U.S. patent application number 13/913124 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-12 for multi-headed imaging probe and imaging system using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Jean-Michel Marteau, Aurelie Roncaglioni, Lionel Wodecki.
Application Number | 20170007204 13/913124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52006027 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170007204 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Marteau; Jean-Michel ; et
al. |
January 12, 2017 |
MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME
Abstract
A diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image
acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the
image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a
beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component
to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor
configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a
display configured to display the images. The image acquisition
component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of
transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers
during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition
component.
Inventors: |
Marteau; Jean-Michel;
(Asnieres sur Seine, FR) ; Roncaglioni; Aurelie;
(Bois d'Arcy, FR) ; Wodecki; Lionel;
(Maisons-Alfort, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140364730 A1 |
December 11, 2014 |
|
|
Family ID: |
52006027 |
Appl. No.: |
13/913124 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13281283 |
Oct 25, 2011 |
8480591 |
|
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13913124 |
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11893734 |
Aug 17, 2007 |
8043221 |
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13281283 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 8/469 20130101;
A61B 8/4405 20130101; A61B 8/54 20130101; A61B 8/4472 20130101;
A61B 8/4209 20130101; A61B 8/145 20130101; A61B 8/4494 20130101;
A61B 8/466 20130101; A61B 8/4427 20130101; A61B 8/483 20130101;
A61B 8/4477 20130101; A61B 8/463 20130101; A61B 8/4455
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 8/00 20060101
A61B008/00; A61B 8/14 20060101 A61B008/14 |
Claims
1. A diagnostic imaging system comprising: an image acquisition
component configured to provide image data; a processor configured
to assemble images from said image data; and a display configured
to display said images; wherein said image acquisition component
comprises: a multi-headed probe having a single probe body having
at least first and second windows in the single probe body; and at
least first and second transducer heads in the single probe body
and covered by the corresponding first and second windows for
transmission of ultrasound and receiving echoes; wherein the first
and second windows are located at fixed positions within the single
probe body and are physically separated from one another such that,
when one of the first and second windows is positioned against a
patient at a region of interest (ROI), the other of the first and
windows is not positioned against the patient.
2. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
transducer heads are configured to provide distinct and different
functions such that the first transducer head is active when the
second transducer head is inactive.
3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
transducer heads are different types of transducers.
4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the multi-headed probe is
one of a two-headed probe and a three-headed probe.
5. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the probe body is
elongated with the first and second transducer heads located at
opposite ends of the probe body.
6. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first transducer head
includes a curved array of transducer elements and the second
transducer head includes a linear array of transducer elements.
7. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said probe body includes
at least one button, configured to be operated by a user and
configured to switch an active one of the first and second
transducer heads and an inactive one of the first and second
transducer heads.
8. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein only one of the first and
second transducer heads is active during a scanning session.
9. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the probe body includes
at least one of a visible and audible signaling device to provide
at least one of a visual and audible indication, of which one of
the first and second transducer heads is active.
10. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a probe case
encasing the multi-headed probe, said probe case having case
windows at opposed scanning ends of the probe case, the case
windows coinciding with the first and second windows and transducer
heads in the single probe body.
11. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said multi-headed probe
includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly communicate with at
least one of said processor and said display.
12. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said probe body includes
at least one of a button configured to start and to freeze
acquisition of an image, a button configured to select one of said
first and second transducer heads on said probe for activation, and
a visual or audible signaling device configured to signal which one
of said transducers has been selected for activation.
13. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
transducer heads each perform a different one of a 2D function, 3D
function, curved array function and linear array function.
14. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said processor and said
display are enclosed in a portable imaging system weighing about 10
pounds.
15. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein said processor and said
display are enclosed in a portable imaging system weighing between
about 10 pounds and about 3 ounces.
16. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the display is a touch
screen display.
17. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the multi-headed probe
wirelessly communicates with a portable imaging system.
18. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the first and second
transducer heads are fixed in position and orientation with respect
to one another in the probe body.
19. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a standard
computer cable, the image acquisition component in the multi-head
probe configured to communicate with at least one of the processor
and the display through the computer cable.
20. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the single probe body is
elongated with opposed first and second ends, the first and second
windows and transducer heads located at the first and second ends,
respectively.
21. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the single probe body is
elongated and a probe cable is joined to the single probe body at a
location that is approximately equal distance between the first and
second windows.
22. The imaging system of claim 21, wherein the at least first and
second transducer heads consist of only two transducer heads.
23. A diagnostic ultrasound multi-head probe, comprising: a single
probe body having at least first and second windows in the single
probe body; and at least first and second transducer heads in the
single probe body and covered by the corresponding first and second
windows, respectively, for transmission of ultrasound and receiving
echoes; wherein the first and second windows are located at fixed
positions within the single probe body and are physically separated
from one another such that, when one of the first and second
windows is positioned against a patient at a region of interest
(ROI), the other of the first and windows is not positioned against
the patient.
24. The probe of claim 23, wherein the multi-headed probe is one of
a two-headed probe and a three-headed probe.
25. The probe of claim 23, wherein the probe body is elongated with
the first and second transducer heads located at opposite ends of
the probe body.
26. The probe of claim 23, wherein the first transducer head
includes a curved array of transducer elements and the second
transducer head includes a linear array of transducer elements.
27. The probe of claim 23, wherein said probe body includes at
least one button, configured to be operated by a user and
configured to switch an active one of the first and second
transducer heads and an inactive one of the first and second
transducer heads.
28. The probe of claim 23, wherein the probe body includes at least
one of a visible and audible signaling device to provide at least
one of a visual and audible indication, of which one of the first
and second transducer heads is active.
29. The probe of claim 23, wherein the single probe body is
elongated with opposed first and second ends, the first and second
windows and transducer heads located at the first and second ends,
respectively.
30. The probe of claim 23, wherein the single probe body is
elongated and a probe cable is joined to the single probe body at a
location that is approximately equal distance between the first and
second windows.
31. The probe of claim 23, wherein the at least first and second
transducer heads consist of only two transducer heads.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/281,283 entitled "MULTI-HEADED IMAGING
PROBE AND IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME" filed Oct. 25, 2011, which is
a Continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/893,734 entitled "MULTI-HEADED IMAGING PROBE AND
IMAGING SYSTEM USING SAME" filed Aug. 17, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,043,221, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Diagnostic imaging, and in particular, medical imaging may
use different imaging modalities to scan a patient or region of
interest. For example, to perform an echography, a probe or
transducer is placed in contact with a patient's skin. Different
probe geometries can be used during an examination to optimize
acquisition of images. However, using known ultrasound examination
systems, a sonographer must perform additional actions to change a
probe during or between patient examinations to use different probe
geometries. The time and effort required to change probes can cause
physical stress for the sonographer or patient and affect the
duration of a patient exam. To reduce these issues, additional
connectors could be provided for each of the probes having
different geometries. However, providing additional connectors
increases the size and portability of the probes, which in many
applications is undesirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
diagnostic imaging system is provided that includes an image
acquisition component, a transmitter operatively coupled to the
image acquisition component to transmit a signal therefrom, and a
beamformer operatively coupled to the image acquisition component
to receive image data therefrom. Also included is a processor
configured to assemble images from the acquired image data and a
display configured to display the images. The image acquisition
component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of
transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers
during an imaging session without a change of the image acquisition
component.
[0004] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, an image acquisition device for an imaging apparatus is
provided. The imaging acquisition device includes a multi-headed
probe having plurality of transducers each configured to provide a
distinct and different function.
