公开(公告)号：US20130197366A1

公开(公告)日：2013-08-01

申请号：US13362394

申请日：2012-01-31

Applicant: Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  David Martin Mills ,  Ying Fan

Inventor： Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  David Martin Mills ,  Ying Fan

IPC: A61B8/12

CPC classification number: A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/0891 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  B06B1/0681 ,  G01S7/52047 ,  G01S7/52079 ,  G01S15/8922 ,  G01S15/894

Abstract: Embodiments of catheters, imaging systems and methods for intravascular ultrasound imaging are presented. At least one miniaturized transducer element adapted to be inserted into a vascular structure and configured to produce signals for use in generating one or more ultrasound images of a desired region within the vascular structure is used. Further, one or more apodizing structures operably coupled to the transducer element and configured to decrease the responsiveness of the transducer element at one or more boundaries of the transducer element with respect to the center of the transducer element are used. Particularly, the apodizing structures reduce sidelobe amplitude of an ultrasound beam profile in the region of interest, thereby generating improved ultrasound images.

Abstract translation: 介绍导管，成像系统和血管内超声成像方法的实施例。 使用适于插入血管结构并被配置为产生用于产生血管结构内所需区域的一个或多个超声图像的信号的至少一个小型化换能器元件。 此外，使用可操作地耦合到换能器元件并且被配置为相对于换能器元件的中心降低换能器元件的一个或多个边界处的换能器元件的响应性的一个或多个变迹结构。 特别地，变迹结构减少了感兴趣区域中的超声波束轮廓的旁瓣振幅，从而产生改进的超声图像。

公开(公告)号：US20110245676A1

公开(公告)日：2011-10-06

申请号：US12751834

申请日：2010-03-31

Applicant: Feng Lin ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Feng Lin ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: A61B8/14

CPC classification number: A61B8/5269 ,  G01S7/52046 ,  G01S7/52077 ,  G01S7/52095

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the measurement of acoustic noise during ultrasound imaging. In one embodiment, a receive beam is directed in a different direction from a transmit beam when an acoustic noise signal is being measured. When a tissue signal is being measured, the receive beam is directed in substantially the same direction as the transmit beam.

Abstract translation: 本公开涉及超声成像期间声学噪声的测量。 在一个实施例中，当测量声学噪声信号时，接收波束在与发射波束不同的方向上被引导。 当测量组织信号时，接收波束被指向与发射波束基本相同的方向。

公开(公告)号：US20110148682A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-23

申请号：US12642780

申请日：2009-12-19

Applicant: Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  Robert Gideon Wodnicki ,  Krishnakumar Sundaresan ,  Naresh Kesavan Rao

Inventor： Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  Robert Gideon Wodnicki ,  Krishnakumar Sundaresan ,  Naresh Kesavan Rao

IPC: H03M1/12

CPC classification number: H03M1/188 ,  H03M1/183 ,  H03M1/208 ,  H03M1/361 ,  H03M1/68

Abstract: Predictive Analog-to-Digital Converter system in one embodiment includes a sampling section producing a sampled analog input signal with a first summer section combining the sampled analog input signal and an analog prediction signal to produce an analog prediction error signal. There is at least one error analog-to-digital convertor digitizing the analog prediction error signal, wherein a digital error signal output from the error analog-to-digital convertor is one of a full bitwidth error signal during an over-range condition else a lower bitwidth error signal. A second summer is coupled to the digital error signal output and a digital prediction signal, and generates a full bitwidth digital output signal. A feedback section is coupled to the digital output signal and providing the digital prediction signal and the analog prediction signal.

Abstract translation: 在一个实施例中，预测模数转换器系统包括产生采样模拟输入信号的采样部分，其中组合采样的模拟输入信号和模拟预测信号的第一加法部分产生模拟预测误差信号。 至少有一个误差模拟数字转换器将模拟预测误差信号数字化，其中从误差模数转换器输出的数字误差信号是在超范围条件期间的完全位宽误差信号之一，否则 较低的位宽错误信号。 第二个夏天耦合到数字误差信号输出和数字预测信号，并产生完整的位宽数字输出信号。 反馈部分耦合到数字输出信号并提供数字预测信号和模拟预测信号。

公开(公告)号：US06346079B1

公开(公告)日：2002-02-12

申请号：US09577849

申请日：2000-05-25

Applicant: Bruno Hans Haider ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Bruno Hans Haider ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: A61B0800

CPC classification number: G01S7/52034 ,  A61B8/06 ,  A61B8/0833 ,  G01S7/52066 ,  G01S15/8979

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dynamically optimizing the frame rate as a function of an estimate of the target motion. First, the target motion is estimated, and then this estimate is used to control the number of firings per frame and/or the degree of frame-averaging. Preferably, the motion of the target is estimated by measuring pixel brightness variations on a frame-to-frame, region-to-region or line-to-line basis. Then the degree of frame-averaging is adjusted as a function of the motion estimate. Alternatively, target motion can be estimated by calculating the Doppler signal. Other imaging parameters, such as number of transmit firings per frame, size of the transmit aperture, and transmit excitation frequency, can be adjusted as a function of estimated target motion.

