Ultrasonic harmonic imaging system and method
AssigneeAcuson Corporation
InventorsJohn A. Hossack, Samuel H. Maslak, Christopher R. Cole
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Abstract
The system described ultrasonically images a target with energy spreading transmissions. Generally, ultrasonic energy corresponding to a line focus is transmitted into a target at a fundamental center frequency. The target may or may not include contrast agents. In either case, echoes are received at a harmonic of the fundamental center frequency. Echoes are also received at the fundamental center frequency. The echoes received at the harmonic center frequency are efficiently compounding with the echoes received at the fundamental center frequency.
Claims8
An ultrasonic method for generating data for imaging comprising the following steps:
- (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency;
- (b) focusing the ultrasonic energy in step (a) in a transmit beam having a line focus;
- (c) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency and at the fundamental frequency;
- and
- (d) compounding the reflected ultrasonic energy associated with the fundamental frequency with the reflected ultrasonic energy associated with the harmonic frequency, whereby data for imaging is generated in response to the compounded energy.
An ultrasonic system for generating data for imaging comprising:
- means for transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and for focusing the ultrasonic energy in a transmit beam having a line focus;
- means for receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency and at the fundamental frequency;
- and
- means compounding the reflected ultrasonic energy associated with the fundamental frequency with the reflected ultrasonic energy associated with the harmonic frequency.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.