Apparatus and method for generating echographic images
April 16, 2010. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesCross trace coherent noise filtering for seismograms Variable frequency ultrasonic system Annular array used as a horn transducer Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus Ultrasonic diagnostic equipment Hybrid non-invasive ultrasonic imaging system Image signal-processing system based on synthetic aperture technique Body imaging using vectorial addition of acoustic reflection to achieve effect of scanning beam continuously focused in range Ultrasonic transducer array used in ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus Device for the examination of objects by ultrasonic echography with angular focusing InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 508131 filed on 04/16/1990US Classes:600/443, Anatomic image produced by reflective scanning73/602With signal analyzing or mathematical processingExaminersPrimary: Jaworski, Francis J.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61B 008/00AbstractAn apparatus and method to generate low power ultrasonic, echograph images of selected stationary and moving target objects having high resolution. The apparatus and method include: an apparatus for transmitting a plurality of ultrasonic signals into a selected area of tissue, and apparatus for receiving the corresponding ultrasonic echo signals for each of the transmitted signals. A correlator autocorrelates and cross-correlates the transmitted and received ultrasonic signals. The correlated signals are summed, combined in ratios and partitioned into visibility amplitude data, visibility phase data, differential phase data, closure amplitude data and closure phase data for mapping. The preferred apparatus and method thereafter perform a non-linear image processing, either by an iterative side lobe subtraction signal processing procedure to remove signal noise and/or by an interative hybrid mapping signal processing procedure. The resulting data map yields a high resolution image of the selected target with more data and less noise. Signal processing to show motion or target object changes after noise reduction is also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and method is employed as a clinical diagnostic tool for generating non-traumatic, high resolution imaging of bodily tissue.Other References
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