US5501223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dynamic firing sequence for ultrasound imaging apparatus
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-11-23
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Granted: 1996-03-26
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Expires: 2014-11-23
Abstract
Abstract A dynamic firing sequence for ultrasound imaging apparatus can be achieved in accordance with the present invention. Initially, operator selected parameters are provided and predetermined system constants are stored. The operator selected parameters in B mode include imaging depth. The operator selected parameters in Doppler mode include velocity scale, doppler range gate position and Doppler range gate size. The operator selected parameters in color mode include velocity scale and region of interest depth. PRI and minimum vector time are calculated using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants. These calculations are used to maximize interleaving, thereby maximizing frame rate.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Washburn
- 👤 Rowland F. Saunders
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52085; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G01S15/8906; G01S15/8979
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence for ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising the steps of: providing operator selected parameters; storing predetermined system constants; calculating PRI using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; calculating a minimum vector time using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; maximizing frame rate using the PRI calculation and the minimum vector time calculation; interleaving color firings with Doppler firings; and maximizing number of color positions that can be interleaved.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence for ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising the steps of: providing operator selected parameters; storing predetermined system constants; calculating PRI using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; calculating a minimum vector time using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; maximizing frame rate using the PRI calculation and the minimum vector time calculation; interleaving color firings with Doppler firings; and maximizing number of color positions that can be interleaved.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise imaging depth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise: velocity scale; Doppler range gate position; and Doppler range gate size.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 1 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise; velocity scale; and region of interest depth.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for maximizing frame rate for ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising the steps of: providing operator selected parameters; storing predetermined system constants; calculating PRI using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; calculating a minimum vector time using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; and maximizing interleaving of color firings with Doppler firings using the PRI calculation and the minimum vector time calculation.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
68 words
A method for maximizing frame rate for ultrasound imaging apparatus comprising the steps of: providing operator selected parameters; storing predetermined system constants; calculating PRI using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; calculating a minimum vector time using the operator selected parameters and the predetermined system constants; and maximizing interleaving of color firings with Doppler firings using the PRI calculation and the minimum vector time calculation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 5 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise imaging depth.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 5 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise: velocity scale; Doppler range gate position; and Doppler range gate size.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method for achieving a dynamic firing sequence as claimed in claim 5 wherein the operator selected parameters comprise; velocity scale; and region of interest depth.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4888694A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-03-26 | 1999-09-25 | 2000-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-03-26 | 2003-09-25 | 2004-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-03-26 | 2007-09-25 | 2008-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |