US5623928A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for coherent image formation
Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc
•
Filing: 1995-04-07
•
Granted: 1997-04-29
•
Expires: 2015-04-07
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are provided for imaging an object using a transducer array for transmitting one or more beams that are steered and/or translated to transmit scan lines for multiple excitation events so as to scan a field of view of the object, for sensing received signals reflected from the object after each excitation event on one or more receive beams on receive scan lines, and for transducing those sensed received signals into corresponding electrical signals. The method and apparatus is additionally for acquiring and storing coherent samples retaining both phase and amplitude information of those electrical signals obtained on the receive scan lines throughout at least a portion of the field of view, and for combining stored coherent samples associated with distinct receive beams to synthesize new coherent image samples aligned on synthetic scan lines which are distinct from any one of (1) receive scan lines on which a signal was sensed, (2) transmit scan lines on which a signal was directed, or (3) transmit scan lines and receive scan lines. The method and apparatus is further for detecting the synthesized coherent image samples and displaying or recording the resulting image field.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Nelson Wright
- 👤 Samuel H. Maslak
- 👤 David J. Finger
- 👤 Albert Gee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:14
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; G10K11/34; G10K11/341; G10K11/346; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G01S15/8906; G01S15/8909; G01S15/8915; G01S15/8927; G01S15/8979; G01S15/8997; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52023; G01S7/52025; G01S7/52026; G01S7/52046; G01S7/52053; G01S7/52057; G01S7/5206; G01S7/52085; G01S7/5209; G01S7/52095; G03; G03B; G03B42/00; G03B42/06; G10K11/345; A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; G01S15/8902; G01S15/8904; G01S15/8918; G01S15/895; G01S15/8993; G01S7/52034; G01S7/52066; G01S7/52071; G01S7/52077
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 157
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the method comprising the steps of: (a) phase aligning the acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) synthesizing at least one new sample from the phase-aligned samples.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
53 words
A method for imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the method comprising the steps of: (a) phase aligning the acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) synthesizing at least one new sample from the phase-aligned samples.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the synthesizing step comprises synthesizing at least two samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines at least two of which are associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said first synthetic scan line is colinear with a first receive scan line associated with a first transmit event and with a second receive scan line associated with a second transmit event.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said first synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said receive scan lines associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
44 words
The method of claims 3 or 4 further comprising synthesizing at least two samples on a second synthetic scan line using coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising synthesizing at least one further synthetic sample on a third synthetic scan line.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the further synthetic sample is synthesized using at least one synthetic sample on said first synthetic scan line and at least one synthetic sample on said second synthetic scan line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6 or 7 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 or 7 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of the acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that uses the phase-aligned samples to synthesize at least one new sample.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
60 words
An apparatus for imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of the acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that uses the phase-aligned samples to synthesize at least one new sample.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the synthesizer synthesizes at least two samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines at least two of which are associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first synthetic scan line is colinear with a first receive scan line associated with a first transmit event and with a second receive scan line associated with a second transmit event.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said first synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said receive scan lines associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claims 13 or 14 wherein the synthesizer further synthesizes at least two samples on a second synthetic scan line using coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines, at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the synthesizer synthesizes at least one further synthetic sample on a third synthetic scan line.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the synthesizer synthesizes the further sample using at least one synthetic sample on said first synthetic scan line and at least one synthetic sample on said second synthetic scan line.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of detecting the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 25 wherein both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples are detected.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 24 wherein said step of combining comprises weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 27 further comprising the step of selecting at least one weighting factor of unity, and using said weighting factor in the step of weighting and summing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 24 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 24 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a detector that detects the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the detector detects both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said synthesizer combines said phase-aligned coherent samples by weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said synthesizer selects at least one weighting factor of unity, and uses said weighting factor in weighting and summing.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 31 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on a receive beam after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and said receive beam is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein said receive scan line is colinear with one of said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples associated with at least two of said plurality of transmit excitation events to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
130 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on a receive beam after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and said receive beam is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein said receive scan line is colinear with one of said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples associated with at least two of said plurality of transmit excitation events to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 38 further comprising the step of detecting the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 39 wherein both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples are detected.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 38 wherein the step of combining comprises weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 41 further comprising the step of selecting at least one weighting factor of unity, and using said weighting factor in the step of weighting and summing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 38 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 38 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on a receive beam after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and said receive beam is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein said receive scan line is colinear with one of said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said acquired coherent samples associated with at least two of said plurality of transmit excitation events to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on a receive beam after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and said receive beam is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein said receive scan line is colinear with one of said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said acquired coherent samples associated with at least two of said plurality of transmit excitation events to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 45 further comprising a detector that detects the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein the detector detects both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein the synthesizer combines said phase-aligned coherent samples by weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said synthesizer selects at least one weighting factor of unity, and uses said weighting factor in the step of weighting and summing.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 45 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 45 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on each of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan liner and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