[0005] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a method for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient is
provided. The method uses an ultrasound imaging system that has an
image acquisition component encased in a disk-shaped case, a
transmitter operatively coupled to the image acquisition component
to transmit a signal therefrom, a beamformer operatively coupled to
the image acquisition component to receive image data therefrom, a
processor configured to assemble images from the image data, and a
display configured to display the images. The image acquisition
component includes a multi-headed probe that has a plurality of
transducers configured to permit a change of active transducers
during an imaging session without a change of image acquisition
component. The method includes pressing a first window of the
disk-shaped case corresponding to a first transducer of the
multi-headed probe against the skin of the patient and rocking the
disk-shaped case back and forth on the patient's body during the
examination. The method further includes rotating the disk-shaped
case to select a second window of the disk-shaped case
corresponding to a second transducer of the multi-headed probe, and
pressing and rocking the second window of the disk-shaped case
against the patient's body during the examination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a diagnostic imaging system
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an ultrasound imaging system
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a user interface constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a multi-headed probe constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a cut-away drawing of a multi-headed probe case
encasing a probe in another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a three-headed probe constructed in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a drawing of a probe case having multiple windows
and encasing a three-headed probe, constructed in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a drawing of a probe case having one window
encasing a multi-headed probe constructed in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a drawing of a case for a two-headed probe
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention wherein one of the probe heads is wider than the
other.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a drawing of a portable ultrasound imaging system
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a hand-carried ultrasound imaging
system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a drawing of a pocket-sized ultrasound imaging
system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a front end of an
ultrasound imaging system constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention including a multi-headed
probe.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a front end of an
ultrasound imaging system constructed in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention having wireless
functionality.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the
functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are
not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware
circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks
(e.g., processors or memories) may be implemented in a single piece
of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor or a block of
random access memory, hard disk, or the like). Similarly, the
programs may be stand alone programs, may be incorporated as
subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an
installed software package, and the like. It should be understood
that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements
and instrumentality shown in the drawings.
[0021] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion
is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment"
of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly
stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an
element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may
include additional such elements not having that property.
[0022] Various embodiments of the invention provide a diagnostic
imaging system 50 as shown in FIG. 1s. The diagnostic imaging
system 50 may be any type of system that uses a hand-held image
acquisition component 52. Imaging system 50 is, for example, an
ultrasound imaging system or a multi-modal imaging system. However,
the various embodiment are not limited to medical imaging systems
or imaging systems for imaging human subjects, but may include
non-medical systems for imaging non-human objects and for
performing non-destructive imaging or testing or security imaging
(e.g., airport security screening), etc.
[0023] The diagnostic imaging system 50 includes an acquisition
component 52 configured to acquire image data (e.g., ultrasound
image data). The acquisition component 52 in embodiments of the
present invention is, and is hereafter referred to as a
multi-headed probe 52 for scanning or otherwise imaging an object
or volume of interest. A "multi-headed probe" is a single probe
that includes a plurality of transducers, each of which is
physically separate from one another (and thus comprising a
separate "head") that can be separately operated. For example, one
or more transducers are included on a single multi-headed probe 52.
The multi-headed probe 52 is operatively connected to an image
processing component 54. The image processing component 54 is any
type of image processor capable of processing image data acquired
using any of the plurality of transducers. Image processing
component 54 is also operatively coupled to a display component 56.
The display component 56, which may be a controller, configures or
formats the processed image data for display on a display screen
62. The display screen 62 may be any type of screen capable of
displaying images, graphics, text, etc. For example, the display
screen 62 may be a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, a liquid crystal
display (LCD) screen or a plasma screen, among others.
[0024] A processor 64 (e.g., computer) or other processing unit
controls the various operations within the diagnostic imaging
system 50. For example, the processor 64 may receive user inputs
from a user interface 66 and display requested image data or adjust
the settings for the displayed image data. For example, a user may
provide inputs or settings to change the image displayed or the
display properties of the display screen 62.
[0025] In some embodiments, the diagnostic imaging system 50 is an
ultrasound system 100, such as is shown in the schematic block
diagram in FIG. 2. The ultrasound system 100 includes one or more
transmitters 102 that drive arrays of elements 104 (e.g.,
piezoelectric elements) within a selected transducer 106, 107 of
multi-headed probe 52 to emit pulsed ultrasonic signals into a
body. A variety of geometries may be used. The ultrasonic signals
are back-scattered from structures in the body, like blood cells or
muscular tissue, to produce echoes that return to the elements 104
of the selected transducer 106, 107. The echoes are received by a
receiver 108. The received echoes are passed through a beamformer
110, which performs beamforming and outputs an RF signal. The RF
signal then passes through an RF processor 112. Alternatively, the
RF processor 112 may include a complex demodulator (not shown) that
demodulates the RF signal to form IQ data pairs representative of
the echo signals. The RF or IQ signal data may then be routed
directly to a memory 114 for storage.
