinear interpolation scheme is used during the scan conversion process used to convert the data generated by acoustic transducers into data suitable for visual display in order to more accurately generate interpolated data points. A nonlinear angular spacing between acoustic lines is used to increase the image frame rate can be increased without decreasing image resolution. The frame rate of the acoustic imaging system can also be increased by interpolating the signals generated by the transducers before they are provided to beamforming circuits.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for performing dynamic focusing of ultrasonic waves during transmit and receive. The present invention includes a method and a means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a multiple depths within a body. The present invention optimizes the transmit frequency for each of the multiple depths to localize the energy of the ultrasonic waves. The present invention also includes a method and means for performing dynamic receive focusing of the reflected ultrasonic waves produced by discontinuities in the body, such that it is focused to receive ultrasonic waves from the depth at which the transmitted ultrasonic waves are focused.