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Patent US4174635A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4174635A
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Method and apparatus for ultra sound imaging utilizing Rayleigh backscatter
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1978-06-01
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Granted: 1979-11-20
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Expires: 1998-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A diagnostic method and apparatus for ultrasound imaging utilizes Rayleigh backscatter of ultrasound waves directed to an object for creating an image of the object. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator for generating a pair of waves of slightly different frequencies which are directed through the object and, after their individual detection upon return from the interior of the object, the two signals representing the two frequencies are differentially amplified in order to emphasize the scattered waves returned from various regions of the object and minimize specular reflections, thereby characterizing the acoustical scattering properties of the interior of the object based upon regional scattering properties.
Inventors
- 👤 William H. Oldendorf
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/04; G01N29/06; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52023; G01S7/52036
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
66 words
An ultrasonic imaging system comprising in combination: ultrasonic generating means for generating at least a pair of pulses of slightly differing ultrasonic frequencies, means for transmitting said ultrasonic waves to an object; means for individually detecting both frequencies scattered from said object, and means for differentially amplifying said scattered waves and displaying an image representative of the regional scattering cross-section of the interior of said object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
66 words
An ultrasonic imaging system comprising in combination: ultrasonic generating means for generating at least a pair of pulses of slightly differing ultrasonic frequencies, means for transmitting said ultrasonic waves to an object; means for individually detecting both frequencies scattered from said object, and means for differentially amplifying said scattered waves and displaying an image representative of the regional scattering cross-section of the interior of said object.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said ultrasonic generating means includes means for generating paired pulses whose difference in frequency is chosen to optimize the measurement of the amplitude of scattering from said object.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ultrasonic system of claim 2, wherein the wavelength of the waves transmitted to the object is large in relation to the size of the scattering sources within the object.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 2, wherein said means for matching the frequency of said ultrasonic waves to the size of the scattering source includes variable frequency generating means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 4, wherein said variable frequency generating means includes at least a pair of variable frequency generators.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said system includes a single transducer for sending and receiving said pulses and at least a pair of distinct frequency generators.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 6, wherein said system includes electronic switching means for switching alternately between sending and receiving of said pulses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The ultrasonic system of claim 7, wherein said system includes electronic switching means for switching alternately between the distinct frequency generators.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 6, wherein each of said distinct frequency generators is variable in frequency.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 6, wherein each frequency generator is arranged to generate pairs of matched frequencies.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 10, wherein said means for analyzing said scattered waves includes data storage means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 1, wherein said means for analyzing said scattered waves comprises an electronic means to subtract one of said waves from the other of said waves and generate a signal representative of the difference thereof.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 12, wherein said signal from said electronic means is displayed on an oscilloscope.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of ultrasonic imaging comprising the steps of: generating and transmitting at least a pair of pulses of distinct ultrasonic frequencies to an object under examination, receiving and recording the amplitude of waves returned from said object, analyzing said waves by subtracting the amplitude of one of said waves from the amplitude of other of said waves, amplifying said difference, and displaying said differences between the amplitudes of said waves by visual means.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
74 words
A method of ultrasonic imaging comprising the steps of: generating and transmitting at least a pair of pulses of distinct ultrasonic frequencies to an object under examination, receiving and recording the amplitude of waves returned from said object, analyzing said waves by subtracting the amplitude of one of said waves from the amplitude of other of said waves, amplifying said difference, and displaying said differences between the amplitudes of said waves by visual means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein said method includes the step of matching the frequency wavelengths of said pulses to the size of said scattering objects.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 14, including the steps of alternately sending and receiving said alternate frequency pulses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method in accordance with claim 14, wherein said paired pulses are transmitted and received from a single pulse source.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method in accordance with claim 14, including the step of determining an absolute scattering cross-section of a scattering object using a phantom reference having known scattering cross-section characteristics.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4078435A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-11-19 | 1983-05-21 | 1983-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-19 | 1987-05-21 | 1987-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-19 | 1991-05-21 | 1991-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |