Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting nuclear – electromagnetic – or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-19
2001-11-13
Jaworski, Francis J (Department: 3737)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation
C128S916000, C600S459000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315724
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ultrasonic imaging generally and more particularly to three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging using conventional two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There exists a variety of two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus. Such apparatus is used in various medical disciplines, such as cardiology, radiology and obstetrics. In the field of obstetrics, apparatus having a very large installed base in the U.S.A. is the General Electric Model GE-3200. Other two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus is commercially available inter alia from ATL, a subsidiary of Phillips, Acuson, Toshiba Ultrasound, Siemens Ultrasound and Hewlett-Packard Ultrasound.
Three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus is also known and commercially available from 3-D Ultrasound Inc. of North Carolina, U.S.A.
Various mechanisms have been employed in an attempt to retrofit conventional two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus for use in providing three-dimensional ultrasonic images. These include, for example:
mechanical assemblies which constrain the motion of the ultrasonic probe and measure its position using rotary position encoders;
electromagnetic position sensors which require an external field generator in the vicinity of the patient;
optical position sensors which require mounting of cameras in the vicinity of the patient;
acoustic position sensors which require transducers to be mounted onto the patient; and
motor assemblies which move at least part of the probe at a constant rate which allows image position and orientation to have a fixed relationship to timing.
The following U.S. Patents are believed to be relevant to the general field of the present invention: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,817,022; 5,398,691; and 4,932,414.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an ultrasonic imaging probe and an ultrasonic imaging system which provides three-dimensional imaging and which is characterized by simplicity of construction and operation and relatively low cost. The system may be implemented in original equipment or as a retrofit to existing equipment having only two-dimensional imaging capabilities.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a retrofit ultrasonic imaging system including an ultrasonic imaging system comprising a probe including at least one ultrasonic transducer, and at least one inertial sensor, and electronic circuitry connected to the probe for causing the at least one ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic energy into a region and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy therefrom, creating a plurality of generally two-dimensional images whose geometrical relationship is indicated by outputs from the at least one inertial sensor.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inertial sensor includes a gyroscope.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the gyroscope is capable of sensing motion having one degree of freedom.
Additionally or alternatively the inertial sensor includes a micro-mechanical device. Furthermore, the inertial sensor may also include a sensor employing the Coriolis force.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the gyroscope is capable of sensing velocity having one angular degree of freedom.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the gyroscope is capable of sensing motion having more than one degree of freedom.
Preferably the micro-mechanical device is capable of sensing motion having one degree of freedom. Additionally the micro-mechanical device is capable of sensing velocity having one angular degree of freedom. Preferably the micro-mechanical device is capable of sensing motion having more than one degree of freedom.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the inertial sensor is capable of sensing motion having one degree of freedom. Additionally the sensor is capable of sensing velocity having one angular degree of freedom. Preferably the sensor is capable of sensing motion having more than one degree of freedom.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes video capture circuitry for capturing individual two-dimensional video images and an image organizer, combining the individual two-dimensional video images into a three-dimensional image based on information from the at least one inertial sensor.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes video capture circuitry for capturing a time series of two-dimensional video images of a video stream and an image organizer, combining the individual two-dimensional video images into a three-dimensional image based on information from the at least one inertial sensor.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes video capture circuitry for capturing individual two-dimensional video images, an image organizer, combining the individual two-dimensional video images into a three-dimensional image based on information from the at least one inertial sensor, and a three-dimensional visualizer receiving an output from the image organizer and providing a human sensible three dimensional image.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes video capture circuitry for capturing a time series of two-dimensional video images of a video stream, an image organizer, combining the individual two-dimensional video images into a three-dimensional image based on information from the at least one inertial sensor, and a three-dimensional visualizer receiving an output from said image organizer and providing a human sensible three dimensional image.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the electronic circuitry includes circuitry for receiving information representing individual two-dimensional ultrasonic images and combining the individual two-dimensional ultrasonic images into a three-dimensional image based on information from the at least one inertial sensor.
Preferably the electronic circuitry creates the three-dimensional image by interpolating image values from the individual two-dimensional ultrasonic images.
Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic imaging system also includes an operator actuated switch for selectably operating said at least one inertial sensor. Preferably the imaging system also includes an operator sensible indicator indicating operation of the at least one inertial sensor.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention an ultrasonic imaging system including a probe comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer, and at least one sensor which does not require provision of a reference external thereto, and electronic circuitry connected to the probe for causing the at least one ultrasonic transducer to transmit ultrasonic energy into a region and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy therefrom, creating a plurality of generally two-dimensional images whose geometrical relationship is indicated by outputs from the at least one sensor.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a probe assembly for use in an ultrasonic imaging system and including at least one ultrasonic transducer, and at least one inertial sensor.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one inertial sensor comprises a gyroscope capable of sensing motion having one degree of freedom.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the gyroscope is capable of sensing motion having more than one degree of freedom.
Additionally in accordance with a pr
Berman Michael
Gessert James
Moore Wayne
Nechushtai Rachel
Rom Hillel
Abelman ,Frayne & Schwab
Biomedicom LTD
Jaworski Francis J
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