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US5509415A
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Method for reducing vector density based on image size
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1994-11-22
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Granted: 1996-04-23
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Expires: 2014-11-22
Abstract
Abstract In a method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus, ultrasound B and color mode vector density are reduced. Initially, an actual displayed image size is determined. A minimum vector density requirement is then determined for B which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size. The number of vectors in the image is then adjusted to meet the minimum vector density requirement.
Inventors
- 👤 Rowland F. Saunders
- 👤 Michael J. Washburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:34
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52085; G01S7/52053; G01S7/52057; G01S7/5206; G01S7/52065; G01S7/52071; G01S7/52073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising the steps of: determining an actual displayed image size; determining a minimum vector density requirement for a B mode which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size; determining a minimum vector density requirement for a color mode which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size; using a vector spacing that will meet the minimum vector density requirements.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus, comprising the steps of: determining an actual displayed image size; determining a minimum vector density requirement for a B mode which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size; determining a minimum vector density requirement for a color mode which will provide a useful image based on the actual displayed image size; using a vector spacing that will meet the minimum vector density requirements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of using a vector spacing that will meet the minimum vector density requirement comprises the step of adjusting the number of vectors in the image to meet the minimum vector density requirement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of using a vector spacing that will meet the minimum vector density requirement comprises the steps of: providing a full B mode vector set; subsampling the full B mode vector set, to provide a B mode vector set subsample, to approximately match the minimum vector density requirement for the actual displayed image size.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 3 further comprising the step of calculating a new vector list to match the B mode vector set subsample.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of using a vector spacing that will meet the minimum vector density requirement comprises the steps of: providing a full B mode vector set; providing a full color mode vector set; subsampling the full B mode and full color mode vector sets, to provide a vector set subsample to approximately match the minimum vector density requirement for the actual displayed image size.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 5 further comprising the step of calculating a new vector list to match the vector set subsample.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actual displayed image size comprises a vertical image size.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method for maximizing frame rate of an ultrasound imaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actual displayed image size comprises a horizontal image size.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5379642A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-04-23 | 1999-10-23 | 2000-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-23 | 2003-10-23 | 2004-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-23 | 2007-10-23 | 2008-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |