US5873830A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasound imaging system and method for improving resolution and operation
Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc
•
Filing: 1997-08-22
•
Granted: 1999-02-23
•
Expires: 2017-08-22
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasound system and method are provided for improving resolution and operation. The system applies different imaging parameters within and outside a region of interest in an ultrasound image to improve spatial and/or temporal resolution inside a region of interest. The system also increases an apparent frame rate within a region of interest in an ultrasound-image frame by generating a motion-compensated interpolated image based on measured motion. The ultrasound imaging system also performs a method for automatically adjusting ultrasound imaging parameters in at least a portion of an ultrasound image in response to transducer or image motion to improve spatial or temporal resolution. With the measured motion, the system can also alter an operating mode of an ultrasound transducer array in response to an absence of transducer motion. Further, the system corrects distortion in an acquired ultrasound image caused by transducer or image motion.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Hossack
- 👤 Bhaskar S. Ramamurthy
- 👤 John S. Wang
- 👤 Kutay F. Ustuner
- 👤 Ching-Hua Chou
- 👤 James W. Arenson
- 👤 Arvind Jain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:50
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52085; G01S7/52046; G01S7/5205; G01S7/52053; G01S7/52057; G01S7/5206; G01S7/52066; G01S7/52074; G01S7/52095; A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/52; A61B8/5207; G01S7/52023; G01S7/52034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 184
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: selecting means for selecting a region of interest within an ultrasound-image frame, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound-image frame; means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and image assembly means for assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode and said image assembly means being responsive to the selecting means, the means for selectively applying, and the receive beamformer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: selecting means for selecting a region of interest within an ultrasound-image frame, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound-image frame; means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and image assembly means for assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode and said image assembly means being responsive to the selecting means, the means for selectively applying, and the receive beamformer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the selecting means comprises motion detection means for automatically selecting the region of interest in response to detected motion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the selecting means comprises a user interface means for manually selecting the region of interest.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively applying comprises means for applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest to improve spatial resolution within the region of interest.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for selectively applying comprises means for applying a different line density inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for selectively applying comprises means for applying a different number of receive line per transmit line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for selectively applying comprises means for applying a different transmit foci per scan line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying different pre-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying different post-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying different post-processing map characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying a different ultrasound operating frequency inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying a different transmit power inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying a different logarithmic compression profile inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying a different transmit pulse shape inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for receiving a different frequency band inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 4, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for receiving a harmonic frequency band inside the region of interest and receiving a fundamental frequency band outside the region of interest.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the means for selectively applying comprises means for applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest to improve temporal resolution within the region of interest.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
42 words
The invention of claim 17, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for increasing an actual frame rate inside the region of interest by acquiring more real ultrasound-image frames inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 17, wherein the means for varying imaging parameters comprises means for applying a different persistence level inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the image assembly means comprises means for creating a spatially smooth transition between the first image portion and the second image portion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the image assembly means comprises means for matching a frame rate of the first image portion with a frame rate of the second image portion.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said first and second image portions are based on substantially the same receive frequency band.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
138 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array and a transmit beamformer, the improvement comprising: a first signal path for processing a first ultrasound-image portion; a second signal path for processing a second ultrasound-image portion; image combination logic comprising means for assembling a composite image comprising the first image portion and the second image portion, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode and said image assembler being responsive to the first and second signal paths; and a controller, coupled to the transmit beamformer, the first signal path, the second signal path, and the image assembler, comprising means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters to the first ultrasound-image portion and a second set of imaging parameters to the second ultrasound-image portion, said first set being different from said second set.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
138 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array and a transmit beamformer, the improvement comprising: a first signal path for processing a first ultrasound-image portion; a second signal path for processing a second ultrasound-image portion; image combination logic comprising means for assembling a composite image comprising the first image portion and the second image portion, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode and said image assembler being responsive to the first and second signal paths; and a controller, coupled to the transmit beamformer, the first signal path, the second signal path, and the image assembler, comprising means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters to the first ultrasound-image portion and a second set of imaging parameters to the second ultrasound-image portion, said first set being different from said second set.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 23, wherein the first signal path comprises a first processor, a first line memory, and a beamformer and wherein the second signal path comprises a second processor, a second line memory, and a beamformer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 23, wherein the first signal path comprises a first processor, a first scan converter, and a beamformer and wherein the second signal path comprises a second processor, a second scan converter, and a beamformer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 23, wherein said first and second image portions are based on substantially the same receive frequency band.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: a controller coupled to the transmit beamformer and the receive beamformer; and a processor responsive to the controller, said controller and processor comprising means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters to a first image portion, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied to a second image portion, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