147 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on each of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan liner and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) aligning the phase of said acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) combining said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 52 further comprising the step of detecting the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 53 wherein both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples are detected.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 52 wherein said step of combining comprises weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of selecting at least one weighting factor of unity, and using said weighting factor in the step of weighting and summing.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 52 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 52 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
150 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on each of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
150 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on each of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a phase aligner that adjusts the phase of said coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency; and (b) a synthesizer that combines said phase-aligned coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines each of which is spatially distinct from at least one of: (1) said receive scan lines; and (2) said transmit scan lines.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 59 further comprising a detector that detects the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein both synthesized coherent samples and acquired coherent samples are detected.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein said synthesizer combines said phase-aligned coherent samples by weighting and summing said phase-aligned coherent samples.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 60 wherein said synthesizer selects at least one weighting factor of unity, and uses said weighting factor in weighting and summing.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein each transmit excitation event results in one transmit beam for each of said plurality of transmit excitation events.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 59 using acquired coherent samples associated with sequential pairs of transmit excitation events to create colinear transmit scan lines to effect a synthetic aperture scan throughout at least a portion of the field of view.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams associated with a plurality of transmit excitation events comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing at least two coherent samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines, at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event; and (b) detecting said synthesized samples.
Claim 75
Independent Claim
63 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams associated with a plurality of transmit excitation events comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing at least two coherent samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines, at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event; and (b) detecting said synthesized samples.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 66 wherein said first synthetic scan line is substantially colinear with a transmit scan line.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
33 words
The method of claims 66 or 67 further comprising synthesizing at least two samples on a second synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines associated with successive transmit excitation events.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said second synthetic scan line is colinear with a first receive scan line associated with a first transmit event and with a second receive scan line associated with a second transmit event.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 68 wherein said second synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said receive scan lines associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 69 or 70 further comprising synthesizing at least one further synthetic sample on a third synthetic scan line.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the further synthetic sample is synthesized using at least one synthetic sample on said first synthetic scan line and at least one synthetic sample on said second synthetic scan line.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 73 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 72 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 76 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 71 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
69 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams associated with a plurality of transmit excitation events, comprising: (a) a synthesizer that synthesizes at least two coherent samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines, at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event; and (b) a detector that detects said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 89
Independent Claim
69 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams associated with a plurality of transmit excitation events, comprising: (a) a synthesizer that synthesizes at least two coherent samples on a first synthetic scan line using coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines, at least two of which receive scan lines are associated with the same transmit event; and (b) a detector that detects said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 79 wherein said first synthetic scan line is substantially colinear with a transmit scan line.
Claim 91
Independent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claims 79 or 80 wherein said synthesizer synthesizes at least two samples on a second synthetic scan line using coherent samples on receive scan lines associated with successive transmit excitation events.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 81 wherein said second synthetic scan line is colinear with a first receive scan line associated with a first transmit event and with a second receive scan line associated with a second transmit event.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 82 wherein said synthesizer synthesizes at least one further synthetic sample on a third synthetic scan line.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 83 wherein said synthesizer synthesizes the further synthetic sample using at least one synthetic sample on said first synthetic scan line and at least one synthetic sample on said second synthetic scan line.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 85 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 84 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 88 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 81 wherein said second synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said receive scan lines associated with successive transmit events.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 91 wherein said synthesizer synthesizes at least one further synthetic sample on a third synthetic scan line.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 92 wherein said synthesizer synthesizes the further synthetic sample using at least one synthetic sample on said first synthetic scan line and at least one synthetic sample on said second synthetic scan line.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 94 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 92 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said first and second synthetic scan lines.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 97 wherein the third synthetic scan line is spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 92 wherein the third synthetic scan line ms spatially distinct from said transmit and receive scan lines.
