Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting nuclear – electromagnetic – or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-09
2001-11-20
Lateef, Marvin M. (Department: 3737)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06319202
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a medical imaging method and apparatus and ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus, and more particularly to a medical imaging method and apparatus and ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus for collecting imaging data from a subject to be examined and displaying an image produced using the data.
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus transmits ultrasound to a subject, receives echoes of the ultrasound, produces an image based on the received echo signals, and displays the produced image to aid in diagnosis. The display of image is carried out by a display device such as a graphics display.
In the conventional display device for the ultrasonic imaging apparatus, a display area and images or character information to be displayed in the display area are predetermined by a manufacturer of the apparatus, and there is no area which can be freely used by a user, resulting in inconvenience in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a medical imaging method and apparatus and ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus in which the utility for a user is improved.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical imaging method comprising the steps of collecting imaging data from a subject, producing an image based on the collected data, and displaying the produced image, wherein a display area open to a user is provided in a screen for the display.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical imaging apparatus comprising: data collecting means for collecting imaging data from a subject; image producing means for producing an image based on the collected data; and image display means for displaying the produced image, wherein the image display means has a display area open to a user in its display screen.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic imaging method comprising the steps of transmitting ultrasound, generating a received signal associated with the transmitted ultrasound, producing an image based on the generated received signal, and displaying the produced image, wherein a display area open to a user is provided in a screen for the display.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising: ultrasound transmitting means for transmitting ultrasound; received signal generating means for generating a received signal associated with the transmitted ultrasound; image producing means for producing an image based on the generated received signal; and image display means for displaying the produced image, wherein the image display means has a display area open to a user in its display screen.
(EFFECT)
According to the present invention, since a display area open to a user is provided in the display screen, the user can use the display area for any purpose and the utility of the apparatus is improved.
Therefore, the present invention can provide a medical imaging method and apparatus and ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus in which the utility for a user is improved.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5553620 (1996-09-01), Snider et al.
patent: 5724985 (1998-03-01), Snell et al.
patent: 5891035 (1999-04-01), Wood et al.
patent: 6063030 (2000-05-01), Vara et al.
GE Yokogawa Medical Systems Limited
Imam Ali M.
Kojima Moonray
Lateef Marvin M.
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