Method and apparatus for improved spatial and temporal resolution in ultrasound imaging

US6537217B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC · US

Inventors

• Steinar Bjærum · Horten, NO
• Johan Kirkhorn · Horten, NO
• Hans Torp · Trondheim, NO
• Kjetil Viggen · Trondheim, NO
• Bjorn Olstad · Stathelle, NO
• Kjell Kristoffersen · Oslo, NO
• Erik Normann Steen · Moss, NO
• Dagfinn Saetre · Horten, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 24, 2001
• Grant date: Mar 25, 2003
• Expiry date: Aug 24, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01S7/52085
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method is provided to simultaneously acquire two ultrasound images. A first set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a first frame rate utilizing a first mode of operation. The echoes from the first set of ultrasound pulses are received. A second set of ultrasound pulses are transmitted at a second frame rate utilizing a second mode of operation. The first and second frame rates are different. The first set of ultrasound pulses defines an entire image, while the second set of ultrasound pulses defines a partial image. The echoes from the second set of ultrasound pulses are received, and the echoes from the first and second sets of ultrasound pulses are displayed as a single image.