[0026] The ultrasound system 100 also includes a processor module
116 to process the acquired ultrasound information (e.g., RF signal
data or IQ data pairs) and prepare frames of ultrasound information
for display on display 118. The processor module 116 is adapted to
perform one or more processing operations according to a plurality
of selectable ultrasound modalities on the acquired ultrasound
information. Acquired ultrasound information may be processed and
displayed in real-time during a scanning session as the echo
signals are received. Additionally or alternatively, the ultrasound
information may be stored temporarily in memory 114 during a
scanning session and the processed and displayed in off-line
operation.
[0027] The processor module 116 is connected to a user interface
124 that may control operation of the processor module 116 as
explained below in more detail. The display 118 includes one or
more monitors that present patient information, including
diagnostic ultrasound images to the user for diagnosis and
analysis. One or both of memory 114 and memory 122 may store
three-dimensional data sets of the ultrasound data, where such 3-D
data sets are accessed to present 2-D and 3-D images. The images
may be modified and the display settings of the display 118 also
manually adjusted using the user interface 124.
[0028] The system 100 may obtain volumetric data sets by various
techniques (e.g., 3D scanning, real-time 3D imaging, volume
scanning, 2D scanning with transducers having positioning sensors,
freehand scanning using a Voxel correlation technique, 2D or matrix
array transducers and the like). Transducer 106 or 107 is moved,
such as along a linear or arcuate path, while scanning a region of
interest (ROI). At each linear or arcuate position, the transducer
106 or 107 obtains scan planes that are stored in the memory
114.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates the user interface 124 constructed in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The user interface
124 includes a keyboard 126, a mouse 133, a touch screen 128, a
series of soft keys 130 proximate the touch screen 128, a trackball
132, view position buttons 134, mode buttons 136 and control or
operation keys 138. The soft keys 126 are assigned different
functions on the touch screen 128 depending upon a selected
examination mode, stage of examination and the like. The trackball
132 and keys 138 are used to control the display of images on the
display 124 and control various options, for example, zoom, rotate,
viewing mode, examination mode, etc. For example, the view position
buttons 134 may change different views of the displayed image.
Optionally, the view position buttons 134 may be implemented as
touch areas 129 on the touch screen 128. As a further option, the
size, position and orientation of the displayed image may be
controlled partially or entirely by touch areas provided on the
touch screen 128 and/or by the soft keys 130.
[0030] The user interface 124 also includes other controls, such as
a save command/option 140 and a restore command/option 142 to save
or restore certain image characteristics or changes to the
displayed image. However, it should be noted that the various
controls may be used to adjust or control different settings,
display options, etc. For example, the user interface 124 may
include a brightness control button 144 that allows a user to
manually adjust screen brightness and a contrast control button 146
that allows a user to manually adjust screen contrast. For example,
the brightness control button 144 may be used to enter a brightness
control mode that allows a user to increase or decrease the
brightness of the display 118 (shown in FIG. 2) using the touch
areas 129 that may display up and down arrows to indicate
brightness increase and brightness decrease, respectively. The
contrast control button 146 likewise may be used to enter a
contrast control mode that allows a user to increase or decrease
the contrast of the display 118, again using the touch areas, where
the arrows now increase and decrease screen contrast. The
increasing or decreasing of the setting alternatively may be
provided using other controls, such as moving the trackball 132
up/down or left/right. Any suitable controls may be provided to
adjust the brightness or contrast, such as, roller wheels,
dedicated toggles or buttons, etc.
[0031] In various embodiments, the functionalities of more than one
probe are provided in a single probe body or acquisition component
52. One or more secondary heads (e.g., transducer 107) are added to
a probe body (as discussed herein), forming a multi-headed probe 52
that provides a user with the ability to switch between a plurality
of heads 106, 107 having distinct functions (e.g., heads having
curved of linear arrays, 2D functions, and/or 3D functions).
Multi-headed probe 52 facilitates rapid switching between
transducers 106 and 107 by allowing a switch to be made with a
simple rotation within a user's hand. The rotation can be of the
multi-headed probe 52, itself, or of a multi-headed probe 52 inside
a probe cover. Exam duration is reduced by eliminating or reducing
the need for an exchange of probes during an exam and the
requirement of a user to make movements between a patient
examination area and a remote probe holder area. It should be noted
that a window for the multi-headed probe 52 can be fixed (i.e., one
window provided for each head, with the multi-headed probe fixed
inside a probe cover) or adjustable, similar to the diaphragm of a
photo camera (with one window for several heads, and the
multi-headed probe rotatable within the probe cover).
[0032] FIG. 4 is a drawing of one embodiment of a multi-headed
probe 52. Multi-headed probe 52 comprises two physically separated
transducers 106 and 107, each having one or more transducer
elements 104, not visible in FIG. 4. Each of the physically
separated transducers 106 and 107 is covered by a separate window
200 and 202, respectively, with each window suitable for
transmission of ultrasound emissions from transducer elements 104
into a patient's body and receiving echoes. For example, and not by
way of limitation, windows 200 and 202 may comprise a clear acrylic
resin, such as PLEXIGLAS.RTM., which is pressed against a patient's
body over a layer of sonogram gel. Also for example, and not by way
of limitation, window 200 may cover a curved array of transducer
elements 104 and window 202 may cover a linear array of transducer
elements 104. In some embodiments of the present invention,
multi-headed probe 52 is rotated until the desired transducer 106
or 107 is positioned proximate the patient, and the appropriate
window 200 or 202 is pressed against the patient's body. In some
embodiments of the present invention, to control whether transducer
106 or 107 is electrically activated, buttons 204 and 206,
respectively, are provided on multi-headed probe 52. Buttons 204
and 206 can be located in a position that is easily reached by a
user's hand while holding probe body 201. Furthermore, LEDs 208 and
210 (or another suitable type of visible or audible signaling
device or devices) are provided in some embodiments to provide a
visual indication of whether transducer 106 or 107, respectively,
is activated.
[0033] To facilitate connection of transducers 106 and 107 with an
imaging system 50, one embodiment of the present invention provides
a single cable 212 for connection to imaging system 50 (shown in
FIG. 1). Imaging system 50 is configured to receive a signal via
cable 212 that depends upon whether button 204 or 206 is depressed.
In response, imaging system 50 addresses transducers 106 and 107
(and/or respective elements 104), also via cable 212. If LEDs 208
and 210 are present, the appropriate LED is illuminated to indicate
which transducer 106 or 107 is active.
[0034] In some embodiments, for additional ease in handling, cable
212 is very thin and comprises very thin wires (e.g., thin diameter
or thin stranded wires) that are more flexible and less likely to
tangle or obstruct during use. The cable 212 may be, for example,
the type used for headphones of MP3 players, rather than the thick
cable that is used with previously known single-head probes. In yet
another embodiment of the present invention, a standard computer
cable (such as a USB cable) is used as a connection between probe
body 52 and imaging system 50 to facilitate the connection of
multi-headed probe 52 to various types of personal computer-based
imaging systems. In yet other embodiments, a battery (not shown) is
provided in multi-headed probe 52. The battery may be a lithium ion
rechargeable battery. The battery also powers a wireless
transceiver (for example, and not by way of limitation, a
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless transceiver) which takes the place of a
wired connection between multi-headed probe 52 and imaging system
50, except that the battery rather than the wired connection
provides power to operate either transducer 106 or 107 and LEDs 208
and 210, if present.
[0035] The present invention does not exclude embodiments in which
a plurality of different connection modalities can be used between
multi-headed probe 52 and imaging system 50. For example,
multi-headed probe 52 can be provided with both a cable 212 and a
BLUETOOTH wireless transceiver to facilitate connection of
multi-headed probe 52 to a plurality of different imaging systems
50 and/or ease a transition between cabled and wireless
instrumentation environments.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cut-away drawing of a multi-headed probe case
300 in another embodiment of the present invention. Probe case 300
comprises any suitable material such as a non-conductive plastic.