87 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: a controller coupled to the transmit beamformer and the receive beamformer; and a processor responsive to the controller, said controller and processor comprising means for selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters to a first image portion, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied to a second image portion, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 27, wherein said first and second image portions are based on substantially the same receive frequency band.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for improving spatial characteristics within a region of interest in an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound image; then (b) selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest to improve spatial resolution inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and (c) assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for improving spatial characteristics within a region of interest in an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound image; then (b) selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest to improve spatial resolution inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and (c) assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is manually selected by a user.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is automatically selected in response to measured motion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) is manually performed.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) is automatically performed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different line density inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different number of receive line per transmit line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different transmit foci per scan line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying different predetection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying different postdetection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying different postprocessing map characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different ultrasound operating frequency inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different transmit power inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different logarithmic compression profile inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different transmit pulse shape inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises receiving a different frequency band inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (b) comprises receiving a harmonic frequency band inside the region of interest and receiving a fundamental frequency band outside the region of interest.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (c) comprises using motion-compensated interframe interpolation to match a frame rate of the first image portion within the region of interest with a frame rate of the second image portion outside the region of interest.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 29, wherein step (c) further comprises the step of creating a spatially smooth transition between the first image portion within the region of interest and the second image portion outside the region of interest.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of repeating steps (a)-(c) for a plurality of regions of interest.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 29, wherein steps (a)-(c) are performed in real time.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29, wherein said first and second image portions are based on substantially the same receive frequency band.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for improving temporal characteristics within a region of interest of an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound image; then (b) selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest to improve temporal resolution inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and (c) assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for improving temporal characteristics within a region of interest of an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image, the region of interest comprising less than an entire ultrasound image; then (b) selectively applying a first set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest to improve temporal resolution inside the region of interest, said first set being different from a second set of imaging parameters applied outside the region of interest; and (c) assembling a composite image comprising a first image portion within the region of interest and a second image portion outside the region of interest, said first and second image portions being in the same imaging mode.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 51, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is manually selected by a user.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 51, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is automatically selected in response to measured motion.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (b) is manually performed.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (b) is automatically performed.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (b) comprises increasing an actual frame rate inside the region of interest by acquiring more real ultrasound-image frames inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (b) comprises applying a different persistence level inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 57, wherein persistence inside the region of interest is varied as a function of measured motion within the region of interest.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 58, wherein motion estimates of a sub-block of moving pixels are used to measure motion.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 58, wherein a difference between pixels at a same spatial location in successive frames is used to measure motion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 57, wherein step (b) comprises using motion-compensated interpolated frames to generate a persistence filtered image.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 57, wherein step (b) comprises using motion estimates of a sub-block of pixels with real ultrasound image frames to generate a persistence filtered image.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (c) comprises using motion-compensated interframe interpolation to match a frame rate of the first image portion within the region of interest with a frame rate of the second image portion outside the region of interest.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 51, wherein step (c) further comprises the step of creating a smooth transition between the first image portion within the region of interest and the second image portion outside the region of interest.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of repeating steps (a)-(c) for a plurality of regions of interest.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 51, wherein steps (a)-(c) are performed in real time.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for generating a persistence filter coefficient of a region in an ultrasound-image frame comprising the steps of: (a) measuring image motion in an area of a region using at least two ultrasound-image frames; and then (b) applying a persistence filter coefficient for the region as a function of the measured motion in step (a), said function comprising a relationship wherein the persistence filter coefficient increases as the difference in pixel intensity decreases.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for generating a persistence filter coefficient of a region in an ultrasound-image frame comprising the steps of: (a) measuring image motion in an area of a region using at least two ultrasound-image frames; and then (b) applying a persistence filter coefficient for the region as a function of the measured motion in step (a), said function comprising a relationship wherein the persistence filter coefficient increases as the difference in pixel intensity decreases.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method of claim 67, wherein image motion is measured in step (a) is calculated by the equation: ##EQU2## wherein I(n,x,y) comprises an intensity value of a pixel in a current ultrasound-image input frame, O(n-1,x,y) comprises an intensity value of a pixel in a previous ultrasound-image output frame, and (x,y) in A(i,j) comprises a set of pixels in an area of a region.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67, wherein image motion is measured in step (a) is using motion estimates of a sub-block of moving pixels.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the area in step (a) comprises an entire region.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the area in step (a) comprises a portion of the region.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 71, wherein the portion of the region comprises pixels having an intensity amplitude greater than a predetermined threshold.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of: (c) increasing the persistence filter coefficient in response to detected noise.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 67 further comprising the step of: (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) for a plurality of regions.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 73, wherein the plurality of regions covers an entire ultrasound image frame.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
65 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion within a sequence of at least two ultrasound-image frames in a region of interest; and means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
65 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion within a sequence of at least two ultrasound-image frames in a region of interest; and means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 76 further comprising selecting means for selecting a region of interest within an ultrasound image, said selecting means being coupled to the means for measuring.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 77, wherein the selecting means comprises motion detection means for automatically selecting the region of interest in response to detected motion.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 77, wherein the selecting means comprises a user interface means for manually selecting the region of interest.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 77, wherein the region of interest comprises less than an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention of claim 77, wherein the region of interest comprises an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention of claim 76, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises means for determining motion of a sub-block of pixels between a first and second ultrasound image frame.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 76, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises an image sub-block selector responsive to the receive beamformer, a motion estimator responsive to the image sub-block selector, a motion scaler responsive to the motion estimator, and an image interpolator responsive to the motion scaler.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 83 further comprising a motion smoother responsive to the motion estimator and coupled to the motion scaler.