Abstract translation: 一种用于根据目标运动的估计来动态优化帧速率的方法和装置。 首先，估计目标运动，然后使用该估计来控制每帧的发射次数和/或帧平均的程度。 优选地，通过在帧到帧，区域到区域或线对线的基础上测量像素亮度变化来估计目标的运动。 然后根据运动估计值调整帧平均的程度。 或者，可以通过计算多普勒信号来估计目标运动。 作为估计的目标运动的函数，可以调整其他成像参数，例如每帧的发射发射次数，发射孔径的大小和发射激励频率。

公开(公告)号：US6071240A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-06

申请号：US223951

申请日：1998-12-31

Applicant: Anne Lindsay Hall ,  Kai E. Thomenius ,  Lewis Jones Thomas, II ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Anne Lindsay Hall ,  Kai E. Thomenius ,  Lewis Jones Thomas, II ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  A61B8/08 ,  G01S20060101 ,  G01S7/52 ,  G01S7/527 ,  G01S15/89 ,  G03B42/06 ,  G06T1/00 ,  H04R3/00 ,  H04R17/00

CPC classification number: G03B42/06 ,  G01S7/52026 ,  G01S7/52046 ,  A61B8/08 ,  G01N2291/044 ,  G01S7/52077

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adaptively suppressing incoherent data in a coherent imaging system. A focused ultrasound beam is transmitted with conventional transmit beamforming time delays. The returning echo signals are processed along two separate receive signal processing paths. The time delays along one processing path are set for traditional coherent receive beamforming, while the time delays along the other processing path are set to apply incoherent summing to the same set of return signals (e.g., time delays equal to zero). Then at each point in the receive beam or vector, the coherent and incoherent summation signals are compared. If the coherent and incoherent summation signals are of like amplitude, the beamformed signal of the first processing path is deemed incoherent, and its display is suppressed in the final image.

Abstract translation: 一种用于在相干成像系统中自适应地抑制非相干数据的方法和装置。 聚焦超声波束是用传统的发射波束形成时间延迟传输的。 返回的回波信号沿着两个分开的接收信号处理路径被处理。 沿着一个处理路径的时间延迟被设置用于传统的相干接收波束形成，而沿其他处理路径的时间延迟被设置为对同一组返回信号（例如，等于零的时间延迟）应用非相干相加。 然后在接收波束或向量的每个点处，比较相干和非相干求和信号。 如果相干和非相干求和信号的幅度相似，则第一处理路径的波束形成信号被认为是不相干的，并且在最终图像中抑制其显示。

公开(公告)号：US08494791B2

公开(公告)日：2013-07-23

申请号：US12970676

申请日：2010-12-16

Applicant: Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: G01F17/00 ,  A61B8/00 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G01N9/24

CPC classification number: G01S7/52022 ,  A61B8/469 ,  A61B8/485 ,  A61B2090/378 ,  G01S7/52036 ,  G01S15/8977

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving correlation of shear displacement waveforms are presented. The method includes delivering one or more reference pulses to a plurality of target regions to detect corresponding initial positions. Further, a plurality of pushing pulse segments are delivered to one or more pushing locations, where one or more parameters corresponding to the plurality of pushing pulse segments are adapted for generating a shear displacement waveform with a desired wave shape. Additionally, one or more tracking pulses may be delivered to the plurality of target regions for detecting displacements of at least a subset of the target regions as a function of time. Particularly, the displacements are determined as time samples of the shear displacement waveform. Subsequently, a shift between the shear displacement waveform detected at least two different target regions in the subset of the plurality of target regions is detected.

Abstract translation: 提出了改善剪切位移波形相关性的方法和系统。 该方法包括将一个或多个参考脉冲递送到多个目标区域以检测对应的初始位置。 此外，多个推压脉冲段被传送到一个或多个按压位置，其中对应于多个推压脉冲段的一个或多个参数适于产生具有期望波形的剪切位移波形。 另外，可以将一个或多个跟踪脉冲传送到多个目标区域，以便根据时间来检测目标区域的至少一个子集的位移。 特别地，位移被确定为剪切位移波形的时间样本。 随后，检测到检测到多个目标区域的子集中的至少两个不同目标区域的剪切位移波形之间的偏移。

公开(公告)号：US20120158323A1

公开(公告)日：2012-06-21

申请号：US12970676

申请日：2010-12-16

Applicant: Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: G01N29/00 ,  G06F19/00

CPC classification number: G01S7/52022 ,  A61B8/469 ,  A61B8/485 ,  A61B2090/378 ,  G01S7/52036 ,  G01S15/8977

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving correlation of shear displacement waveforms are presented. The method includes delivering one or more reference pulses to a plurality of target regions to detect corresponding initial positions. Further, a plurality of pushing pulse segments are delivered to one or more pushing locations, where one or more parameters corresponding to the plurality of pushing pulse segments are adapted for generating a shear displacement waveform with a desired wave shape. Additionally, one or more tracking pulses may be delivered to the plurality of target regions for detecting displacements of at least a subset of the target regions as a function of time. Particularly, the displacements are determined as time samples of the shear displacement waveform. Subsequently, a shift between the shear displacement waveform detected at least two different target regions in the subset of the plurality of target regions is detected.

