Ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus for generating pulse width modulated waveforms with reduced harmonic response
Patent 5833614 Issued on November 10, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date: July 15, 2017. 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.
An improvement to the method for harmonic imaging including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency is provided. The transmitting step includes the step of transmitting a waveform comprising at least a sequence of at least a first and second pulse characterized by first and second pulse durations, respectively, where the second pulse duration is different than the first duration. This arrangement can reduce harmonic energy in the waveform.
Other References
Pi Hsien Chang, et al., "Second Harmonic Imaging and Harmonic Doppler Measurements with Albunex." IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, vol. 42, No. 6, Nov. 1995
Marc Gensane, "Bubble population measurements with a parametric array." J. Acoustical Society of America, 96 (6), Jun. 1994
Ken Ishihara, et al., "New Approach to Noninvasive Manometry Based on Pressure Dependent Resonant Shift of Elastic Microcapsules in Ultrasonic Frequency Characteristics." Japanese J. of Applied Physics, vol. 2 (1988)
V.L. Newhouse, et al., "Bubble size measurements using the nonlinear mixing of two frequencies." J. Acoustical Society of America, 75 (5), May 1984
"Small Spheres Lead to Big Ideas." Research News, Science vol. 267, 20 Jan., 1995
Abstracts Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, vol. 8, No. 3 pp. 345-346, 355, 358-364
Deborah J. Rubens, MD, et al., "Sonoelasticity Imaging of Prostate Cancer: In Vitro Results." Radiology, vol. 195, No. 2, 1995
B. Schrope, et al., "Simulated Capillary Blood Flow Measurement Using a Nonlinear Ultrasonic Contrast Agent." Ultrasonic Imaging 14 (1992)
Fred Lee, Jr., MD, et al., "Sonoelasticity Imaging: Results in in Vitro Tissue Specimens." Radiology, vol. 181, No. 1 (1991)
Kevin J. Parker, PhD., et al., "Sonoelasticity of Organs: Shear Waves Ring a Bell." J. Ultasound Med., 11 (1992)
William Armstrong, M.D., et al., "Position Paper on Contrast Echocardiography." American Society of Echocardiography, draft 1, Jun. 6, 1994
K.J. Parker, et al., "Tissue Response to Mechanical Vibrations for `Sonoelasticity Imaging`." Ultrasound in Med. and Biol., vol. 16, No. 3, (1990)
Robert M. Lerner, et al., "`Sonoelasticity` Images Derived from Ultrasound Signals in Mechanically Vibrated Tissues." Ultrasound in Med. and Biol., vol. 16, No. 3 (1990)
Excerpt from Ultrasonics: Fundamentals and Applications (1992), pp. 380-393, 363-365
J.A. Hossack, et al., "Improving Transducer Performance Using Multiple Active Layers." SPIE vol. 1733 (1992)
Volkmar Uhlendorf, et al., "Nonlinear Acoustical Response of Coated Microbubbles in Diagnostic Ultrasound." IEEE 1994 Ultrasonics Symposium
John A. Hossack, et al., "Improving the Characteristics of a Transducer Using Multiple Piezoelectric Layers." IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, vol. 40, No. 2, Mar. 1993
H. Edward Karrer, et al., "A Phased Array Acoustic Imaging System for Medical Use." IEEE 1980 Ultrasonics Symposium
"HP Ultrasound Technologies--Viability." About HP Ultrasound Imaging, WWW document 1997
Ted Christopher, "Finite Amplitude Distortion-Based Inhomogeneous Pulse Echo Ultrasonic Imaging." IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, vol. 44, No. 1, Jan. 1997
"Supplement to Journal of the American College of Cardiology." American College of Cardiology, 45th Annual Scientific Session, Mar. 24-27, 1996 pp. 21A, 63A, 239-240A
Yang-Sub Lee, et al., "Time-Domain Modeling of Pulsed Finite-Amplitude Sound Beams." J. Acoustical Society of America, 97 (2), Feb. 1995
Michalakis A. Averkiou, et al., "Self-Demodulation of Amplitude and Frequency-Modulated Pulses in a Thermoviscous Fluid." J. Acoustical Society of America, 94 (5), Nov. 199
July 15, 2017. 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.
