US5740128A — Ultrasonic harmonic imaging system and method

Claim 1

Independent Claim 76 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst comprising a respective envelope shape, each envelope shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from the respective maximum value.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 76 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst comprising a respective envelope shape, each envelope shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from the respective maximum value.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 1 wherein said power bursts are characterized by a power level at the harmonic which is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the power burst at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 84 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a1) generating a transmit waveform; and (a2) filtering the transmit waveform with a filter adapted to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency to at least -30 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 84 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a1) generating a transmit waveform; and (a2) filtering the transmit waveform with a filter adapted to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency to at least -30 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 3 wherein step (a) further comprises the step of: (a3) amplifying the transmit waveform in a voltage amplifier, wherein step (a3) is performed before step (a2).

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 30 words

The method of claim 3 wherein step (a) further comprises the step of: (a3) amplifying the transmit waveform in a voltage amplifier, wherein step (a3) is performed after step (a2).

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method of claim 3 wherein step (a1) comprises the step of using a pulse generator to generate the transmit waveform.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 3 wherein the filter is adapted to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency to at least -40 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 10

Independent Claim 87 words

The method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) generating a transmit waveform with a programmable waveform generator such that ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 87 words

The method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) generating a transmit waveform with a programmable waveform generator such that ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 8 wherein ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -40 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 55 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having a line focus.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 55 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having a line focus.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 27 words

The method of claim 10 wherein step (a1) comprises the step of phasing a plurality of transmit waveforms to form the line focus for the transmit beam.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method of claim 11 wherein the plurality of transmit waveforms comprises a central transmit waveform associated with a central one of the transducers, wherein the central transmit waveform comprises a lower frequency component and a higher frequency component, and wherein the lower frequency component of the central transmit waveform occurs earlier in time than the higher frequency component of the central transmit waveform.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 98 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having an elongated high power region by focusing at least first selected frequency components from at least a first plurality of transducer elements at a first range and focusing at least second frequency components from at least a second plurality of transducer elements at a second range.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 98 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having an elongated high power region by focusing at least first selected frequency components from at least a first plurality of transducer elements at a first range and focusing at least second frequency components from at least a second plurality of transducer elements at a second range.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 13 wherein step (a1) comprises the step of phasing a plurality of transmit waveforms to form the transmit beam having the elongated high power region.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 13 wherein the first range is greater than the second range, and wherein the first plurality of transducer elements are operated at a higher power level than the second plurality of transducer elements.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method of claim 13 wherein step (a1) comprises the step of varying apodization of the first and second transducer elements to achieve more nearly uniform ultrasonic energy levels at the first and second ranges.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 24 words

The method of claims 1 or 3 or 8 or 10 or 13 wherein the tissue comprises a non-linear contrast agent during step (a).

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 117 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective bandwidth, the bandwidth of each power burst being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude, said frequency spectra reduced at the harmonic by more than -30 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 117 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective bandwidth, the bandwidth of each power burst being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude, said frequency spectra reduced at the harmonic by more than -30 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 18 wherein the bandwidth of each power burst is at least about 50% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 18 or 19 wherein the frequency spectra are reduced at the harmonic by at least about -50 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 18 wherein the power bursts are bipolar.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 18 wherein the power bursts are unipolar.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 111 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective peak amplitude near the fundamental frequency, said frequency spectrum reduced within a first bandwidth greater than or equal to ±X% of the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by more than -YdB with respect to the peak amplitude, where X is equal to 5 and Y is equal to 30.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 111 words

In a method for imaging a target, said method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of: (a1) transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective peak amplitude near the fundamental frequency, said frequency spectrum reduced within a first bandwidth greater than or equal to ±X% of the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by more than -YdB with respect to the peak amplitude, where X is equal to 5 and Y is equal to 30.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 10.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 15.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 11 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 20.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 10 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 15 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 23 wherein X is equal to 20 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 58 words

The method of claim 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29 wherein each frequency spectrum has a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective second bandwidth, the second bandwidth of each frequency spectrum being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method of claim 30 wherein the second bandwidth of each frequency spectrum is at least about 50% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 30 wherein each frequency spectrum is reduced at the harmonic by at least -50 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 74 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst comprising a respective envelope shape, each envelope shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from the respective maximum value.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 74 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst comprising a respective envelope shape, each envelope shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from the respective maximum value.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 39 words

The method of claim 33 wherein said power bursts are characterized by a power level at the harmonic which is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the power burst at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 80 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for generating a transmit waveform; and a filter, responsive to the transmit waveform, to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by at least -30 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 80 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for generating a transmit waveform; and a filter, responsive to the transmit waveform, to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by at least -30 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 36 words

The invention of claim 35 wherein the filter is adapted to reduce ultrasonic energy in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by at least -40 dB with respect to the fundamental frequency.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 85 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: a programmable waveform generator, included in the transmit beamformer, operative to generate a transmit waveform in which ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 85 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: a programmable waveform generator, included in the transmit beamformer, operative to generate a transmit waveform in which ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -30 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 39 words

The invention of claim 37 wherein ultrasonic power in the transmit waveform at the harmonic of the fundamental frequency is reduced by at least -40 dB with respect to ultrasonic power in the transit waveform at the fundamental frequency.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 53 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having a line focus.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 53 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having a line focus.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 96 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having an elongated high power region by focusing at least first selected frequency components from at least a first plurality of transducer elements at a first range and focusing at least second frequency components from at least a second plurality of transducer elements at a second range.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 96 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for focusing ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having an elongated high power region by focusing at least first selected frequency components from at least a first plurality of transducer elements at a first range and focusing at least second frequency components from at least a second plurality of transducer elements at a second range.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 37 words

The invention of claim 40 wherein the first range is greater than the second range, and wherein the first plurality of transducer elements are operated at a higher power level than the second plurality of transducer elements.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 115 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective bandwidth, the bandwidth of each power burst being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude, said frequency spectra reduced at the harmonic by more than -30 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 115 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective bandwidth, the bandwidth of each power burst being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude, said frequency spectra reduced at the harmonic by more than -30 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 33 words

The invention of claim 42 wherein the bandwidth of each power burst is at least about 50% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 27 words

The invention of claim 42 or 43 the frequency spectra are reduced at the harmonic by at least about -50 dB with respect to the peak amplitude.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 109 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective peak amplitude near the fundamental frequency, said frequency spectrum reduced within a first bandwidth greater than or equal to ±X% of the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by more than -YdB with respect to the peak amplitude, where X is equal to 5 and Y is equal to 30.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 109 words

In an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a transmit beamformer operative to transmit energy at a fundamental frequency, and a receive beamformer responsive to ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the improvement comprising: means, included in the transmit beamformer, for transmitting ultrasonic energy in power bursts, each power burst characterized by a respective frequency spectrum having a respective peak amplitude near the fundamental frequency, said frequency spectrum reduced within a first bandwidth greater than or equal to ±X% of the harmonic of the fundamental frequency by more than -YdB with respect to the peak amplitude, where X is equal to 5 and Y is equal to 30.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 11 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 10.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 11 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 15.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 11 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 20.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 10 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 15 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 17 words

The invention of claim 45 wherein X is equal to 20 and Y is equal to 50.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 58 words

The invention of claim 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 51 wherein each frequency spectrum has a respective center frequency, a respective peak amplitude, and a respective second bandwidth, the second bandwidth of each frequency spectrum being at least about 30% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 34 words

The invention of claim 52 wherein the second bandwidth of each frequency spectrum is at least about 50% of the respective center frequency at points -6.8 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 26 words

The invention of claim 52 wherein each frequency spectrum is reduced at the harmonic by at least -50 dB with respect to the respective peak amplitude.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-04-13	2001-10-13	2002-04-14	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-04-13	2005-10-13	2006-04-14	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-04-13	2009-10-13	2010-04-14	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Ultrasonic harmonic imaging system and method

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