Full-field breast ultrasound system and architechture
US8747317B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 26, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49005
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A modular, flexible architecture for offering full-field breast ultrasound (FFBU) functionality and general-purpose ultrasound functionality in a single system is described. A conventional, general-purpose ultrasound system is modified with an FFBU toolkit to create a dual-capability ultrasound system, the dual-capability ultrasound system being able to accommodate both general-purpose ultrasound functionality and FFBU functionality, using a single ultrasound engine. Among other advantages, real-world clinical environments may enjoy cost savings for initial system procurement, space savings on clinic floors, easier and less expensive system upgrades, and the ability to use a single system and user interface for both FFBU screening and for follow-up diagnosis, biopsy, etc. Among other advantages from an ultrasound manufacturer's perspective are the ability to quickly and/or more easily come to market with an FFBU-related offering by modifying their existing general-purpose ultrasound systems with FFBU toolkits to quickly create dual-capability ultrasound systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.