Method and apparatus for determining an ultrasound fluid flow centerline
US7066888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S15/8993
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and associated apparatus are disclosed for determining the location of an effective center of fluid flow in a vessel using an ultrasound apparatus. Ultrasound energy is propagated along an axis of propagation and projects upon the vessel. A Doppler-shifted signal reflected from the fluid in the vessel is received and a set of quantities expressed as a density is derived from the Doppler shifted signal for each of a set of coordinates, the density being a function of the Doppler shift in frequency associated with each of the coordinates. One of a mean, mode or median is calculated for each of the dimensions of the set of coordinates in conjunction with the density associated therewith. This calculation is repeated throughout the field of view of the vessel to define a centerline.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.