公开(公告)号：WO2012051308A2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-19

申请号：PCT/US2011/055976

申请日：2011-10-12

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING, INC. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  CABRERA, Linda, V. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D. ,  SPECHT, David, J.

Inventor： SMITH, David, M. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  CABRERA, Linda, V. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D. ,  SPECHT, David, J.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G01N29/24

CPC classification number: A61B8/4494 ,  A61B8/14 ,  A61B8/145 ,  A61B8/4444 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  A61B8/461 ,  A61B8/467 ,  A61B8/5207 ,  A61B8/523 ,  A61B8/58 ,  B06B1/0622 ,  G01S7/5205 ,  G01S7/52084 ,  G01S15/8913 ,  G01S15/892 ,  G01S15/8927 ,  G01S15/8929 ,  G01S15/8934

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate apertures of ultrasound arrays. Some embodiments provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound probes having continuous arrays of ultrasound transducers which may have a substantially continuous concave curved shape in two or three dimensions (i.e. concave relative to an object to be imaged). Other embodiments herein provide systems and methods for designing, building and using ultrasound imaging probes having other unique configurations, such as adjustable probes and probes with variable configurations.

Abstract translation: 多孔超声成像（MAUI）探头或换能器独特地能够同时成像来自超声阵列的单独孔的感兴趣区域。 一些实施例提供用于设计，构建和使用具有连续的超声波换能器阵列的超声波探头的系统和方法，所述超声波换能器可以具有二维或三维（即相对于待成像的物体为凹面）的基本上连续的凹形弯曲形状。 本文的其他实施例提供用于设计，构建和使用具有其他独特配置的超声成像探头的系统和方法，例如具有可变配置的可调探头和探头。

公开(公告)号：WO2011103303A3

公开(公告)日：2011-11-17

申请号：PCT/US2011025263

申请日：2011-02-17

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING INC ,  SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D

Inventor： SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D

IPC: A61B8/14

CPC classification number: A61B8/5246 ,  A61B8/14 ,  A61B8/145 ,  A61B8/4444 ,  A61B8/4455 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  A61B8/463 ,  A61B8/5207 ,  A61B8/5269 ,  G01S7/52049 ,  G01S15/8913 ,  G01S15/8927 ,  G01S15/8961 ,  G01S15/8977 ,  G01S15/8993 ,  G01S15/8997

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract translation: 提供了多孔特征的多孔超声成像系统和使用方法。 在一些实施例中，多孔径超声成像系统被配置成将超声能量发射到单独的物理超声孔径并从其接收。 在一些实施例中，多孔超声成像系统的发射孔径被配置成通过目标区域发射近似于第一点源的全向未聚焦超声波形。 在一些实施例中，利用单个接收孔接收超声能量。 在其他实施例中，超声能量被多个接收孔接收。 描述了可以组合由一个或多个接收孔接收的回波以形成高分辨率超声图像的算法。 附加的算法可以解决组织声速变化，从而使超声系统几乎可以用在身体内或身体上的任何地方。

公开(公告)号：WO2010120913A3

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：PCT/US2010/031075

申请日：2010-04-14

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING, INC. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  LUNSFORD, John, P. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

Inventor： SMITH, David, M. ,  ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  LUNSFORD, John, P. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

IPC: A61B8/08 ,  G01N29/24

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate physical apertures. Construction of probes can vary by medical application. That is, a general radiology probe can contain multiple transducers that maintain separate physical points of contact with the patient's skin, allowing multiple physical apertures. A cardiac probe may contain only two transmitters and receivers where the probe fits simultaneously between two or more intracostal spaces. An intracavity version of the probe can space transmit and receive transducers along the length of the wand, while an intravenous version can allow transducers to be located on the distal length the catheter and separated by mere millimeters. Algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the probe apparatus to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

公开(公告)号：WO2010120907A2

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：PCT/US2010031067

申请日：2010-04-14

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING INC ,  SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D ,  SMITH DAVID M ,  ADAM SHARON L ,  LUNSFORD JOHN P

Inventor： SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D ,  SMITH DAVID M ,  ADAM SHARON L ,  LUNSFORD JOHN P

IPC: A61B8/08 ,  G01N29/24

CPC classification number: A61B8/42 ,  A61B8/00 ,  A61B8/0883 ,  A61B8/4218 ,  A61B8/4444 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/587 ,  G01S7/5205 ,  G01S15/8913 ,  Y10T29/49778

Abstract: Increasing the effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe by including more than one probe head and using the elements of all of the probes to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. A calibration fixture is described in which the probe assembly to be calibrated is placed above a test block and transmits ultrasonic pulses through the test block to an ultrasonic sensor. As the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted though some or all of the elements in the probe to be tested, the differential transit times of arrival of the waveform are measured precisely. From these measurements the relative positions of the probe elements can be computed and the probe can be aligned.

Abstract translation: 通过包括多于一个探针头并使用所有探针的元件来渲染图像来增加超声成像探针的有效孔径可以极大地改善所产生的图像的横向分辨率。 为了呈现图像，必须精确地知道所有元素的相对位置。 描述了一种校准夹具，其中要校准的探针组件放置在测试块上方，并将超声波脉冲通过测试块传送到超声波传感器。 由于超声波脉冲通过要测试的探头中的一些或全部元件传输，波形的到达差分传递时间被精确地测量。 通过这些测量，可以计算探针元件的相对位置，并且可以对准探针。

公开(公告)号：WO2010017445A2

公开(公告)日：2010-02-11

申请号：PCT/US2009/053096

申请日：2009-08-07

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING, INC. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

Inventor： SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G01N29/24 ,  G01N29/36

CPC classification number: A61B8/5207 ,  A61B8/4281 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/54 ,  G01S7/52046 ,  G01S7/52087 ,  G01S15/8913 ,  G01S15/8927 ,  G01S15/8929 ,  G01S15/8997

Abstract: The benefits of a multi-aperture ultrasound probe can be achieved with add-on devices. Synchronization and correlation of echoes from multiple transducer elements located in different arrays is essential to the successful processing of multiple aperture imaging. The algorithms disclosed here teach methods to successfully process these signals when the transmission source is coming from another ultrasound system and synchronize the add-on system to the other ultrasound system. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by individual transducer elements. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging and are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces.

Abstract translation:

多孔超声探头的优点可以通过附加设备实现。 来自位于不同阵列中的多个换能器元件的回波的同步和相关对于多孔径成像的成功处理是必不可少的。 这里公开的算法教导了当传输源来自另一超声系统并使附加系统与另一超声系统同步时成功处理这些信号的方法。 具有不同噪声分量的二维图像可以由各个换能器元件接收的回波构建。 所公开的技术在医学成像中具有广泛的应用，并且理想地适用于使用两个或更多个肋间隙的多孔心脏成像。

公开(公告)号：WO2008051639A2

公开(公告)日：2008-05-02

申请号：PCT/US2007/073615

申请日：2007-07-16

Applicant: SPECHT, Donald, F.

Inventor： SPECHT, Donald, F.

IPC: A61B8/00

CPC classification number: A61B8/145 ,  A61B5/725 ,  A61B8/08 ,  A61B8/085 ,  A61B8/42 ,  A61B8/4209 ,  A61B8/4218 ,  A61B8/4245 ,  A61B8/4281 ,  A61B8/4455 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  A61B8/4494 ,  A61B8/483 ,  A61B8/5207 ,  A61B8/5253 ,  A61B8/543 ,  G01S7/52046 ,  G01S7/5205 ,  G01S15/8977

Abstract: A combination of an ultrasonic scanner and an omnidirectional receive transducer for producing a two-dimensional image from the echoes received by the single omnidirectional transducer is described. Two-dimensional images with different noise components can be constructed from the echoes received by additional transducers. These can be combined to produce images with better signal to noise ratios and lateral resolution. Also disclosed is a method based on information content to compensate for the different delays for different paths through intervening tissue is described. Specular reflections are attenuated by using even a single omnidirectional receiver displaced from the insonifying probe. The disclosed techniques have broad application in medical imaging but are ideally suited to multi-aperture cardiac imaging using two or more intercostal spaces. An alternative method employs multiple transducers to increase the lateral resolution and reduce noise and includes using two or more active phased array transducers in the same scan plane. In this method the phase delays are computed such that the transducers operate as one larger phased array with a gap (or gaps) in the middle. Lateral resolution is determined primarily by the aperture defined by the end elements, wherein a gap necessitated by spanning the patient's ribs can be accommodated. Multiple slices using these methods can be combined to form three-dimensional images.

Abstract translation: 描述了由单个全向换能器接收的回波产生二维图像的超声波扫描器和全向接收换能器的组合。 可以从附加传感器接收到的回波构建具有不同噪声分量的二维图像。 这些可以组合以产生具有更好的信噪比和横向分辨率的图像。 还公开了一种基于信息内容的方法，用于补偿通过中间组织的不同路径的不同延迟。 通过使用从失真探头移位的单个全向接收器来衰减镜面反射。 所公开的技术在医学成像中具有广泛的应用，但是理想地适用于使用两个或多个肋间空间的多孔心脏成像。 替代方法采用多个换能器来增加横向分辨率并降低噪声，并且包括在同一扫描平面中使用两个或更多个有源相控阵列换能器。 在该方法中，相位延迟被计算为使得换能器作为一个较大的相控阵列工作，其中间具有间隙（或间隙）。 侧向分辨率主要由端部元件限定的孔确定，其中可以容纳跨越患者肋骨所需的间隙。 可以组合使用这些方法的多个切片形成三维图像。

公开(公告)号：WO2012051305A2

公开(公告)日：2012-04-19

申请号：PCT/US2011/055973

申请日：2011-10-12

Applicant: MAU IMAGING, INC. ,  ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

Inventor： ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D.

