Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.V.

William Robert Martin

David Prater

Stephen Watkins

Mckee Dunn Poland

Joseph R Fallon

Robert Joseph Schneider

Scott William Dianis

Melissa A Powell

Thomas P McKernan

A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D display images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. In a preferred embodiment the determination of motion and the consequent decision to use interpolated or interleaved data for display is determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

High volume rate 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging

Ultrasound image devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system includes an ultrasound imaging probe configured to acquire image data associated with an object at an acquisition data rate; and a communication interface in communication with the ultrasound imaging probe and configured to transmit a first subset of the image data in real time based on the acquisition data rate; and transmit a second subset of the image data at a delayed time. In one embodiment, a method of ultrasound imaging includes acquiring, by an ultrasound imaging probe, image data associated with an object at an acquisition data rate; transmitting, to a host via a communication link, a first subset of the image data in real time based on the acquisition data rate; and transmitting, to the host via the communication link, a second subset of the image data at a delayed time.

Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging with slow acquisition data link and associated devices, systems, and methods

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is gated to acquire images at different phases of a physiological cycle such as the heartbeat. At each successive heart cycle a trigger actuates the acquisition of a continuous sequence of images, starting at a particular phase of the heart cycle and ending when the next heart cycle begins. Multiple triggers are used, each starting at a different phase of the heart cycle and each acquiring images at uniform temporal spacing. After the first trigger is used a sequence of images has been captured which are temporally evenly spaced over the heart cycle, and as successive triggers are used uniform temporal spacing is maintained as the heart cycle is filled in with additional images for replay of an image loop of phase re-ordered images at a high frame rate of display.

Ultrasound imaging of fast-moving structures

A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D display images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. In a preferred embodiment the determination of motion and the consequent decision to use interpolated or interleaved data for display is determined on a pixel-by pixel basis.

A 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces 3D cardiac images at a 3D frame rate of display which is equal to the acquisition rate of a 3D image dataset. The volumetric cardiac region being imaged is sparsely sub-sampled by separated scanning beams. Spatial locations between the beams are filled in with interpolated values or interleaved with acquired data values from other 3D scanning intervals depending upon the existence of motion in the image field. A plurality of different beam scanning patterns are used, different ones of which have different spatial locations where beams are located and beams are omitted. A sequence of different beam scanline patterns may be continuously repeated, or the patterns of the sequence synchronized with the cardiac phases such that, over a sequence of N heartbeats, the same respective phase is scanned by N different scanline patterns.

High volume rate 3D ultrasonic diagnostic imaging of the heart

An ultrasonic imaging system including a power on self test (POST) and an extended self test (EST). The POST includes (a) a verification test, (b) a register test (c) a controller test, (d) a receive digital signal path test and (e) a basic front end test. The POST is initiated, performed and completed within a short time, such as three seconds, from power ON. The EST is performed after the POST at the discretion of an operator, and includes a transmit test, a transducer element test, a front end voltage test and a receive test.

Growing community of inventors

Westford, MA, United States of America

William Robert Martin