Claim 92
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for increasing an apparent frame rate within a region of interest in an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image; then (b) measuring motion between a first and second ultrasound-image frame in the region of interest; then (c) generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest based on the measured motion of step (b); and then (d) inserting the motion-compensated interpolated image between the first and second ultrasound-image frames inside the region of interest.
Claim 93
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for increasing an apparent frame rate within a region of interest in an ultrasound image comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a region of interest of an ultrasound image; then (b) measuring motion between a first and second ultrasound-image frame in the region of interest; then (c) generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest based on the measured motion of step (b); and then (d) inserting the motion-compensated interpolated image between the first and second ultrasound-image frames inside the region of interest.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the region of interest comprises less than an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the region of interest comprises an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is manually selected by a user.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the region of interest in step (a) is automatically selected.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 85 further comprising the step of: (e) repeating steps (a) and (d) are repeated for a plurality of regions of interest.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 85, wherein step (b) comprises the steps of: (b1) selecting a sub-block of pixels to be analyzed; and (b2) measuring motion of the sub-block of pixels between a first and second ultrasound-image frame in the region of interest.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 91 further comprising the step of: (b3) repeating steps (b1) and (b2) for a plurality of sub-blocks.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 92 further comprising the step of averaging the measured motion of at least two sub-blocks.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 85, wherein step (c) comprises the step of averaging pixel data in a location in the motion-compensated interpolated image which comprises overlapping data.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 85, wherein step (c) comprises the step of writing new pixel data over existing pixel data from a real ultrasound-image frame.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 85, wherein step (c) comprises the step of writing interpolated pixel data in a location in the motion-compensated interpolated image free of new pixel data.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 85, wherein steps (c) and (d) are performed in response to a pixel error signal not exceeding a threshold level and wherein the method further comprises the step of: (e) acquiring at least one additional real ultrasound-image frame inside the region of interest in response to a pixel error signal exceeding a threshold level.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 85, wherein steps (a)-(d) are performed in real time.
Claim 107
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for automatically applying ultrasound imaging parameters in an ultrasound image in response to transducer or image motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion; and then (b) automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to the motion measured in step (a).
Claim 108
Independent Claim
57 words
A method for automatically applying ultrasound imaging parameters in an ultrasound image in response to transducer or image motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion; and then (b) automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to the motion measured in step (a).
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 99, wherein motion is measured in step (a) by a motion sensor in a transducer.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 99, wherein motion is measured in step (a) by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 101, wherein motion of a plurality of sub-blocks of pixels is measured.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 99, wherein the region of interest in step (b) comprises a portion of an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 99, wherein the region of interest in step (b) comprises an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 99, wherein the region of interest in step (b) is manually selected by a user.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 99, wherein the region of interest in step (b) is automatically selected.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 99 further comprising the step of repeating step (b) for a plurality of regions of interest.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest to improve temporal resolution within the region of interest in response to measured motion exceeding a threshold value.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest to improve spatial resolution within the region of interest in response to measured motion being below a threshold value.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 99 further comprising the step of generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest based on the measured motion of step (a).
