Visual imaging system for ultrasonic probe
US6540679B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/463
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.