Ultrasound imaging method and system for transmit signal generation for an ultrasonic imaging system capable of harmonic imaging

In a method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency in an ultrasound system, the reflected ultrasonic energy responsive to the transmitted ultrasonic energy, an improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of:

• (a1) transmitting a waveform characterized by an amplitude change rate of 8 or fewer times a carrier cycle, said waveform comprising an amplitude shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from said respective maximum value.

An ultrasound apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency for receipt of reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the reflected ultrasonic energy responsive to the transmitted ultrasonic energy, comprising:

• a transducer;
• and
• a signal generator for transmitting a uni-polar waveform comprising an amplitude shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from said respective maximum value.

An ultrasound apparatus for transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency for receipt of reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency, the reflected ultrasonic energy responsive to the transmitted ultrasonic energy, comprising:

• a transducer;
• and
• a signal generator for transmitting a waveform comprising 8 or fewer samples per carrier cycle and an amplitude shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from said respective maximum value.

In a method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency in an ultrasound system, the reflected ultrasonic energy responsive to the transmitted ultrasonic energy, an improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of:

• (a1) generating a stepped pulse comprising an amplitude shape rising gradually to a respective maximum value and falling gradually from said respective maximum value.

In a method comprising the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency in an ultrasound system, the reflected ultrasonic energy responsive to the transmitted ultrasonic energy, an improvement wherein step (a) comprises the step of:

• (a1) generating a waveform comprising a plurality of amplitudes selected from the group of:
• a plurality of positive amplitudes and a plurality of negative amplitudes, wherein said amplitudes each comprise a duration representing a step and corresponding to a sample rate less than or equal to 8 times the fundamental frequency, wherein an amplitude shape associated with said amplitudes rises gradually to a respective maximum value and falls gradually from said respective maximum value.