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different line density inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different transmit foci per scan line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying different pre-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying different post-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying different post-processing map characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different ultrasound operating frequency inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different transmit power inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different logarithmic compression profile inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different number of receive line per transmit line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different transmit pulse shape inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically receiving a different frequency band inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically receiving a harmonic frequency band inside the region of interest and receiving a fundamental frequency band outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 99, wherein step (b) comprises the step of automatically applying a different persistence level inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
62 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion; and means, responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
62 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion; and means, responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124 further comprising means for generating a motion-compensated interpolated image inside the region of interest in response to measured motion, said means for generating being responsive to said means for measuring motion.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises means for determining motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound image frames.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises an image sub-block selector responsive to the receive beamformer, a motion estimator responsive to the image sub-block selector, a motion scaler responsive to the motion estimator, and an image interpolator responsive to the motion scaler.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 127 further comprising a motion smoother responsive to the motion estimator and coupled to the motion scaler.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises a motion sensor responsive to the transducer.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion exceeding a threshold value to improve temporal resolution.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different set of imaging parameters inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion being below a threshold value to improve spatial resolution.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different line density inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
39 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different transmit foci per scan line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying different pre-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying different post-detection filter characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying different post-processing map characteristics inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different ultrasound operating frequency inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 148
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different transmit power inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different logarithmic compression profile inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different number of receive line per transmit line inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
37 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different transmit pulse shape inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically receiving a different frequency band inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically receiving a harmonic frequency band inside the region of interest and receiving a fundamental frequency band outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention of claim 124, wherein said means for automatically applying comprises means for automatically applying a different persistence level inside the region of interest than outside the region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 155
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of automatically altering an operating mode of an ultrasound transducer array in response to an absence of transducer motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion of the transducer array by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames; and (b) automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 156
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of automatically altering an operating mode of an ultrasound transducer array in response to an absence of transducer motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion of the transducer array by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames; and (b) automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 157
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of automatically altering an operating mode of an ultrasound transducer array in response to an absence of transducer motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion of the transducer array by performing one-dimensional correlations between successively acquired acoustic lines to determine a position of peak cross-correlation; and (b) automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 158
Independent Claim
67 words
A method of automatically altering an operating mode of an ultrasound transducer array in response to an absence of transducer motion comprising the steps of: (a) measuring motion of the transducer array by performing one-dimensional correlations between successively acquired acoustic lines to determine a position of peak cross-correlation; and (b) automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 145, wherein step (b) comprises the step of removing power from the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 145, wherein step (b) comprises the step of disabling imaging modes that cause elevated temperatures in the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 145, wherein step (b) comprises the step of operating the transducer array in a mode that acquires real image data at a lower rate in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
74 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means for measuring motion of the transducer array by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames; and means, coupled to the transducer array and responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
74 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means for measuring motion of the transducer array by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames; and means, coupled to the transducer array and responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically altering an operating mode of the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 150, wherein the means for automatically altering comprises means for removing power from the transducer array in response to an absence of measured motion.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 150, wherein the means for automatically altering comprises means for disabling imaging modes that cause elevated temperatures in the transducer array.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention of claim 150, wherein the means for automatically altering comprises means for operating the transducer array in a mode that acquires real image data at a lower rate.
Claim 167
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to measured image or transducer motion comprising the steps of (a) measuring motion; and then (b) automatically generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to the measured motion.
Claim 168
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to measured image or transducer motion comprising the steps of (a) measuring motion; and then (b) automatically generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to the measured motion.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 154, wherein motion is measured in step (a) by a motion sensor in a transducer.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 154, wherein motion is measured in step (a) by measuring motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound-image frames.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 154, wherein step (b) comprises the steps of: (b1) estimating an effect of the measured motion on line spacing; and (b2) reprocessing line data with corrected line spacing in response to motion measured in step (a).
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 154, wherein step (b) comprises the step of repositioning at least one sub-block of pixels in response to motion measured in step (a).
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 154, wherein the region of interest in step (b) comprises a portion of an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 154, wherein the region of interest in step (b) comprises an entire ultrasound image.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 154, wherein the region of interest in step (b) is manually selected by a user.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 154, wherein the region of interest in step (b) is automatically selected.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
53 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion; and means, responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
53 words
In an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer array, a transmit beamformer, and a receive beamformer, the improvement comprising: means, responsive to the receive beamformer, for measuring motion; and means, responsive to said means for measuring motion, for automatically generating a distortion-corrected image inside a region of interest in response to measured motion.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention of claim 163, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises means for determining motion of a sub-block of pixels between at least two ultrasound image frames.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 163, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises an image sub-block selector responsive to the receive beamformer, a motion estimator responsive to the image sub-block selector, a motion scaler responsive to the motion estimator, and an image interpolator responsive to the motion scaler.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 165 further comprising a motion smoother responsive to the motion estimator and coupled to the motion scaler.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
19 words
The invention of claim 163, wherein said means for measuring motion comprises a motion sensor responsive to the transducer.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention of claim 163, wherein means for automatically generating comprises means for estimating an effect of the measured motion on line spacing and means for reprocessing line data with corrected line spacing in response to measured motion.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 163, wherein means for automatically generating comprises means for repositioning at least one sub-block of pixels in response to measured motion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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