Point source transmission and speed-of-sound correction using multi-aperature ultrasound imaging
US9146313B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 4, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S15/8997
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.