An ultrasonic system useful for providing imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring generally comprises an acoustic transducer assembly configured to enable the ultrasound system to perform the imaging, therapy and temperature monitoring functions. The acoustic transducer assembly comprises a single transducer that is operatively connected to an imaging subsystem, a therapy subsystem and a temperature monitoring subsystem. The ultrasound system may also include a display for imaging and temperature monitoring functions. An exemplary single transducer is configured such that when connected to the subsystems, the imaging subsystem can generate an image of a treatment region on the display, the therapy subsystem can generate high power acoustic energy to heat the treatment region, and the temperature monitoring subsystem can map and monitor the temperature of the treatment region and display the temperature on the display, all through the use of the single transducer. Additionally, the acoustic transducer assembly can be configured to provide three-dimensional imaging, temperature monitoring or therapeutic heating through the use of adaptive algorithms and/or rotational or translational movement. Moreover, a plurality of the exemplary single transducers can be provided to facilitate enhanced treatment capabilities.

Imaging, therapy, and temperature monitoring ultrasonic system

Context-aware systems and methods, location-aware systems and methods, context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same, and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same are described. In various embodiments, a context or location service module, implemented in software, determines a vehicle context or a vehicle location based upon information that it receives from various context providers or location providers respectively. Software executing on a vehicle's computer can then cause one or more applications that are associated with a vehicle computer to be modified in a manner that changes their behavior. The behavior modification is based on the current context or location of the vehicle and thus provides a context-specific or location-specific user experience. The context or location can be ascertained through the use of one or more hierarchical tree structures that comprises individual nodes. Each node is associated with a context or location. The nodes are traversable by the vehicle's software to ascertain a more complete context or location.

Context-aware systems and methods, location-aware systems and methods, context-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same, and location-aware vehicles and methods of operating the same

Methods and apparatuses for the image guidance and documentation of medical procedures. One embodiment includes combining small field of view images into a recorded image of with a large field of view and aligning the small field of view real time image with the recorded image through correlation of imaging data. A location and orientation determination system may be used to track the imaging system and provide a starting set of image alignment parameters and/or provide change updates to a set of image alignment parameters, which is then further improved through correlating imaging data. The recorded image may be selected according to real time measurement of a cardiac parameter during an image guided cardiac procedure. Image manipulations planned based on the recorded image can be stored and applied to the real time information. The position of the medical device may be determined and recorded through manipulating a cursor in a 3-D image space shown in two non-parallel views.

Methods and apparatuses for image guided medical procedures

The invention relates to decoding utilizing image data. The image data can be received from a source. A processor can process the image data for decoding. Processing for decoding can be responsive to determined information. The format of a frame of image data may be recognized. The recognizing may include determining the source of the frame of image data. The recognizing may include determining a parameter associated with the frame of image data.

Decoding utilizing image data

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

Visual imaging system for ultrasonic probe

A method for creating multiple planar images of a volumetric region of an object without acquiring data from the entire volumetric region. The method includes sweeping a transducer across the volumetric region. At sampling positions during the sweep, ultrasonic beams from the transducer are transmitted into the volumetric region, which intersect one or more of a plurality of surfaces to be scanned. The number of transmitted beams during the sweep is fewer than the number of beams that would be transmitted to scan the entire volumetric region. Echoes from the volumetric region are received at the transducer in response to the transmitted beams. From the received echoes, planar images corresponding to the plurality of surfaces are formed. In a variation, the method includes receiving at the transducer fewer echoes from the volumetric region than the echoes that would be received from scanning the entire volumetric region. This enables the creation of planar images corresponding to buried surfaces within the volumetric region. Because only a finite plurality of surfaces of the region is being scanned rather than the entire volumetric region, planar images of high image quality and a broad field of view can be created and displayed in real-time. The method can also be performed by scanning the transducer. The method is carryied out by ultrasonic apparatus.

Method for creating multiplanar ultrasonic images of a three dimensional object

An ultrasonic apparatus and method are described in which a volumetric region of the body is imaged by biplane images. One biplane image has a fixed planar orientation to the transducer, and the plane of the other biplane image can be varied in relation to the fixed reference image. In a preferred embodiment one image can be rotated relative to the other, and can be tilted relative to the other. An image orientation icon is shown on the display screen together with the two biplane images depicting the relative orientation of the two planar images.

Method of and system for ultrasound imaging

An ultrasound imaging system (1) comprises a transducer probe (2 ) for supplying ultrasound waves to a subject area (A), for receiving ultrasound waves reflecting from the subject area (A), and for converting the reflecting waves into a first electrical signal, at least one position sensor (3) provided in the transducer probe (2) for detecting positional information on the transducer probe (2) relative to the subject area (A) during operation, and for generating a second electrical signal corresponding to the detected positional information, a processing unit (41) for controlling the transducer probe (2) and for processing the first and second electrical signals into an image. The position sensor (3) comprises a unit (23) for optically acquiring images of a surface of the subject area (A) during operation, for acquiring information from said images, and for processing said information into positional information on the transducer probe (2) relative to the subject area (A).An improved ultrasound imaging system is provided which offers more accurate position detection.

Position sensor in ultrasound transducer probe

An ultrasonic 2D array has elements extending in two dimensions which can be individually controlled and operated to form a 2D array for scanning a volumetric region in three dimensions. Individual ones of the elements can also be selected and operated together to form a 1D array for scanning a planar region in two dimensions. The array transmits scanlines to scan the volumetric region and the planar region in a time interleaved manner with the frame rate of the planar region be higher than that of the volumetric region. A spectral display may also be produced of a sample volume located in the planar region.

Paul Detmer

Papers

Method for creating multiplanar ultrasonic images of a three dimensional object

Method of and system for ultrasound imaging

Position sensor in ultrasound transducer probe

2D ultrasonic transducer array for two dimensional and three dimensional imaging

Biplane ultrasonic imaging