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  G01N29/24 ,  H01B7/04

CPC classification number: A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  G01S7/52047 ,  G01S7/52079 ,  G01S15/8915 ,  G01S15/8927 ,  G10K11/004

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate physical apertures of ultrasound arrays. The probe can include separate backing plates configured to secure the ultrasound arrays in predetermined positions and orientations relative to one another. Some embodiments of the probe include flex circuit connected to the ultrasound arrays. In additional embodiments, a flex/PC board comprising flex connectors and an array of terminals is connected to the ultrasound arrays. Algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the probe apparatus to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract translation: 多孔超声成像（MAUI）探头或换能器独特地能够同时成像来自超声阵列的单独物理孔径的感兴趣区域。 探针可以包括单独的背板，其被构造成将超声阵列相对于彼此固定在预定的位置和方向上。 探针的一些实施例包括连接到超声阵列的柔性电路。 在另外的实施例中，包括柔性连接器和端子阵列的柔性/ PC板连接到超声阵列。 算法可以解决组织声速变化的问题，因此探头装置几乎可以用在身体内或身体上的任何地方。

公开(公告)号：WO2010120907A3

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：PCT/US2010/031067

申请日：2010-04-14

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING, INC. ,  SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  LUNSFORD, John, P.

Inventor： SPECHT, Donald, F. ,  BREWER, Kenneth, D. ,  SMITH, David, M. ,  ADAM, Sharon, L. ,  LUNSFORD, John, P.

IPC: A61B8/08 ,  G01N29/24

Abstract: Increasing the effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe by including more than one probe head and using the elements of all of the probes to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. A calibration fixture is described in which the probe assembly to be calibrated is placed above a test block and transmits ultrasonic pulses through the test block to an ultrasonic sensor. As the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted though some or all of the elements in the probe to be tested, the differential transit times of arrival of the waveform are measured precisely. From these measurements the relative positions of the probe elements can be computed and the probe can be aligned.

公开(公告)号：WO2011103303A8

公开(公告)日：2012-09-13

申请号：PCT/US2011025263

申请日：2011-02-17

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING INC ,  SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D

Inventor： SPECHT DONALD F ,  BREWER KENNETH D

IPC: A61B8/14

CPC classification number: A61B8/5246 ,  A61B8/14 ,  A61B8/145 ,  A61B8/4444 ,  A61B8/4455 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  A61B8/463 ,  A61B8/5207 ,  A61B8/5269 ,  G01S7/52049 ,  G01S15/8913 ,  G01S15/8927 ,  G01S15/8961 ,  G01S15/8977 ,  G01S15/8993 ,  G01S15/8997

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract translation: 多孔径超声成像系统和使用方法具有任意数量的特征。 在一些实施例中，多孔超声成像系统被配置为向独立的物理超声波孔径传送和接收超声能量。 在一些实施例中，多孔径超声成像系统的发射孔径被配置为透射通过目标区域近似于第一点源的全向未聚焦超声波。 在一些实施例中，用单个接收孔接收超声波能量。 在其他实施例中，超声能量被接收有多个接收孔。 描述了可组合由一个或多个接收孔径接收的回波以形成高分辨率超声图像的算法。 附加的算法可以解决组织声速的变化，从而允许超声系统实际上在身体中或身体上的任何地方使用。

公开(公告)号：WO2010120913A2

公开(公告)日：2010-10-21

申请号：PCT/US2010031075

申请日：2010-04-14

Applicant: MAUI IMAGING INC ,  SMITH DAVID M ,  ADAM SHARON L ,  SPECHT DONALD F ,  LUNSFORD JOHN P ,  BREWER KENNETH D

Inventor： SMITH DAVID M ,  ADAM SHARON L ,  SPECHT DONALD F ,  LUNSFORD JOHN P ,  BREWER KENNETH D

IPC: A61B8/08 ,  G01N29/24

CPC classification number: A61B8/4218 ,  A61B8/00 ,  A61B8/12 ,  A61B8/145 ,  A61B8/4254 ,  A61B8/4444 ,  A61B8/445 ,  A61B8/4455 ,  A61B8/4477 ,  A61B8/4488 ,  A61B8/4494 ,  A61B8/54 ,  G01S15/003 ,  G01S15/8929

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging (MAUI) probe or transducer is uniquely capable of simultaneous imaging of a region of interest from separate physical apertures. Construction of probes can vary by medical application. That is, a general radiology probe can contain multiple transducers that maintain separate physical points of contact with the patient's skin, allowing multiple physical apertures. A cardiac probe may contain only two transmitters and receivers where the probe fits simultaneously between two or more intracostal spaces. An intracavity version of the probe can space transmit and receive transducers along the length of the wand, while an intravenous version can allow transducers to be located on the distal length the catheter and separated by mere millimeters. Algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the probe apparatus to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract translation: 多孔超声成像（MAUI）探针或换能器独特地能够从单独的物理孔径同时成像感兴趣区域。 探针的构建因医疗应用而异。 也就是说，一般的放射学探针可以包含多个换能器，其保持与患者皮肤分开的物理接触点，允许多个物理孔径。 心脏探针可以仅包含两个发射器和接收器，其中探针同时在两个或更多个腔内空间之间配合。 探针的腔内版本可以沿着棒的长度放置发射和接收换能器，而静脉内的形式可以使换能器位于导管的远端长度上并且分开仅仅毫米。 算法可以解决声音组织速度的变化，从而允许探针设备实际上用于身体内部或身体的任何位置。