An ultrasound transducer device made by a process that includes the steps of forming depositing a first layer on a substrate, depositing a second layer on the first layer, patterning the second layer at a region corresponding to a location of a transducer cavity, depositing a third layer that refills regions created by patterning the second layer, planarizing the third layer to a top surface of the second layer, removing the second layer, conformally depositing a fourth layer over the first layer and the third layer, defining the transducer cavity in a support layer formed over the fourth layer; and bonding a membrane to the support layer.
Described herein are methods and systems for acquisition of patient information for ultrasound scans via barcode extraction. An ultrasound system may include an ultrasound device, a mobile device in operative communication with the ultrasound device, a processing device, and a cloud including one or more servers. The processing device may be configured to prompt for and receive selection of a barcode type, and prompt for and receive configuration of how to process barcode data, where the prompt is based on the selected barcode type The mobile device may be configured to download barcode settings from the cloud, perform an ultrasound scan on a patient in conjunction with the ultrasound device, scan a barcode associated with the patient, process the barcode data based on the downloaded barcode settings, and perform an electronic health record query based on data from the processed barcode.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
3.
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR MONITORING FETAL HEARTBEAT AND UTERINE CONTRACTION SIGNALS
An ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound device having a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers; and a smartphone or tablet in operative communication with the ultrasound device. The ultrasound system is configured to: collect multiple sets of ultrasound data from multiple regions within the subject; detect fetal heartbeat signals and uterine contraction signals; monitor a fetal heartbeat signal among the fetal heartbeat signals by automatically steering an ultrasound beam to a first region among the multiple regions within the subject to collect first further ultrasound data from the first region based on a quality of the fetal heartbeat signal; and monitor a uterine contraction signal among the uterine contraction signals by automatically steering the ultrasound beam to a second region among the multiple regions within the subject to collect second further ultrasound data from the second region based on a quality of the uterine contraction signal.
A variable current trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) for an ultrasound device is described. The TIA may be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer to amplify an output signal of the ultrasonic transducer representing an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasonic transducer. During acquisition of the ultrasound signal by the ultrasonic transducer, one or more current sources in the TIA may be varied.
H03F 3/16 - Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements with semiconductor devices only with field-effect devices
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
H03F 1/08 - Modifications of amplifiers to reduce detrimental influences of internal impedances of amplifying elements
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to built-in self-testing (BIST) of circuitry (e.g., a pulser or receive circuitry) and/or transducers in an ultrasound device. A BIST circuit may include a transconductance amplifier coupled between a pulser and receive circuitry, a capacitor network coupled between a pulser and receive circuitry, and/or a current source couplable to the input terminal of receive circuitry to which a transducer is also couplable. The collapse voltages of transducers may be characterized using BIST circuitry, and a bias voltage may be applied to the membranes of the transducers based at least in part on their collapse voltages. The capacitances of transducers may also be measured using BIST circuitry and a notification may be generated based on the sets of measurements.
H03K 5/24 - Circuits having more than one input and one output for comparing pulses or pulse trains with each other according to input signal characteristics, e.g. slope, integral the characteristic being amplitude
H03M 3/00 - Conversion of analogue values to or from differential modulation
6.
APPARATUSES AND METHODS FOR CONFIGURING ULTRASOUND DEVICES
Ultrasound devices are disclosed. The ultrasound devices have an elevational dimension. Different percentages of the aperture of the ultrasound device corresponding to different percentages of the elevational dimension are utilized in different applications. The resolution of imagine may be adjusted in connection with usage of different percentages of the aperture.
An ultrasonic transducer is described. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a membrane and a substrate disposed opposite the membrane such that a cavity is formed therebetween. The substrate comprises an electrode region and pedestals protruding from a surface of the substrate and having a height greater than a height of the electrode region, the pedestals being electrically isolated from the electrode region.
The systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional (3D) model of an imaging target of an ultrasound scan. In one aspect, an ultrasound device having a two-dimensional (2D) flat array of micromachined ultrasound transducers can utilize beam steering to take a series of ultrasound images at a range of angles along an axis. The images may be collected, analyzed and processed to generate a 3D model of the subject matter from the series of images. The system can then display, to a user, a view of the imaging target from a point of view other than the point of view at which the target was originally imaged.
The systems and methods for capturing images using ultrasound and in particular, systems that provide an ultrasound probe having a two-dimensional (2D) array of ultrasound transducers elements. The systems leverage the 2D array of transducer elements to achieve beam steering over the generated ultrasound signals. The system applies beam steering to generate multiple ultrasound signals which are, in sequence, transmitted across the elevational dimension of the 2D transducer array and at different angles of orientation. Each transmission in the sequence can be treated as a slice of a final image (whether still or video) that can be presented on a display. The final image is generated by image processing the multiple different slices of images to join the images slices together into a composite image. The joined images may be presented on a display to the user. Optionally, the joined images may be presented as a video of images made by sweeping the ultrasound beam over an anatomical target.
Micromachined ultrasonic transducers having pressure ports are described. The micromachined ultrasonic transducers may comprise flexible membranes configured to vibrate over a cavity. The cavity may be sealed, in some instances by the membrane itself. A pressure port may provide access to the cavity, and thus control of the cavity pressure. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device including an array of micromachined ultrasonic transducers is provided, with pressure ports for at least some of the ultrasonic transducers. The pressure ports may be used to control pressure across the array.
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
Ultrasound devices are described. The ultrasound devices may be flexibly configured to output a certain number of multilines per channel of ultrasound data and to process certain channels of ultrasound data per processing cycle. The ultrasound device may then be configured to either output more multilines per channel and process fewer channels per processing cycle, or output fewer multilines per channel and process more channels per processing cycle. In other words, the circuitry may be configured to change to a configuration with increased resolution and increased processing time or to a configuration with decreased resolution and decreased processing time.
Aspects of the technology described herein related to controlling, using control circuitry, modulation circuitry to modulate and delay first ultrasound data generated by first ultrasound transducers positioned at a first azimuthal position of an ultrasound transducer array of an ultrasound device and second ultrasound data generated by second ultrasound transducers positioned at a second azimuthal position of the ultrasound transducer array of the ultrasound device, such that the first ultrasound data is delayed by a first delay amount and the second ultrasound data is delayed by a second delay amount that is different from the first delay amount. The first and second ultrasound data received from the modulation circuitry may be filtered and summed. The ultrasound transducer array, the control circuitry, the modulation circuitry, the filtering circuitry, and the summing circuitry may be integrated onto a semiconductor chip or one or more semiconductor chips packaged together.
A method includes: determining, by a host device, a predetermined path including a first tilt from which a target anatomical view is available and a second tilt from which the target anatomical view is not available, where the predetermined path has a pivot of fewer than 180 degrees about an anatomical area; instructing, by the host device, an operator to pivot an ultrasound device along the predetermined path by displaying a display on the host device; receiving a first ultrasound image depicting the target anatomical view and a second ultrasound image not depicting the target anatomical view based on ultrasound data collected by the ultrasound device while pivoting along the predetermined path; and identifying that the first ultrasound image depicts the target anatomical view. The predetermined path is determined prior to collecting the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image.
A method of forming an ultrasonic transducer device includes forming and patterning a film stack over a substrate, the film stack comprising a metal electrode layer and a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) stop layer formed over the metal electrode layer; forming an insulation layer over the patterned film stack; planarizing the insulation layer to the CMP stop layer; measuring a remaining thickness of the CMP stop layer; and forming a membrane support layer over the patterned film stack, wherein the membrane support layer is formed at thickness dependent upon the measured remaining thickness of the CMP stop layer, such that a combined thickness of the CMP stop layer and the membrane support layer corresponds to a desired transducer cavity depth.
To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and a high-speed serial data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. Various novel waveform generation techniques, transducer configuration and biasing methodologies, etc., are likewise disclosed. HIFU methods may additionally or alternatively be employed as a component of the “ultrasound-on-a-chip” solution disclosed herein.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to receiving an ultrasound image, automatically determining a location of a specific point on an anatomical structure depicted in the ultrasound image, and displaying an indicator of the location of the specific point on the anatomical structure on the ultrasound image. In some embodiments, the anatomical structure is a bladder. In some embodiments, the specific point is the centroid. In some embodiments, a statistical model determines the specific point. The indicator may be, for example, a symbol located at the specific point, a horizontal line extending through the specific point from one edge of the anatomical structure to another, and/or a vertical line extending through the specific point from one edge of the anatomical structure to another.
Systems that include an array of ultrasound transducers divided into two or more sub-arrays where for example, a one or two dimensional array, with a long axis in a lateral direction, may be divided in half. The system may include a different beamformer for each sub-array. Each sub-array may define independent and spatially separated sub-apertures. The spatial separation of the two sub-apertures allows for aperture compounding to reduce speckle because the received ultrasound waves at each sub-aperture are propagating in a different direction with respect to each other. This may allow the point spread function for the ultrasound signals corresponding to each sub-aperture to be decorrelated for reducing speckle. The speckle can be reduced by averaging the ultrasound signal from each of the sub-apertures, and a higher resolution can be maintained by also using the signal from the full aperture.
An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe and a mobile device in operative communication with each other. The ultrasound probe includes three buttons—an up button, a center button, and a down button—disposed on the external housing. The mobile device may be configured to receive an indication from the ultrasound probe of a double press of the center button when the mobile device is displaying a scan screen. Based on the double press of the center button, the mobile device may be configured to display a button function configuration menu on the scan screen, receive a selection from the button function configuration menu of a button function configuration, receive an indication of a single press of the up button or the down button, and perform an action in accordance with the single press of the up button or the down button and the button function configuration.
Aspects of the technology described herein include a processing device configured to display, on a touch-sensitive display screen of a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device, an ultrasound image, a movable measurement tool, and an icon that maintains a fixed distance from a portion of the measurement tool. The icon may be configured to modify the measurement tool, and the icon may not overlap the measurement tool.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to built-in self-testing (BIST) of circuitry (e.g., a pulser or receive circuitry) and/or transducers in an ultrasound device. A BIST circuit may include a transconductance amplifier coupled between a pulser and receive circuitry, a capacitor network coupled between a pulser and receive circuitry, and/or a current source couplable to the input terminal of receive circuitry to which a transducer is also couplable. The collapse voltages of transducers may be characterized using BIST circuitry, and a bias voltage may be applied to the membranes of the transducers based at least in part on their collapse voltages. The capacitances of transducers may also be measured using BIST circuitry and a notification may be generated based on the sets of measurements.
H03K 5/24 - Circuits having more than one input and one output for comparing pulses or pulse trains with each other according to input signal characteristics, e.g. slope, integral the characteristic being amplitude
H03M 3/00 - Conversion of analogue values to or from differential modulation
21.
CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK FOR IDENTIFICATION OF ANATOMICAL LANDMARK
A method includes: obtaining an ultrasound image of an anatomical area from an ultrasound imaging device; inputting the ultrasound image into a first stage of a convolutional neural network, the first stage configured to determine key-point locations of the anatomical area; generating, for each of the key-point locations, a cropped region of the ultrasound image; inputting each of the cropped regions into a second stage of the convolutional neural network, the second stage configured to locate an anatomical landmark of the anatomical area; and outputting a location of the anatomical landmark.
G06F 18/2413 - Classification techniques relating to the classification model, e.g. parametric or non-parametric approaches based on distances to training or reference patterns
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
The systems and methods, in one embodiment, include a convolutional neural network (CNN) model trained by a modified version of the CycleGAN process. The CNN filters ultrasound images generated by a handheld ultrasound device to generate images that are perceptually similar to images generated by a cart-based ultrasound device in terms of quality. The resulting images look sharper and less noisy compared to the original inputs. The invention is a tool within the actions menu of a mobile app. When the tool is open, users can turn filtering on and off. The users will turn filtering on to reduce noise so they can reach the right scanning spot faster. After which because of body habitus, still there might be some noise that this tool can clean up. The user can then decide to have the filtering on or off during the diagnostic process.
A graphical user interface displayed by a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device may include a preset filter option that provides an easy way to switch between different presets which belong to a preset family. The user uses the preset filter feature to cycle through the different presets in the family while remaining on the same screen that is showing ultrasound images collected in real time. The imaging depth remains the same while the user is using the preset filter feature to select the preset within a family Other settings such as time-gain compensation may not remain the same when cycling between presets. The preset filter feature allows a user to continuously view and assess the ultrasound images being collected in real time while cycling through the presets in the family.
An ultrasound-on-a-chip device has an ultrasonic transducer substrate with plurality of transducer cells, and an electrical substrate. For each transducer cell, one or more conductive bond connections are disposed between the ultrasonic transducer substrate and the electrical substrate. Examples of electrical substrates include CMOS chips, integrated circuits including analog circuits, interposers and printed circuit boards.
H10N 30/05 - Manufacture of multilayered piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices, or parts thereof, e.g. by stacking piezoelectric bodies and electrodes
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
H05K 3/36 - Assembling printed circuits with other printed circuits
H10N 30/87 - Electrodes or interconnections, e.g. leads or terminals
25.
Trans-impedance amplifier for ultrasound device and related apparatus and methods
A variable current trans-impedance amplifier (TIA) for an ultrasound device is described. The TIA may be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer to amplify an output signal of the ultrasonic transducer representing an ultrasound signal received by the ultrasonic transducer. During acquisition of the ultrasound signal by the ultrasonic transducer, one or more current sources in the TIA may be varied.
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
H03F 1/08 - Modifications of amplifiers to reduce detrimental influences of internal impedances of amplifying elements
H03F 3/16 - Amplifiers with only discharge tubes or only semiconductor devices as amplifying elements with semiconductor devices only with field-effect devices
CMOS Ultrasonic Transducers and processes for making such devices are described. The processes may include forming cavities on a first wafer and bonding the first wafer to a second wafer. The second wafer may be processed to form a membrane for the cavities. Electrical access to the cavities may be provided.
B81C 1/00 - Manufacture or treatment of devices or systems in or on a substrate
G10K 9/12 - Devices in which sound is produced by vibrating a diaphragm or analogous element, e.g. fog horns, vehicle hooters or buzzers electrically operated
G10K 11/18 - Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
27.
Anti-stiction bottom cavity surface for micromachined ultrasonic transducer devices
An ultrasound transducer device made by a process that includes the steps of forming depositing a first layer on a substrate, depositing a second layer on the first layer, patterning the second layer at a region corresponding to a location of a transducer cavity, depositing a third layer that refills regions created by patterning the second layer, planarizing the third layer to a top surface of the second layer, removing the second layer, conformally depositing a fourth layer over the first layer and the third layer, defining the transducer cavity in a support layer formed over the fourth layer; and bonding a membrane to the support layer.
Ergonomic attachments for a handheld ultrasound probe are described herein. An attachment assembly includes a plate-shaped member that includes a passage configured to accommodate the handheld ultrasound probe such that when the plate-shaped member is inserted in the attachment assembly, a portion of a transducer head of the handheld ultrasound probe protrudes from the plate-shaped member. Another attachment assembly includes a shell that attaches to the handheld ultrasound probe and partially covers the handheld ultrasound probe, and strap anchors that are each connected to the shell and are disposed at opposite ends of the shell. Another attachment includes a curved bar that is continuous between a proximal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a first location of the handheld ultrasound probe and a distal attachment flange, of the curved bar, that attaches to a second location of the handheld ultrasound probe.
Aspects of the technology described herein related to controlling, using control circuitry, modulation circuitry to modulate and delay first ultrasound data generated by first ultrasound transducers positioned at a first azimuthal position of an ultrasound transducer array of an ultrasound device and second ultrasound data generated by second ultrasound transducers positioned at a second azimuthal position of the ultrasound transducer array of the ultrasound device, such that the first ultrasound data is delayed by a first delay amount and the second ultrasound data is delayed by a second delay amount that is different from the first delay amount. The first and second ultrasound data received from the modulation circuitry may be filtered and summed. The ultrasound transducer array, the control circuitry, the modulation circuitry, the filtering circuitry, and the summing circuitry may be integrated onto a semiconductor chip or one or more semiconductor chips packaged together.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for calculating, during imaging, a quality of a sequence of images collected during the imaging. Calculating the quality of the sequence of images may include calculating a probability that a medical professional would use a given image for clinical evaluation and a confidence that an automated analysis segmentation performed on the given image is correct. Techniques described herein also include receiving a trigger to perform an automatic measurement on a sequence of images, calculating a quality of the sequence of images, determining whether the quality of the sequence of images exceeds a threshold quality, and performing the automatic measurement on the sequence of images based on determining that the quality of the sequence of images exceeds the threshold quality.
An ultrasound device includes: ultrasonic transducer cavities; a membrane comprising a silicon layer that seals the ultrasonic transducer cavities; electrode regions configured to control vibration of the membrane; and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) substrate including integrated circuitry that is electrically coupled to the electrode regions. The ultrasonic transducer cavities are disposed between the membrane and the integrated circuitry along a vertical direction of the ultrasound device.
An ultrasound transducer device includes an electrode, a membrane separated from the electrode by a cavity between the membrane and the electrode, a patterned membrane support layer that defines a size and shape of the cavity and that is disposed between the electrode and the membrane, and vias that electrically connect the electrode to a substrate. The vias are disposed in the ultrasound transducer device such that less than 50% of the vias overlap with a support surface of the patterned membrane support layer, in a plan view.
An ultrasound system may include an ultrasound device that includes a first wired communication module and a first wireless communication module. The ultrasound system may further include a processing device that includes a second wired communication module and a second wireless communication module. The processing device may pair with the ultrasound device over a wireless connection using the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module. The processing device may further indicate a wireless connection on a display screen of the processing device. The processing device may further conduct an ultrasound imaging session over the wireless connection. The processing device may further determine that a cable has been connected between the ultrasound device and the processing device. The processing device may further terminate the wireless connection with the ultrasound device. The processing device may further indicate a wired connection on the display screen of the processing device.
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
34.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING ULTRASOUND OPERATIONS USING MACHINE LEARNING AND/OR NON-GUI INTERACTIONS
A method may include transmitting, using a transducer array, an acoustic signal to an anatomical region of a subject. The method may further include generating ultrasound data based on a reflected signal from the anatomical region in response to transmitting the acoustic signal. The method may further include determining ultrasound angular data using the ultrasound data and various angular bins for a predetermined sector. The method may further include determining a number of predicted B -lines in an ultrasound image using a machine-learning model and the ultrasound angular data. A respective angular bin among the angular bins may correspond to a predetermined sector angle of the ultrasound image. The method may further include determining, in response to determining the number of predicted B-lines, an ultrasound image that identifies the number of predicted B-lines within the ultrasound image.
An ultrasound system may be used for performing an ultrasound imaging exam. The ultrasound system may include an ultrasound imaging device. The ultrasound system may further include a processing device in operative communication with the ultrasound imaging device. The ultrasound system may automatically capture or receive a voice command to capture a clinically relevant ultrasound image.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G10L 15/22 - Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialog
A processing device, that communicates with an ultrasound device, includes: a display screen; a memory that stores presets, where each preset includes one or more modes used to control the ultrasound device and one or more tools to analyze ultrasound data from the ultrasound device; and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to: operate the ultrasound device using a first preset; generate ultrasound images using ultrasound data from the ultrasound device, where the ultrasound images include a first portion of the ultrasound images that are imaging frames acquired with the first preset and a second portion of the ultrasound images that are search frames acquired with a search preset; display the imaging frames of the first portion on the display screen; identify an anatomical feature in the search frames using a deep learning model; select a target preset based on the identified anatomical feature.
An ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound transducer stack, an acoustic lens, and an acoustic coupling layer between the acoustic lens and the ultrasound transducer stack. The transducer stack includes one or more ultrasound transducers emitting an acoustic signal and the acoustic lens focuses the acoustic signal. The acoustic coupling layer has a speed of sound that is higher than a speed of sound in the acoustic lens, and the acoustic coupling layer has a thickness between a quarter and half a wavelength of the acoustic signal.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
G10K 11/02 - Mechanical acoustic impedancesImpedance matching, e.g. by hornsAcoustic resonators
G10K 11/168 - Plural layers of different materials, e.g. sandwiches
G10K 11/30 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using refraction, e.g. acoustic lenses
A cable connection for an ultrasonic imaging device having a bi-stable removal force. The cable may include a latch that selectively engages a surface on the ultrasonic imaging device. When the latch is engaged, the cable may be retained in the ultrasonic imaging device with high force and when the latch is disengaged, the cable may be removed with low force.
The present disclosure provides an ultrasound device including thermal dissipation features. The ultrasound device is an ultrasound probe in some situations and includes thermal dissipation features allowing for increased runtime at higher power consumption rates. The thermal dissipation features include an interposer with thermal vias, a heat spreader, a heat sink, a single piece probe housing, and a chassis, or various combinations of such features.
An ultrasound probe includes an ultrasound transducer stack comprising one or more ultrasound transducers emitting an acoustic signal, and an acoustic window passing the acoustic signal. The acoustic window is composed of a butadiene-based compound. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic window is made of butadiene rubber. Butadiene rubber has acoustic characteristics that may be suitable for acoustic windows, as subsequently discussed. Specifically, the use of butadiene rubber may result in desirable acoustic attenuation, acoustic velocity and acoustic impedance.
Aspects of the technology described herein include a processing device configured to display, on a touch-sensitive display screen of a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device, an ultrasound image, a movable measurement tool, and an icon that maintains a fixed distance from a portion of the measurement tool. The icon may be configured to modify the measurement tool, and the icon may not overlap the measurement tool.
Described herein are methods and systems for acquisition of patient information for ultrasound scans via barcode extraction. An ultrasound system may include an ultrasound device, a mobile device in operative communication with the ultrasound device, a processing device, and a cloud including one or more servers. The processing device may be configured to prompt for and receive selection of a barcode type, and prompt for and receive configuration of how to process barcode data, where the prompt is based on the selected barcode type The mobile device may be configured to download barcode settings from the cloud, perform an ultrasound scan on a patient in conjunction with the ultrasound device, scan a barcode associated with the patient, process the barcode data based on the downloaded barcode settings, and perform an electronic health record query based on data from the processed barcode.
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
G16H 40/20 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
43.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ULTRASOUND IMAGING PROFICIENCY MANAGEMENT, QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW, AND ANALYTICS
An ultrasound system is configured to receive a selection of ultrasound imaging proficiency requirements for a user, where the proficiency requirements include a threshold number of ultrasound exams of a particular ultrasound exam type. The ultrasound system is further configured to perform an ultrasound exam, receive a selection of the user and the exam type to associate with the ultrasound exam, determine whether to count the ultrasound exam towards fulfilling the user's proficiency requirements, and determine whether the user's proficiency requirements have been fulfilled. Based on determining that the user's proficiency requirements have been fulfilled, the ultrasound system is configured to display an indication that the user's proficiency requirements have been fulfilled. Based on determining that the user's proficiency requirements have not been fulfilled, the ultrasound system is configured to display an indication of the user's progress towards fulfilling the proficiency requirements.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
G16H 50/20 - ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data miningICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems
44.
Methods and apparatuses for guiding collection of ultrasound images
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to receiving an ultrasound image, automatically determining a location of a specific point on an anatomical structure depicted in the ultrasound image, and displaying an indicator of the location of the specific point on the anatomical structure on the ultrasound image. In some embodiments, the anatomical structure is a bladder. In some embodiments, the specific point is the centroid. In some embodiments, a statistical model determines the specific point. The indicator may be, for example, a symbol located at the specific point, a horizontal line extending through the specific point from one edge of the anatomical structure to another, and/or a vertical line extending through the specific point from one edge of the anatomical structure to another.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to operator processing devices and instructor processing device for tele-medicine. The instructor processing device may be configured to receive, from an instruction interface, a selection of an instruction for moving an ultrasound device. The operator processing device may be configured to determine a pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device. The instructor processing device and the operator processing device may be configured to display in an operator video, based on the pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device and based on the selected instruction, a directional indicator for moving the ultrasound device. The instructor processing device may also be configured to display, based on the pose of the ultrasound device relative to the operator processing device, orientation indicators in the instruction interface and/or the operator video.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
G16H 40/67 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilitiesICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for remote operation
G06T 19/20 - Editing of 3D images, e.g. changing shapes or colours, aligning objects or positioning parts
46.
Methods and apparatuses for ultrasound imaging of lungs
An apparatus includes a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device. The processing device is configured to: receive a user selection of a lung imaging preset option and a user-selected imaging depth for the ultrasound device; define a threshold imaging depth based on a shallow lung imaging mode and a deep lung imaging mode (the threshold imaging depth is between approximately 4 cm and 8 cm); after receiving the user selection of the user-selected imaging depth, compare the user-selected imaging depth with the threshold imaging depth; and automatically configure the ultrasound device to switch between the shallow lung imaging mode and deep lung imaging mode, depending upon a result of the comparison of the user-selected imaging depth with the threshold imaging depth.
An ultrasound device may change from a default mode to a power save mode by modifying parameter values of ultrasound circuitry in the ultrasound device. Modifying the parameter values may include controlling bias generators to reduce bias currents supplied to amplifiers in receive circuitry, controlling multiplexing circuitry to increase the number of the ultrasound transducers coupled to transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) and controlling other TIAs to turn off, controlling amplifiers and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to turn off, and/or controlling a waveform generator to decrease a frame rate of ultrasound imaging performed by the ultrasound device. There may be different power save modes for different anatomical region types.
A processing device is coupled to a single ultrasound device having a single array of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs). The processing device generates a graphical user interface (GUI) having user selectable GUI menu options corresponding to respective ultrasound operating modes for the single ultrasound device having the single ultrasound transducer array. The user-selectable GUI menu options include GUI menu options labeled as representing an ultrasound operating mode for musculoskeletal imaging, breast imaging, carotid imaging, vascular imaging, and abdominal imaging, respectively. The processing device further receives, via the GUI, user input indicating selection of one of the ultrasound operating modes, and in response to receiving the user input, provides an indication to the single ultrasound device having the single array of CMUTs to operate in the selected ultrasound operating mode.
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to apparatuses and methods for performing elevational beamforming of ultrasound data. Elevational beamforming may be implemented by different types of control circuitry. Certain control circuitry may be configured to control memory such that ultrasound data from different elevational channels is summed with stored ultrasound data in the memory that was collected at different times. Certain control circuitry may be configured to control a decimator to decimate ultrasound data from different elevational channels with different phases. Certain control circuitry may be configured to control direct digital synthesis circuitry to add a different phase offset to complex signals generated by the DDS circuitry for multiplying with ultrasound data from different elevational channels.
An ultrasound transducer device includes: a first insulating layer formed on a first integrated circuit substrate; a second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer; a third insulating layer formed on the second insulating layer, and a second substrate bonded to the first integrated circuit. A first cavity is formed in the third insulating layer. The second substrate is bonded to the first integrated circuit such that the first cavity is sealed.
A graphical user interface displayed by a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device may include a preset filter option that provides an easy way to switch between different presets which belong to a preset family. The user uses the preset filter feature to cycle through the different presets in the family while remaining on the same screen that is showing ultrasound images collected in real time. The imaging depth remains the same while the user is using the preset filter feature to select the preset within a family. Other settings such as time-gain compensation may not remain the same when cycling between presets. The preset filter feature allows a user to continuously view and assess the ultrasound images being collected in real time while cycling through the presets in the family.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automatically updating scan patterns used during ultrasound imaging. A handheld ultrasound system may include an ultrasound device with a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers, and a smartphone or tablet that configures the ultrasound device to obtain a first ultrasound image frame using a scan pattern defining an acoustic beam. The system then updates the scan pattern to optimize a view of the desired anatomy. When the system is operating in cardiac imaging mode, the scan pattern may be updated by adjusting the azimuthal tilt and/or the elevational tilt of the acoustic beam. When the system is operating in lung imaging mode, the scan pattern may be updated by adjusting the elevational tilt and/or the translation of the aperture of the array of ultrasound transducers. The system then configures the ultrasound device to obtain a second ultrasound image frame using the updated scan pattern.
A method of forming an ultrasonic transducer device involves depositing a first layer on a substrate, depositing a second layer on the first layer, patterning the second layer at a region corresponding to a location of a transducer cavity, depositing a third layer that refills regions created by patterning the second layer, planarizing the third layer to a top surface of the second layer, removing the second layer, conformally depositing a fourth layer over the first layer and the third layer, defining the transducer cavity in a support layer formed over the fourth layer; and bonding a membrane to the support layer.
A graphical user interface displayed by a processing device in operative communication with an ultrasound device may include a preset filter option that provides an easy way to switch between different presets which belong to a preset family. The user uses the preset filter feature to cycle through the different presets in the family while remaining on the same screen that is showing ultrasound images collected in real time. The imaging depth remains the same while the user is using the preset filter feature to select the preset within a family. Other settings such as time-gain compensation may not remain the same when cycling between presets. The preset filter feature allows a user to continuously view and assess the ultrasound images being collected in real time while cycling through the presets in the family.
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automatically updating scan patterns used during ultrasound imaging. A handheld ultrasound system may include an ultrasound device with a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers, and a smartphone or tablet that configures the ultrasound device to obtain a first ultrasound image frame using a scan pattern defining an acoustic beam. The system then updates the scan pattern to optimize a view of the desired anatomy. When the system is operating in cardiac imaging mode, the scan pattern may be updated by adjusting the azimuthal tilt and/or the elevational tilt of the acoustic beam. When the system is operating in lung imaging mode, the scan pattern may be updated by adjusting the elevational tilt and/or the translation of the aperture of the array of ultrasound transducers. The system then configures the ultrasound device to obtain a second ultrasound image frame using the updated scan pattern.
An ultrasonic transducer device includes a patterned film stack disposed on first regions of a substrate, the patterned film stack including a metal electrode layer and a bottom cavity layer formed on the metal electrode layer. The ultrasonic transducer device further includes a planarized insulation layer disposed on second regions of the substrate layer, a cavity formed in a membrane support layer and a CMP stop layer, the CMP stop layer including a top layer of the patterned film stack and the membrane support layer formed over the patterned film stack and the planarized insulation layer. The ultrasonic transducer device also includes a membrane bonded to the membrane support layer. The CMP stop layer underlies portions of the membrane support layer but not the cavity.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for guiding an operator to use an ultrasound device. Thereby, operators with little or no experience operating ultrasound devices may capture medically relevant ultrasound images and/or interpret the contents of the obtained ultrasound images. For example, some of the techniques disclosed herein may be used to identify a particular anatomical view of a subject to image with an ultrasound device, guide an operator of the ultrasound device to capture an ultrasound image of the subject that contains the particular anatomical view, and/or analyze the captured ultrasound image to identify medical information about the subject.
G06F 18/2413 - Classification techniques relating to the classification model, e.g. parametric or non-parametric approaches based on distances to training or reference patterns
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06T 11/60 - Editing figures and textCombining figures or text
G06T 19/00 - Manipulating 3D models or images for computer graphics
G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
G06V 30/194 - References adjustable by an adaptive method, e.g. learning
G06V 40/60 - Static or dynamic means for assisting the user to position a body part for biometric acquisition
A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
58.
Methods and apparatuses for monitoring fetal heartbeat and uterine contraction signals
An ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound device having a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers; and a smartphone or tablet in operative communication with the ultrasound device. The ultrasound system is configured to: collect multiple sets of ultrasound data from multiple regions within the subject; detect fetal heartbeat signals and uterine contraction signals; monitor a fetal heartbeat signal among the fetal heartbeat signals by automatically steering an ultrasound beam to a first region among the multiple regions within the subject to collect first further ultrasound data from the first region based on a quality of the fetal heartbeat signal; and monitor a uterine contraction signal among the uterine contraction signals by automatically steering the ultrasound beam to a second region among the multiple regions within the subject to collect second further ultrasound data from the second region based on a quality of the uterine contraction signal.
A universal ultrasound device having an ultrasound probe includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of ultrasonic transducers integrated on the semiconductor die, the plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to operate a first mode associated with a first frequency range and a second mode associated with a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range is at least partially non-overlapping with the second frequency range; and control circuitry configured to: control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the first frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the first mode; and control the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to generate and/or detect ultrasound signals having frequencies in the second frequency range, in response to receiving an indication to operate the ultrasound probe in the second mode.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to ultrasound device circuitry as may form part of a single substrate ultrasound device having integrated ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasound device circuitry may facilitate the generation of ultrasound waveforms in a manner that is power- and data-efficient.
G01S 7/52 - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
G10K 11/34 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
H03K 5/13 - Arrangements having a single output and transforming input signals into pulses delivered at desired time intervals
B06B 1/02 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy
H03K 5/00 - Manipulation of pulses not covered by one of the other main groups of this subclass
A hand-held ultrasound device, for placement on a subject, includes a semiconductor device and a housing to support the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; a plurality of pulsers coupled to the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; a plurality of waveform generators configured to drive the plurality of pulsers; receive processing circuitry configured to process ultrasound signals received by the plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements; and a plurality of independently controllable registers configured to store a plurality of different parameters for the waveform generators.
Ultrasound devices are disclosed. The ultrasound devices have an elevational dimension. Different percentages of the aperture of the ultrasound device corresponding to different percentages of the elevational dimension are utilized in different applications. The resolution of imagine may be adjusted in connection with usage of different percentages of the aperture.
H03K 17/687 - Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and -breaking characterised by the use of specified components by the use, as active elements, of semiconductor devices the devices being field-effect transistors
63.
Apparatuses and methods for configuring ultrasound devices
Ultrasound devices are disclosed. The ultrasound devices have an elevational dimension. Different percentages of the aperture of the ultrasound device corresponding to different percentages of the elevational dimension are utilized in different applications. The resolution of imagine may be adjusted in connection with usage of different percentages of the aperture.
An ultrasound transducer device includes an electrode, a membrane, and vias. The membrane is separated from the electrode by a cavity between the membrane and the electrode. The vias electrically connect the electrode to a substrate disposed on an opposite side of the electrode from a side facing the membrane. The vias are disposed in the ultrasound transducer device such that greater than 50% of the vias overlap with the cavity in a plan view.
Technology for guiding a user to collect clinically usable ultrasound images is described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device may automatically change the elevational steering angle of its ultrasound beam (e.g., using beamforming) in order to collect ultrasound data from different imaging planes within the subject. A processing device in operative communication with the ultrasound device may select one of the collected ultrasound images based on its quality (e.g., select the ultrasound image having the highest quality), and then continue to collect ultrasound images using the elevational steering angle at which the selected ultrasound image was collected.
Technology for guiding a user to collect clinically usable ultrasound images is described. In some embodiments, an ultrasound device may automatically change the elevational steering angle of its ultrasound beam (e.g., using beamforming) in order to collect ultrasound data from different imaging planes within the subject. A processing device in operative communication with the ultrasound device may select one of the collected ultrasound images based on its quality (e.g., select the ultrasound image having the highest quality), and then continue to collect ultrasound images using the elevational steering angle at which the selected ultrasound image was collected.
To implement a single-chip ultrasonic imaging solution, on-chip signal processing may be employed in the receive signal path to reduce data bandwidth and an output data module may be used to move data for all received channels off-chip as a digital data stream. The digitization of received signals on-chip allows advanced digital signal processing to be performed on-chip, and thus permits the full integration of an entire ultrasonic imaging system on a single semiconductor substrate. The on-chip digitization of received signals also enables the on-chip integration of ultrasound processing and/or pre-processing to reduce the burden on off-chip computing. Data compression architectures are disclosed to facilitate the transfer of data off-chip as a digital data stream in accordance with the bandwidth requirements of standard commercially-available output interfaces.
Aspects of the present application provide methods and apparatus for directing operation of an ultrasound device. Some aspects provide various instructions to a user of the ultrasound device, automatically detect when the user has completed a step based on ultrasound images collected by the ultrasound device, and automatically transitioning to providing an instruction for a following step. The instructions may relate to positioning of the ultrasound device and application of an ultrasound coupling medium, in some embodiments.
Aspects of the present application provide methods and apparatus for directing operation of an ultrasound device. Some aspects provide various instructions to a user of the ultrasound device, automatically detect when the user has completed a step based on ultrasound images collected by the ultrasound device, and automatically transitioning to providing an instruction for a following step. The instructions may relate to positioning of the ultrasound device and application of an ultrasound coupling medium, in some embodiments.
Aspects of the disclosure described herein related to packaging an ultrasound-on-a-chip. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an ultrasound-on-a-chip that has through-silicon vias (TSVs) and an interposer coupled to the ultrasound-on-a-chip and including vias, where the ultrasound-on-a-chip is coupled to the interposer such that the TSVs in the ultrasound-on-a-chip are electrically connected to the vias in the interposer. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an ultrasound-on-a-chip having bond pads, an interposer that has bond pads and that is coupled to the ultrasound-on-a-chip, and wirebonds extending from the bond pads on the ultrasound-on-a-chip to the bond pads on the interposer.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A method includes: determining, by a host device, a predetermined path including a first tilt from which a target anatomical view is available and a second tilt from which the target anatomical view is not available, where the predetermined path has a pivot of fewer than 180 degrees about an anatomical area; instructing, by the host device, an operator to pivot an ultrasound device along the predetermined path by displaying a display on the host device; receiving a first ultrasound image depicting the target anatomical view and a second ultrasound image not depicting the target anatomical view based on ultrasound data collected by the ultrasound device while pivoting along the predetermined path; and identifying that the first ultrasound image depicts the target anatomical view. The predetermined path is determined prior to collecting the first ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to techniques for calculating, during imaging, a quality of a sequence of images collected during the imaging. Calculating the quality of the sequence of images may include calculating a probability that a medical professional would use a given image for clinical evaluation and a confidence that an automated analysis segmentation performed on the given image is correct. Techniques described herein also include receiving a trigger to perform an automatic measurement on a sequence of images, calculating a quality of the sequence of images, determining whether the quality of the sequence of images exceeds a threshold quality, and performing the automatic measurement on the sequence of images based on determining that the quality of the sequence of images exceeds the threshold quality.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
44 - Medical, veterinary, hygienic and cosmetic services; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for medical imaging and for
use with medical imaging equipment, namely, software for
analyzing, processing, and displaying medical images;
downloadable computer software for medical imaging and for
use with medical imaging equipment, namely, software for
analyzing, processing, and displaying images on medical
imaging machines; downloadable software for displaying,
recording, and analyzing medical data for diagnosis;
downloadable medical informatics software used to manage
radiology operations and to connect outpatient workflow to
enterprise imaging used by healthcare providers to support
the imaging business; downloadable medical imaging software
used by healthcare professionals accessed through the
electronic health record, mobile or web platforms, to view
images and reports for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, and
patient care coordination, enabling secure, easy-to-manage
access to the complete patient imaging record throughout the
healthcare enterprise; downloadable computer software for
use in image depiction in telemedicine; accessories for
medical diagnostic imaging apparatuses, namely, electric
cords used therewith; downloadable medical imaging software
used for three-dimensional image visualization and analysis
used by healthcare providers, namely, radiologists,
cardiologists, surgeons, physician assistants, technologists
and nurses for supporting diagnosis, treatment, planning and
care of patients; downloadable medical imaging software for
capturing, storing, managing, viewing, interpreting and
sharing images and their associated objects, namely,
reports, documents and notes, within a healthcare
enterprise. Medical diagnostic imaging apparatus incorporating medical
imaging software; accessories for medical diagnostic imaging
apparatuses, namely, fitted cases and holsters; medical
devices and apparatus for medical imaging in the field of
diagnostics and treatment; medical diagnostic imaging
apparatus incorporating downloadable or recorded medical
imaging software; medical devices and apparatus for medical
imaging in the field of diagnostics and treatment. Providing a website featuring non-downloadable publications
in the nature of articles on topics related to medical
devices, medical imaging, and medical technology (term
considered too vague by the International Bureau - Rule 13
(2) (b) of the Regulations); education, namely, conducting
classes and seminars related to ultrasound and medical
imaging and use of imaging devices; education services,
namely, providing webinars and training content on operation
medical devices, medical imaging, and medical technology;
teaching and training services, namely, online courses,
classes, lessons, and seminars related to the use and
operation of medical devices, medical imaging, and medical
technology. Providing online non-downloadable computer software for
medical imaging and for use with medical imaging equipment,
namely, providing online non-downloadable software for
analyzing, processing, and displaying images on medical
imaging machines; providing online non-downloadable software
for displaying, recording, and analyzing medical data for
diagnosis; providing online non-downloadable medical imaging
software used for three-dimensional image visualization and
analysis used by healthcare providers, namely, radiologists,
cardiologists, surgeons, physician assistants, technologists
and nurses for supporting diagnosis, treatment, planning and
care of patients; providing online non-downloadable medical
imaging software for capturing, storing, managing, viewing,
interpreting and sharing images and their associated
objects, namely, reports, documents and notes, within a
healthcare enterprise; providing online non-downloadable
computer software featuring education and instructional
content relating to the operation of medical devices,
medical imaging, and medical technology and use of imaging
devices. Providing a website featuring medical and health information
about radiology, medical imaging, and ultrasound technology
and techniques (term considered too vague by the
International Bureau - Rule 13 (2) (b) of the Regulations);
providing an on-line computer database featuring medical and
health information in the field of radiology, medical
imaging, and ultrasound technology and techniques (term
considered too vague by the International Bureau - Rule 13
(2) (b) of the Regulations).
77.
Universal ultrasound device and related apparatus and methods
A system comprising a multi-modal ultrasound probe configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes associated with a respective plurality of configuration profiles; and a computing device coupled to the handheld multi-modal ultrasound probe and configured to, in response to receiving input indicating an operating mode selected by a user, cause the multi-modal ultrasound probe to operate in the selected operating mode.
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
78.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COHERENCE IMAGING IN OBTAINING ULTRASOUND IMAGES
A system for coherence imaging may receive ultrasound signals each having a respective delay associated with a respective ultrasonic transducer element in an ultrasonic transducer array. The system may obtain an approximation of the auto-correlation of ultrasound signals without any auto-correlation calculation, and determine the output image based on the approximation. In approximating the auto-correlation, the system may group the ultrasound signals into multiple portions, each corresponding to a respective sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer array. The system may determine a coherent sum of signals for each sub-aperture, perform a square operation or magnitude square operation over the coherent sum to obtain resulting data, normalize the resulting data, and sum the resulting data for all of the sub-apertures to generate the output image. A sub-aperture in the plurality of sub-apertures may overlap with another sub-aperture.
A system for coherence imaging may receive ultrasound signals each having a respective delay associated with a respective ultrasonic transducer element in an ultrasonic transducer array. The system may obtain an approximation of the auto-correlation of ultrasound signals without any auto-correlation calculation, and determine the output image based on the approximation. In approximating the auto-correlation, the system may group the ultrasound signals into multiple portions, each corresponding to a respective sub-aperture of a plurality of sub-apertures of the ultrasonic transducer array. The system may determine a coherent sum of signals for each sub-aperture, perform a square operation or magnitude square operation over the coherent sum to obtain resulting data, normalize the resulting data, and sum the resulting data for all of the sub-apertures to generate the output image. A sub-aperture in the plurality of sub-apertures may overlap with another sub-aperture.
Ultrasound devices are described. The ultrasound devices may be flexibly configured to output a certain number of multilines per channel of ultrasound data and to process certain channels of ultrasound data per processing cycle. The ultrasound device may then be configured to either output more multilines per channel and process fewer channels per processing cycle, or output fewer multilines per channel and process more channels per processing cycle. In other words, the circuitry may be configured to change to a configuration with increased resolution and increased processing time or to a configuration with decreased resolution and decreased processing time.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to an ultrasound device including a first die that includes an ultrasonic transducer, a first application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is bonded to the first die and includes a pulser, and a second ASIC in communication with the second ASIC that includes integrated digital receive circuitry. In some embodiments, the first ASIC may be bonded to the second ASIC and the second ASIC may include analog processing circuitry and an analog-to-digital converter. In such embodiments, the second ASIC may include a through-silicon via (TSV) facilitating communication between the first ASIC and the second ASIC. In some embodiments, SERDES circuitry facilitates communication between the first ASIC and the second ASIC and the first ASIC includes analog processing circuitry and an analog-to-digital converter. In some embodiments, the technology node of the first ASIC is different from the technology node of the second ASIC.
Ultrasound devices are described. The ultrasound devices may be flexibly configured to output a certain number of multilines per channel of ultrasound data and to process certain channels of ultrasound data per processing cycle. The ultrasound device may then be configured to either output more multilines per channel and process fewer channels per processing cycle, or output fewer multilines per channel and process more channels per processing cycle. In other words, the circuitry may be configured to change to a configuration with increased resolution and increased processing time or to a configuration with decreased resolution and decreased processing time.
G01S 1/72 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmittersReceivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 3/80 - Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 5/22 - Position of source determined by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 5/26 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
83.
Display panel or portion thereof with graphical user interface
An ultrasound device is described. The ultrasound device comprises a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT). The CMUT comprises a membrane, a substrate, a cavity disposed between the membrane and the substrate, wherein the cavity comprises a bottom surface adjacent to the substrate, and non-uniform pedestals protruding from the bottom surface of the cavity into the cavity and towards the membrane.
An ultrasonic transducer is described. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a membrane and a substrate disposed opposite the membrane such that a cavity is formed therebetween. The substrate comprises an electrode region and pedestals protruding from a surface of the substrate and having a height greater than a height of the electrode region, the pedestals being electrically isolated from the electrode region.
An ultrasonic transducer is described. The ultrasonic transducer comprises a membrane and a substrate disposed opposite the membrane such that a cavity is formed therebetween. The substrate comprises an electrode region and pedestals protruding from a surface of the substrate and having a height greater than a height of the electrode region, the pedestals being electrically isolated from the electrode region.
An ultrasound device is described. The ultrasound device comprises a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT). The CMUT comprises a membrane, a substrate, a cavity disposed between the membrane and the substrate, wherein the cavity comprises a bottom surface adjacent to the substrate, and non-uniform pedestals protruding from the bottom surface of the cavity into the cavity and towards the membrane.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Platform as a service (PAAS) for use in connection with
ultrasound technology; software as a service (SAAS) services
featuring software for improving and managing clinical
workflows; software as a service (SAAS) services featuring
software used by healthcare providers, administrators and
staff, and medical and healthcare professionals for the
provision of care, clinical workflow management, treatment
of patients, bill payment, billing, and recordation and
documentation of health information that are in an
electronic health record and management of data; software as
a service (SAAS) services featuring software for creating,
editing, managing, monitoring and sharing among authorized
persons patient clinical care data, medical images, and
medical records.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable software for medical imaging and for use with
medical imaging equipment, namely, software for analyzing,
processing, and displaying medical images; downloadable
software for displaying, recording, and analyzing medical
data for diagnosis; downloadable software used for
three-dimensional image visualization and analysis used by
healthcare providers, namely, radiologists, cardiologists,
surgeons, physician assistants, technologists and nurses for
supporting diagnosis, treatment, planning and care of
patients; downloadable software for capturing, storing,
managing, viewing, interpreting and sharing images and their
associated objects, namely, reports, documents and notes,
within a healthcare enterprise; downloadable software used
to manage radiology operations and to connect outpatient
workflow to enterprise imaging used by healthcare providers
to support the imaging business; downloadable software to
view images and reports for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up,
and patient care coordination, enabling secure,
easy-to-manage access to the complete patient imaging record
throughout the healthcare enterprise; downloadable software
for displaying, recording, and analyzing medical data for
diagnosis; downloadable software featuring education and
instructional content concerning operating medical devices,
medical imaging, and medical technology and use of imaging
devices. Platform as a service (PAAS) featuring computer software
platforms for use in operating ultrasound technology;
software as a service (SAAS) services featuring software for
improving and managing clinical workflows; software as a
service (SAAS) services featuring software used by
healthcare providers, administrators and staff, and medical
and healthcare professionals for the provision of care,
clinical workflow management, treatment of patients, bill
payment, billing, and recordation and documentation of
health information that are in an electronic health record
and management of data; software as a service (SAAS)
services featuring software for creating, editing, managing,
monitoring and sharing among authorized persons patient
clinical care data, medical images, and medical records.
90.
METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PROVIDING INDICATIONS OF MISSING LANDMARKS IN ULTRASOUND IMAGES
Methods and apparatuses for providing indications of missing landmarks in ultrasound images are described. Some embodiments are directed to apparatuses comprising a processing device configured to obtain data representing an ultrasound image, and determine whether the ultrasound image is clinically usable, wherein the determining comprises determining whether the ultrasound image lacks one or more landmarks. Determining whether the ultrasound image is clinically usable may further comprise determining a quality value representative of a quality of the ultrasound image and comparing the quality value to a threshold quality value. In some embodiments, landmarks comprise one or more anatomical features, such as a rib, a pleural line and an A line, a liver, and a kidney.
Aspects of the technology described herein relate to an ultrasound device that may has a phase-locked loop (PLL) that includes a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO). The DCO includes a plurality of current source unit cells with respective drain switches a plurality of current source unit cells with respective source switches. The plurality of current source unit cells with respective drain switches and the plurality of current source unit cells may have different circuit topologies. Switching on one of the plurality of current source unit cells with respective drain switches may cause a voltage transition at an internal node proceeding in one voltage direction and switching on one of the plurality of current source unit cells with respective source switches may cause a voltage transition at an internal node proceeding in the opposite voltage direction.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for medical imaging, namely,
software for analyzing, processing, and displaying medical
images. Medical devices and apparatus for medical imaging in the
field of diagnostics and treatment; medical diagnostic
imaging apparatus incorporating medical imaging software. Providing temporary use of non-downloadable, cloud-based
computer software for medical imaging, namely, software for
analyzing, processing, and displaying medical images.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Downloadable computer software for medical imaging, namely,
software for analyzing, processing, and displaying medical
images. Medical devices and apparatus for medical imaging in the
field of diagnostics and treatment; medical diagnostic
imaging apparatus incorporating medical imaging software. Providing temporary use of non-downloadable, cloud-based
computer software for medical imaging, namely, software for
analyzing, processing, and displaying medical images.
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Software as a service (SAAS) used in connection with ultrasound technology featuring computer software platforms for use in medical diagnosis and improving and managing clinical workflows; software as a service (SAAS) used in connection with ultrasound technology for improving and managing clinical workflows featuring software for creating, editing, managing, monitoring and sharing among authorized persons patient clinical care data, medical images, and medical records
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
software as a service (SAAS) used in connection with ultrasound technology featuring computer software platforms for use in medical diagnosis and improving and managing clinical workflows; software as a service (SAAS) used in connection with ultrasound technology for improving and managing clinical workflows featuring software for creating, editing, managing, monitoring and sharing among authorized persons patient clinical care data, medical images, and medical records
A foldable processing device coupled to an ultrasound device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the foldable processing device may include a first panel having a first display screen, a second panel having a second display screen, and one or more hinges. The first panel and the second panel may be rotatably coupled by the one or more hinges. The foldable processing device may be in operative communication with an ultrasound device and configured to present different particular displays on the first and second display screens. In some embodiments, the foldable processing device may include a first panel, a second panel, a display screen, and one or more hinges. The first panel and the second panel may be rotatably coupled by the one or more hinges such that the display screen folds upon itself. The foldable processing device may be in operative communication with an ultrasound device and configured to present different particular displays on first and second portions of the display screen.
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G09F 9/30 - Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
A foldable processing device coupled to an ultrasound device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the foldable processing device may include a first panel having a first display screen, a second panel having a second display screen, and one or more hinges. The first panel and the second panel may be rotatably coupled by the one or more hinges. The foldable processing device may be in operative communication with an ultrasound device and configured to present different particular displays on the first and second display screens. In some embodiments, the foldable processing device may include a first panel, a second panel, a display screen, and one or more hinges.
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Education related to ultrasound and medical imaging and use
of imaging devices; education services, namely, providing
webinars and content on topics related to medical devices,
medical imaging, and medical technology; teaching and
training services, namely, online courses, classes, lessons,
and seminars related to the use and operation of medical
devices, medical imaging, and medical technology; providing
non-downloadable publications in the nature of articles on
topics related to medical devices, medical imaging, and
medical technology via a website. Providing online, non-downloadable software featuring
educational and instructional content relating to medical
devices, medical imaging, and medical technology and use of
imaging devices.