Abstract translation: 提出了改善剪切位移波形相关性的方法和系统。 该方法包括将一个或多个参考脉冲递送到多个目标区域以检测对应的初始位置。 此外，多个推压脉冲段被传送到一个或多个按压位置，其中对应于多个推压脉冲段的一个或多个参数适于产生具有期望波形的剪切位移波形。 另外，可以将一个或多个跟踪脉冲传送到多个目标区域，以便根据时间来检测目标区域的至少一个子集的位移。 特别地，位移被确定为剪切位移波形的时间样本。 随后，检测到检测到多个目标区域的子集中的至少两个不同目标区域的剪切位移波形之间的偏移。

公开(公告)号：US20120130246A1

公开(公告)日：2012-05-24

申请号：US12950238

申请日：2010-11-19

Applicant: BRUNO HANS HAIDER ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  Jean-Francois Gelly ,  Kjell Kristoffersen ,  Alexander Sokulin

Inventor： BRUNO HANS HAIDER ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby ,  Jean-Francois Gelly ,  Kjell Kristoffersen ,  Alexander Sokulin

IPC: A61B8/14

CPC classification number: G03B42/06 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/4488 ,  A61B8/483 ,  A61B8/5269 ,  G01S7/5205 ,  G01S15/8915

Abstract: A method for correcting ultrasound data includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements associated with a plurality of channels that include conductive pathways and communicating the ultrasound data as received ultrasound signals along the conductive pathways of the channels. The method further includes determining a crosstalk signal that is generated in one or more of the channels by at least one of communication of the received ultrasound signals along the channels or vibration of one or more of the transducer elements. In one aspect, the method also includes modifying one or more subsequently acquired ultrasound signals that are communicated along the channels based on the crosstalk signal.

Abstract translation: 用于校正超声数据的方法包括使用具有与包括导电路径的多个通道相关联的多个换能器元件的超声探头获取超声数据，并且将超声波数据作为沿着通道的导电路径的接收超声信号进行通信。 该方法还包括通过沿着通道的一个或多个换能器元件的通道的通信或振动的通信中的至少一个来确定在一个或多个通道中产生的串扰信号。 在一个方面，该方法还包括基于串扰信号修改沿着信道传送的一个或多个随后获取的超声信号。

公开(公告)号：US07128712B2

公开(公告)日：2006-10-31

申请号：US10872864

申请日：2004-06-21

Applicant: Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: A61B8/00

CPC classification number: G01S15/8909 ,  G01S7/52049 ,  G01S7/5205

Abstract: A method and system for operating an ultrasound system is provided. The method comprising estimating a relative motion between a transducer and an imaging subject and controlling an adaptive beamformer system in response to to an estimation of the relative motion.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于操作超声系统的方法和系统。 该方法包括估计换能器和成像对象之间的相对运动，并且响应于相对运动的估计来控制自适应波束形成器系统。

公开(公告)号：US06366227B1

公开(公告)日：2002-04-02

申请号：US09535798

申请日：2000-03-28

Applicant: Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: H03M300

CPC classification number: G01S7/5208 ,  G01S7/52046 ,  G01S7/52047 ,  G10K11/346

Abstract: Techniques for minimizing artifacts resulting from ultrasound time-delay focusing while using a single-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter for each beamformer channel include correcting the dynamic focus artifact in a delta-sigma beamformer by always inserting a pair of samples having a zero sum when a delay is required. Using other techniques, the dynamic focus artifact is not eliminated on each beamforming channel, but rather is eliminated in the beamsummed, reconstructed signal. In one technique, samples having a zero sum are respectively inserted on a pair of symmetric channels such that the net effect on the beamsummed signal is zero. In another technique, a +1 sample is inserted when a focus time delay is required, and either a pre-calculated or counted number of channels having a focus time delay at each time sample is subtracted from the beamsum.

Abstract translation: 当对每个波束形成器通道使用单位delta-sigma模数转换器时，用于最小化由超声时间延迟聚焦引起的伪影的技术包括：通过总是插入一对样本，来校正δ-西格玛波束形成器中的动态聚焦伪影， 需要延迟时的零和。 使用其他技术，在每个波束形成信道上不消除动态聚焦伪影，而是在波束重建信号中消除。 在一种技术中，具有零和的样本分别插入一对对称信道上，使得对波束信号的净效应为零。 在另一种技术中，当需要聚焦时间延迟时，插入+1样本，并且从束中减去每个时间样本具有焦点时间延迟的预先计算或计数的通道数。