Claim 110
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said method comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines using coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines; and (b) using at least one of said synthesized coherent samples to synthesize at least one further coherent sample.
Claim 111
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said method comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines using coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines; and (b) using at least one of said synthesized coherent samples to synthesize at least one further coherent sample.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 100 wherein said further coherent sample is on a further synthetic scan line.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 100 wherein said further coherent sample is on one of said synthetic scan lines.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 100, 101 or 102 wherein the synthesizing step comprises using coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with a single transmit event.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 100, 101 or 102 wherein the synthesizing step comprises using coherent samples associated with at least two distinct transmit excitation events.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 101 wherein a first and a second set of coherent samples; are respectively synthesized from: (a) acquired coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with a single transmit excitation event; and (b) acquired coherent samples on receive scan lines associated with distinct transmit excitation events.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 105 wherein said first set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a transmit scan line and said second set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a receive scan line.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 105 wherein said first set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a transmit scan line and said second set of synthetic samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line spatially distinct from a receive scan line.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 101, 105, 106 or 107 wherein said further synthetic scan line is not colinear with said transmit or receive scan lines.
Claim 120
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said apparatus comprising: (a) a synthesizer that synthesizes synthetic samples, said synthesizer: (1) using coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines to synthesize a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines; and (2) using at least one of said synthesized coherent samples to synthesize at least one further coherent sample; and (b) a detector that detects the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 121
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object on one or more of a plurality of receive beams after each excitation event, and using acquired coherent samples of said signal, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, said apparatus comprising: (a) a synthesizer that synthesizes synthetic samples, said synthesizer: (1) using coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines to synthesize a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines; and (2) using at least one of said synthesized coherent samples to synthesize at least one further coherent sample; and (b) a detector that detects the synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein said further coherent sample is on a further synthetic scan line.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 110 wherein a first and a second set of coherent samples are respectively synthesized from: (a) acquired coherent samples on spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with a single transmit excitation event; and (b) acquired coherent samples on receive scan lines associated with distinct transmit excitation events.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 111 wherein said first set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a transmit scan line and said second set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a receive scan line.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 111 wherein said first set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line colinear with a transmit scan line and said second set of coherent samples is synthesized on a synthetic scan line spatially distinct from a receive scan line.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 110, 111, 112 or 113 wherein said further synthetic scan line is not colinear with said transmit or receive scan lines.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 109 wherein said further coherent sample is on one of said synthetic scan lines.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 109, 110 or 115 wherein said synthesizer uses coherent samples on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with a single transmit excitation event.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 109, 110 or 115 wherein said synthesizer uses coherent samples associated with at least two distinct transmit excitation events.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams generated from a plurality of transmit excitation events and using coherent samples acquired on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with the same transmit excitation event, which samples are representative of a signal from an object, said method comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines using said coherent samples, where the number of synthetic scan lines is greater than the number of receive scan lines over at least a portion of the field of view; and (b) detecting said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 131
Independent Claim
103 words
A method for ultrasonically imaging an object using transmit beams generated from a plurality of transmit excitation events and using coherent samples acquired on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with the same transmit excitation event, which samples are representative of a signal from an object, said method comprising the steps of: (a) synthesizing a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines using said coherent samples, where the number of synthetic scan lines is greater than the number of receive scan lines over at least a portion of the field of view; and (b) detecting said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 132
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using transmit beams generated from a plurality of transmit excitation events and using coherent samples acquired on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with the same transmit excitation event, which samples are representative of a signal from an object, comprising: (a) a synthesizer that uses said coherent samples to synthesize a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines, where the number of synthetic scan lines is greater than the number of receive scan lines over at least a portion of the field of view; and (b) a detector that detects said synthesized samples.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using transmit beams generated from a plurality of transmit excitation events and using coherent samples acquired on at least two spatially distinct receive scan lines associated with the same transmit excitation event, which samples are representative of a signal from an object, comprising: (a) a synthesizer that uses said coherent samples to synthesize a plurality of coherent samples on synthetic scan lines, where the number of synthetic scan lines is greater than the number of receive scan lines over at least a portion of the field of view; and (b) a detector that detects said synthesized samples.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object after each excitation event on a plurality of receive beams and using acquired samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) combining said acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines which are spatially distinct from said receive scan lines; and (b) detecting said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 135
Independent Claim
126 words
A method for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object after each excitation event on a plurality of receive beams and using acquired samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct said transmit scan lines, said method comprising the steps of: (a) combining said acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines which are spatially distinct from said receive scan lines; and (b) detecting said synthesized coherent samples.