Multi-headed probe 52 is encased in case 300 having windows (e.g.,
PLEXIGLAS windows) 302 and 304 that coincide with windows 200 and
202, respectively. Probe case 300 may also include an opening 302
through which a cable from the probe body 55 exits. Probe case 300
may also include other openings through which buttons 204 and 206
(or one or more equivalent switches by which the functions of
buttons 204 and 206 may be accessed) may be pressed and/or an
electrical connection with probe body 55 or imaging system 50 to
external buttons for performing the same function on case 300. If
openings are provided, they may be covered, for example, by a
flexible rubber covering to prevent dust, dirt, and liquids from
entering probe case 300 and/or probe body 55. If LEDs 208 and 210
are provided, the LEDs 208 and 210 may be provided on probe body 55
and made visible by additional clear windows on probe body 55. In
another embodiment, LEDs 208 and 210 are on probe ease 300 and are
electrically connected to probe body 55 and/or imaging system
50.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a three-headed probe 53 similar to
two-headed probe 52 of FIG. 5, but having three transducers 106,
107, and 109. To distinguish between a two-headed probe and a
three-headed probe, the former is referred to as a multi-headed
probe 52 and the latter as three-headed probe 53. Both types of
probes, as well as probes with more than three heads, are
considered to be multi-headed acquisition devices suitable for use
with an imaging system 50. Each transducer 106, 107, and 109
includes a plurality of elements 104, not shown individually in
FIG. 6. Three-headed probe 53 illustrates that embodiments of the
present invention are not limited to probe bodies having only two
transducer heads. Instead, embodiments of the present invention may
include any number of heads, limited only by the size of the heads
and the practicality of holding and using a probe large enough to
hold the selected number of heads. Like numerals represent like
parts as shown and described in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a drawing of a probe case 400 encasing a
multi-headed probe, for example, three-headed probe 53, in one
embodiment of the present invention. Probe case 400, which
comprises any suitable material such as a non-conductive plastic,
is essentially disk-shaped. However, in some embodiments, case 400
includes a thumb rest or depression 402 to facilitate holding case
400 by providing a fixed and stable position for a user's hand 404.
A thumb rest 402 may be provided in one or both sides of case 400.
In the illustrated embodiment, an index finger 406 of the user
rests on a button 408 that controls the transmission and capturing
of information from the multi-headed probe inside case 400. Button
408 is provided to start acquisition and to freeze the acquisition
of a picture acquired by an imaging apparatus 50. Button 408 is not
required to be on case 400 (or on the probe, for that matter),
however, as in some embodiments of the present invention that
include a similar function, button 408 (or another suitable
control) is positioned directly on imaging apparatus 50 (shown in
FIG. 1) itself.
[0039] In one embodiment, case 400 has a number of windows
appropriately positioned and equal to the number of transducers on
the encased multi-headed probe, for example, three windows 410,
412, and 414 (not directly visible in FIG. 7, but indicated by
position) for each of the three transducers 106, 107, and 109,
respectively, of three-headed probe 53. Windows 410, 412, and 414
may be plastic or PLEXIGLAS windows, for example, positioned to
coincide with transducers 106, 107, and 109, respectively.
[0040] To use this embodiment of the present invention, a sonograph
gel is spread on a portion of patient's body where a sonogram is to
be taken. An appropriate one of the three windows 410, 412, or 414,
corresponding to a selected transducer 106, 107, or 109 having a
desired shape, is pressed against the skin of the patient where the
sonograph gel was spread. Case 400 is rocked back and forth on the
patient's body as needed during the examination. When a differently
shaped transducer is needed during the exam, the user rotates case
400 until the window for the desired transducer shape is in
position to press against the skin of the patient.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a drawing of a probe case 401 encasing a
multi-headed probe, for example, three-headed probe 53, in another
configuration of the present invention. In this embodiment, case
401 has only one window 410, and probe 53 is rotated inside case
401 to position a selected transducer 106, 107, or 109 against
window 410 inside probe case 401. A crank 420 or other suitable
mechanical or electromechanical means (e.g., rotating knob) is used
to rotate three-headed probe 53 inside probe case 401 in the
illustrated embodiment.
[0042] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, buttons
204, 206, and 207 can be provided to activate a particular
transducer 106, 107, or 109, and LEDs 208, 210, and 211 can be
provided to indicate which transducer 106, 107, or 109,
respectively, is active. The buttons and/or LEDs may be provided on
case 400 or 401 or on probe 53 in a manner similar to that
discussed above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
4 and/or 5 and the additional embodiments discussed in the text in
connection therewith. Also, cable 212 may be a standard
instrumentation cable or a thin cable, as discussed above, and/or
probe 53 and imaging device 50 may communicate wirelessly, for
example, via a BLUETOOTH connection, with space provided inside
case 401 for a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.
[0043] A donut-like ease 403 need not require that a three-headed
probe 53 be encased therein. FIG. 9, for example, is an
illustration of a case 403 suitable for a two-headed probe 52
wherein one of the probe heads is wider than the other. A widened
portion 422 of case 400 is provided to accommodate the widened
portion of the probe.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be
implemented in an imaging system 50 such as a portable imaging
system 145 (e.g., portable ultrasound system) provided on a movable
base 147, as shown in FIG. 10. Manual screen adjustment controls
150 (e.g., brightness and contrast controls) are provided on the
display 118. It should be understood that the display 118 may be
separate or separable from the user interface 124. The user
interface 124 may optionally be a touchscreen, allowing the user to
select options by touching displayed graphics, icons, and the
like.
[0045] The user interface 124 of FIG. 10 also includes other
optional control buttons 152 that may be used to control the
portable imaging system 145 as desired or needed, and/or as
typically provided. The user interface 124 provides multiple
interface options that the user may physically manipulate to
interact with ultrasound data and other data that may be displayed,
as well as to input information and set and change scanning
parameters. The interface options may be used for specific inputs,
programmable inputs, contextual inputs, and the like. Different
types of physical controls are provided as different physical
actions are more intuitive to the user for accomplishing specific
system actions and thus achieving specific system responses.
[0046] For example, multi-function controls 160 are positioned
proximate to the display 118 and provide a plurality of different
physical states. For example, a single multi-function control may
provide movement functionality of a clockwise/counterclockwise
(CW/CCW) rotary, up/down toggle, left/right toggle, other
positional toggle, and on/off or pushbutton, thus allowing a
plurality of different states, such as eight or twelve different
states. Different combinations are possible and are not limited to
those discussed herein. Optionally, less than eight states may be
provided, such as CW/CCW rotary functionality with at least two
toggle positions, such as up/down toggle and/or left/right toggle.
Optionally, at least two toggle positions may be provided with
pushbutton functionality. The multi-function controls 160 may be
configured, for example, as joystick rotary controls.
[0047] Embodiments of the present invention may also be provided in
connection with an imaging system 50 such as a hand carried imaging
system 170, as shown in FIG. 11, wherein the display 118 and user
interface 124 form a single unit. The hand carried imaging system
170 may be, for example, a handheld or hand carried ultrasound
imaging device, such as a miniaturized ultrasound system. As used
herein, "miniaturized" means that the ultrasound system is a
handheld or hand carried device or is configured to be carried in a
person's hand, pocket, briefcase-sized case, or backpack. For
example, the hand carried imaging system 170 may be a hand carried
device having a size of a typical laptop computer, for instance,
having dimensions of approximately 2.5 inches in depth,
approximately 14 inches in width, and approximately 12 inches in
height. The hand carried imaging system 170 may weigh about ten
pounds.
[0048] Embodiments of the present invention may also be provided in
connection with an imaging system 50 such as pocket-sized imaging
system 176, as shown in FIG. 12, wherein the display 118 and user
interface 124 form a single hand held unit. By way of example, the
pocket-sized imaging system 176 may be a pocket-sized or hand-sized
ultrasound system approximately 2 inches wide, approximately 4
inches in length, and approximately 0.5 inches in depth and weigh
less than 3 ounces. The pocket-sized imaging system 176 generally
includes the display 118, user interface 124, which may include a
keyboard and an input/output (I/O) port for connection to an
acquisition device, for example, a multi-headed ultrasound probe
52. The display 118 may be, for example, a 320.times.320 pixel
color LCD display (on which a medical image 190 may be displayed).
A typewriter-like keyboard 180 of buttons 182 may be included in
the user interface 124. Multi-function controls 184 may each be
assigned functions in accordance with the mode of system operation
as previously discussed. As each of the multi-function controls 184
may be configured to provide a plurality of different physical
actions, the mapping of system response to intuitive physical
action may be improved without requiring additional space. Label
display areas 186 associated with the multi-function controls 184
may be included as necessary on the display 118. The device may
also have additional keys and/or controls 188 for special purpose
functions, which may include, but are not limited to "freeze,"
"depth control," "gain control," "color-mode," "print," and
"store."
[0049] FIG. 13 is a block schematic diagram of an embodiment of a
front end of an ultrasound imaging system of the present invention,
including a multi-headed probe 52. In this particular embodiment,
two transmitters 103 are provided, one for each transducer 106,
107, respectively, in probe 52, to pulse elements 104. The outputs
of the transmitters are fed into a multiplexer 440, which is used
to select which of transducers 106 or 107 is to be pulsed. The
pulse output is sent through wire 212 to a
multiplexer/demultiplexer 442 inside case 400, and from there, to
the appropriate transducer 106 or 107 inside probe 52. Echoes are
received by the same transducer and sent through
multiplexer/demultiplexer 442 so that the output can be returned on
the same cable 212 to a beamformer 110. Signals transmitted over
cable 212 need not be digital signals, but may instead be analog
signals, if analog to digital (A/D) converters and digital to
analog (D/A) converters are provided in imaging apparatus 50 and/or
probe 52 where circuitry requires such conversions.
[0050] FIG. 14 is a block schematic diagram of a wireless
embodiment of a front end of an ultrasound imaging system of the
present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is similar to
that shown in FIG. 13, except that BLUETOOTH transceivers 430 and
432 are used to eliminate cable 212.
[0051] In some embodiments, elements 104 in transducer 106 and 107
form two separate address spaces and do not require the two
transmitters and/or a multiplexer as shown in the embodiments of
FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0052] It should be noted that the various embodiments may be
implemented in connection with miniaturized imaging systems having
different dimensions, weights, and power consumption. In some
embodiments, the pocket-sized ultrasound system may provide the
same functionality as the system 100 (shown in FIG. 1).
[0053] The various embodiments and/or components, for example, the
monitor or display, or components and controllers therein, also may
be implemented as part of one or more computers or processors. The
computer or processor may include a computing device, an input
device, a display unit and an interface, for example, for accessing
the Internet. The computer or processor may include a
microprocessor. The microprocessor may be connected to a
communication bus. The computer or processor may also include a
memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read
Only Memory (ROM). The computer or processor further may include a
storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable
storage drive such as a floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, and
the like. The storage device may also be other similar means for
loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer
or processor.
[0054] As used herein, the term "computer" may include any
processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems
using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC),
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits,
and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the
functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only,
and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or
meaning of the term "computer".
[0055] The computer or processor executes a set of instructions
that are stored in one or more storage elements, in order to
process input data. The storage elements may also store data or
other information as desired or needed. The storage element may be
in the form of an information source or a physical memory element
within a processing machine.
[0056] The set of instructions may include various commands that
instruct the computer or processor as a processing machine to
perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of
the various embodiments of the invention. The set of instructions
may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in
various forms such as system software or application software.
Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of
separate programs, a program module within a larger program or a
portion of a program module. The software also may include modular
programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The
processing of input data by the processing machine may be in
response to user commands, or in response to results of previous
processing, or in response to a request made by another processing
machine.
[0057] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are
interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory
for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory,
EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory.
The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not
limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer
program.
[0058] At least one technical effect of the various embodiments is
to facilitate rapid switching between heads by allowing a switch of
probe heads to be made with a simple rotation within user's hand.
Multi-headed probe embodiments are cost effective by sharing a same
electronic, connector, cable or wireless connection. Embodiments of
the present invention are also time-efficient for sonographers by
eliminating probe-exchange related actions during the examination
procedure. Embodiments of the present invention also improve user
comfort by reducing the risk of physical stress related to the
repetition of probe-exchange related actions and some embodiments
also provide a reduction of connectors and cables, thereby clearing
space for operators to move their legs. Some configurations of the
present invention are also fully portable, and/or permit a
sonographer to acquire images using one or more types of probes
(for example, and not by way of limitation, curved and linear
arrays, 2D and 3D probes) directly at a patient bed in a hospital,
or outside the hospital in an emergency situation. In some
embodiments, one multi-headed probe replaces two or more probes
during an ultrasound examination procedure, keeping the physical
end-shape profile of a plurality of different types of probes and
optimizing their positioning on patient, thereby preserving image
quality.
[0059] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the
above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in
combination with each other to create new embodiments of the
present invention, and not all features shown in the illustrated
embodiments need necessarily be present to make use of the present
invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of
materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of
the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary
embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of
the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to
the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein."
Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and
"third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to
impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the
limitations of the following claims are not written in
means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted
based on 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph, unless and until
such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for"
followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
* * * * *