Embedded motion sensing technology for integration within commercial ultrasound probes

US10026338B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Eric Savitsky · Malibu, US
• Dan Katz · Calabasas, US
• Gabriele Nataneli · Los Angeles, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2012
• Grant date: Jul 17, 2018
• Expiry date: Jun 10, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B8/4254
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An ultrasound system including an ultrasound machine and an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound transducer, ultrasound circuitry, a six degree of freedom (6-DOF) sensor, and a probe housing. The probe housing encases the ultrasound transducer and the 6-DOF sensor. By embedding motion-sensing technology directly within the housing of the ultrasound transducer, the position and orientation of the ultrasound probe can be tracked in an automated manner in relation to an indicator mark on the ultrasound screen. This allows assisting technologies to mitigate human error that arises from misalignment of the transducer indicator.