Claim 136
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object after each excitation event on a plurality of receive beams and using acquired samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a synthesizer that combines said acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines which are spatially distinct from said receive scan lines; and (b) a detector which detects said synthesized samples.
Claim 137
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for creating an ultrasonic image of an object using a plurality of transmit excitation events to create transmit beams, sensing a signal from said object after each excitation event on a plurality of receive beams and using acquired samples of said signals, wherein each of said transmit beams is substantially aligned with a respective transmit scan line and each of said receive beams is substantially aligned with a respective receive scan line, and wherein each of said receive scan lines is spatially distinct from said transmit scan lines, said apparatus comprising: (a) a synthesizer that combines said acquired coherent samples to synthesize new coherent samples on synthetic scan lines which are spatially distinct from said receive scan lines; and (b) a detector which detects said synthesized samples.
Claim 138
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the apparatus comprising: (a) a control providing phase adjustment data; and (b) a phase adjuster connected to receive said coherent samples, the phase adjuster using the phase adjustment data to operate on the samples to effect phase coherence between samples.
Claim 139
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for ultrasonically imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the apparatus comprising: (a) a control providing phase adjustment data; and (b) a phase adjuster connected to receive said coherent samples, the phase adjuster using the phase adjustment data to operate on the samples to effect phase coherence between samples.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein: the phase adjuster adjusts the phase of at least one of: (1) coherent samples on a first receive scan line relative to coherent samples on a second receive scan line; and (2) coherent samples relative to other coherent samples on the same receive same scan line.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein: said phase adjuster operates on acquired coherent samples to effect phase coherence between samples on different scan lines.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein: said phase adjuster operates on acquired coherent samples to effect phase coherence between samples on the same scan line.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein: said phase adjuster operates on acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency in at least one of azimuth, elevation, and range.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein: said phase adjuster remodulates acquired coherent samples on a receive scan line.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 127 wherein said phase adjuster remodulates acquired coherent samples associated with distinct beams using different frequencies to effect beam-to-beam coherence.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein the phase adjuster comprises a phase rotator.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 122 wherein the phase adjuster comprises a complex value multiplier.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
58 words
An method for ultrasonically imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the method comprising: (a) providing phase adjustment data; and (b) adjusting the phase of said samples by using the phase adjustment data to operate on the samples to effect phase coherence between samples.
Claim 149
Independent Claim
58 words
An method for ultrasonically imaging an object using coherent samples acquired on receive scan lines, which samples are representative of a signal from the object, the method comprising: (a) providing phase adjustment data; and (b) adjusting the phase of said samples by using the phase adjustment data to operate on the samples to effect phase coherence between samples.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 131 comprising: adjusting the phase of at least one of: (1) coherent samples formed on a first receive scan line relative to coherent samples on a second receive scan line; and (2) coherent samples relative to other coherent samples on the same receive same scan line.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 131 comprising: operating on the acquired coherent samples to effect phase coherence between samples on different scan lines.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 131 comprising: operating on acquired coherent samples to effect phase coherence between samples on the same scan line.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 131 comprising: operating on acquired coherent samples to effect beam-to-beam coherency in at least one of azimuth, elevation, and range.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 131 comprising: remodulating acquired coherent samples on a receive scan line.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the step of remodulating comprises remodulating acquired coherent samples associated with distinct beams using different frequencies to effect beam-to-beam coherence.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 131 wherein the step of adjusting comprises using a phase rotator.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 131 wherein the step of adjusting comprises using a complex value multiplier.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-04-28 | 2000-10-28 | 2001-04-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-04-28 | 2004-10-28 | 2005-04-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-04-28 | 2008-10-28 | 2009-04-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |