US4893284A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Calibration of phased array ultrasound probe
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1988-05-27
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Granted: 1990-01-09
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Expires: 2008-05-27
Abstract
Abstract The dynamic range of ultrasound images is extended by providing compensation of errors inherent in the manufacturing process of medical ultrasound phased array probes. Time delay errors are predetermined and stored in a memory associated with each probe. A system then reads the values needed to perform error compensation directly from the particular probe being used.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark G. Magrane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/5205; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; G10K11/34; G10K11/341; G10K11/346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A transducer probe assembly comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array; means for storing correction values corresponding to time delay . errors inherent in said transducers; assembly means for carrying said transducers and said correction means; and conductor means coupled to said transducers and said correction value storing means and carried by said assembly means for permitting said transducers and said correction value storing means to be electrically connected to an ultrasound system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A transducer probe assembly comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array; means for storing correction values corresponding to time delay . errors inherent in said transducers; assembly means for carrying said transducers and said correction means; and conductor means coupled to said transducers and said correction value storing means and carried by said assembly means for permitting said transducers and said correction value storing means to be electrically connected to an ultrasound system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said memory means is comprised of a programmable read-only memory.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said values represent a time delay error relative to the delay error of a predetermined transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said array is a linear phased array.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
An ultrasound system comprising: a plurality of transducers arranged in an array; means for storing values for correcting time delay errors inherent in said transducers; computer means for controlling transmission and reception by said transducers; and connector means for connecting said transducers and said correction value storing means to said computer means and for passing electrical signals therethrough.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
An ultrasound system comprising: a plurality of transducers arranged in an array; means for storing values for correcting time delay errors inherent in said transducers; computer means for controlling transmission and reception by said transducers; and connector means for connecting said transducers and said correction value storing means to said computer means and for passing electrical signals therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 5 further comprising: probe assembly means for incorporating said transducers, said memory means and said connection means.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of operating an ultrasound phased array system, said system including an array of transducer elements and respective delay elements, said method comprising the steps of: determining a theoretical delay for a respective transducer element according to a desired scanning vector angle of an ultrasound beam relative to said array;, obtaining a predetermined delay error correction value corresponding to said respective transducer element prior to system operation; storing said correction value in a memory; and changing said theoretical delay by a value equal to said correction value to obtain a corrected delay.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
93 words
A method of operating an ultrasound phased array system, said system including an array of transducer elements and respective delay elements, said method comprising the steps of: determining a theoretical delay for a respective transducer element according to a desired scanning vector angle of an ultrasound beam relative to said array;, obtaining a predetermined delay error correction value corresponding to said respective transducer element prior to system operation; storing said correction value in a memory; and changing said theoretical delay by a value equal to said correction value to obtain a corrected delay.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said value represents a time delay error inherent in said respective transducer relative to a time delay error inherent in a predetermined transducer element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: transmitting an acoustic wave from said array, said wave being formed according to said corrected delay; and receiving an acoustic wave arriving at said array, said wave being detected according to said corrected delay.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-01-08 | 1993-07-10 | 1994-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-01-08 | 1997-07-10 | 1998-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-07-10 | 2002-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |