Measuring transducer movement methods and systems for multi-dimensional ultrasound imaging
US7597664B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/483
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.