Ultrasonic imaging system and associated method

Abstract

An ultrasonic medical imaging system comprises a calibration system, a transducer position determination system and an image formation system. The calibration system adjusts the remaining two systems and is part of the overall medical imaging system. A position determination system may discretely determine positions of sensors or sensor arrays considered as rigid bodies, or may continuously determine a shape of a flexible essentially two-dimensional body or mat in which the sensors or sensor arrays are embedded. The position determination system may be internal to a mechanical skeleton or armature joining the transducers or transducer arrays, internal to a two-dimensional body in which the transducers or arrays are embedded, or external to such systems. An image formation system may comprise a flat video screen interposed between a subject and an observer or a flexible video screen conforming to an outer surface of a subject, the screens employed in conjunction with a pair of goggles utilizing synchronized stereoscopic shutters. A self-contained pair of stereoscopic imaging goggles may also be utilized. The image formation system also comprises means to determine a position of a screen with respect to a subject and an observer where a screen is utilized, and an observer and a subject where a screen is not utilized. A common feature of imaging systems in accordance with the present invention is an ability to simulate a direct natural viewing of internal features of a subject.