US 5,476,097 A · Simultaneous ultrasonic imaging and Doppler display system

Abstract

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided by which an ultrasonic image and Doppler flow information are simultaneously displayed from echo acquisition sequences alternating between image signal acquisition and Doppler signal acquisition. To continuously display Doppler information during the intervals that images signal acquisition is occurring, these gaps in Doppler signal acquisition are filled by signals derived from the Doppler signals received prior to and succeeding the gaps. The Doppler signals received prior to the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the initial portion of the gap. The Doppler signals received following the gap are used to produce spectrally continuous signals extending over the final portion of the gap. A gapsize calculator is responsive to variations in system scanning parameters to set the durations of the successive image and Doppler signal acquisition intervals to obtain optimal frame rates of display.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system which simultaneously displays image and Doppler information derived from alternate intervals of ultrasonic image signal acquisition and Doppler signal acquisition, including means for developing signals to be used for Doppler display during the gaps in Doppler information reception occurring by reason of performance by the system of image signal acquisition comprising:

means responsive to the reception of Doppler information signals for producing sequences of Doppler estimation signals during intervals of Doppler signal acquisition;
means responsive to said sequences of Doppler estimation signals for producing gapfilling signals for use in gaps between said Doppler estimation sequences including means responsive to Doppler estimation signals preceding a gap for deriving a first sequence of gapfilling signals over an initial portion of said gap, and means responsive to Doppler estimation signals following said gap for deriving a second sequence of gapfilling signals over a concluding portion of said gap;
and
means responsive to said sequences of Doppler estimation signals and said intervening first and second sequences of gapfilling signals for displaying Doppler information.

1 more element

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system which simultaneously displays an ultrasonic image and a continuous display of spectral Doppler information derived from alternate scanning intervals of ultrasonic image signal acquisition and Doppler signal acquisition, comprising:

Doppler means responsive to the reception of Doppler information signals for producing Doppler estimation signals during intervals of Doppler signal acquisition;
imaging means responsive to the reception of image information signals for producing ultrasonic image lines during intervals of ultrasonic image signal acquisition;
means, coupled to said Doppler means and said imaging means, and responsive to user adjustment of scanning control parameters, for varying the durations of said intervals of Doppler signal acquisition and ultrasonic image signal acquisition;
a Doppler display gapfiller responsive to said Doppler means for filling gaps in said Doppler estimation signals occurring during said intervals of ultrasonic image signal acquisition in order to provide a substantially continuous sequence of spectral Doppler information signals;
and
means, coupled to said Doppler display gapfiller and said imaging means for simultaneously displaying a continuous display of Spectral Doppler information together with an ultrasonic image.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Simultaneous ultrasonic imaging and Doppler display system

Life of this patent

Simultaneous ultrasonic imaging and Doppler display system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13