Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate

Details Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate

2000-04-03

2001-04-24

Lateef, Marvin M. (Department: 3737)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation

C600S447000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06221022

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some commercial ultrasound scanners use multiple transmit focal zones. One example of such a scanner is the General Electric Logiq 700. However, there is a disadvantage of using the multiple transmit focal zones, namely, changing the focal number affects the frame rate. The greater the number of focal zones, the slower the frame rate.
One proposal for increasing frame rate is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5, 301,674 (Erikson et al., issued Apr. 12, 1994, the “'674 Patent”). FIG. 2E illustrates a method in which the various focal zones are subjected to ultrasound transmit pulses one at a time in increasing distance from the source of the pulses. A guard time is used between each ultrasound pulse, and the timing is such that the echo pulse responsive to each transmitted pulse is received before the next transmit pulse is generated.
The '674 Patent approach does not increase frame rate to the extent needed in modem ultrasound scanners. This invention addresses the problem and provides a solution.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiment is useful in an ultrasound scanner for transmitting ultrasound transmit pulses in multiple transmit focal zones within a subject being studied. In such an environment, the preferred embodiment improves the frame rate of the transmit pulses by transmitting a first ultrasound beam of the transmit pulses along a first axis and transmitting a second ultrasound beam of the transmit pulses along a second axis displaced from the first axis by a predetermined distance, preferably with an ultrasound transducer. Echo pulses are received from the subject in response to the transmit pulses. The transducer is caused to transmit a first one of the transmit pulses along the first axis and to transmit a second one of said transmit pulses along the second axis before the echo pulse from said first transmit pulse is received by the transducer. The transducer preferably is controlled by a beam former.
According to another aspect of the invention, the focal zones are arrange in a predetermined order with respect to the transducer, and the transmit pulses are transmitted to the focal zones in an order different than the predetermined order.
By using the foregoing techniques, the frame rate of a multiple transmit focal zone ultrasound scanner can be increased to a substantial extent.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5301674 (1994-04-01), Erikson et al.
patent: 5865750 (1999-02-01), Hatfield et al.
patent: 5908391 (1999-06-01), Muzilla et al.
patent: 5911692 (1999-06-01), Hussain et al.
patent: 6048313 (2000-04-01), Stonger

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multiple transmit scanning to increase ultrasonic frame rate will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2467176