In an ultrasound imaging system which produces synthetically transmit focused images, the multiline signals used to form image scanlines are analyzed for speed of sound variation, and a map 60 of this variation is generated. In a preferred implementation, the phase discrepancy of the received multilines caused by speed of sound variation in the medium is estimated in the angular spectrum domain for the receive angular spectrum. Once the phase is estimated for all locations in an image, the differential phase between two points at the same lateral location, but different depth, is computed. This differential phase is proportional to the local speed of sound between the two points. A color-coded two- or three-dimensional map 60 is produced from these speed of sound estimates and presented to the user.

An imaging system (IS), comprising an image acquisition unit (AQ) for acquisition of image data (I1) of an object (OB). The image acquisition is based on an imaging signal imitable by the unit (AQ) to interact with the object. The image acquisition unit (AQ) is adjustable to operate at different acquisition parameters that determine a property of the imaging signal. A predictor component (PC) predicts, based at least on the acquired image data (I1), one or more properties of the object. An acquisition parameter adjuster (PA) adjusts, based on the predicted object properties, the acquisition parameter at which the image acquisition unit (AQ) is to acquire follow-up image data (I2).

Systems and methods for attenuation measuring using ultrasound. In various embodiments, echo data corresponding to a detection of echoes of one or more ultrasound signals transmitted into tissue are received. The echoes can be received from a range of depths of the tissue. Spectral measurements across the range of depths of the tissue are obtained using the echo data. Attenuation characteristics of the tissue across the range of depths of the tissue can be estimated using the spectral measurements across the range of depths of the tissue. Specifically, the attenuation characteristics of the tissue can be estimated using the spectral measurements and known spectral characteristics of the one or more ultrasound signals transmitted into the tissue.

A method for calculating a reference value of an ultrasonic sensor includes: transmitting a first ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor toward a first surface of a contact device while an object is positioned on the first surface; generating a plurality of ultrasonic images based on a first ultrasonic echo signal; selecting an ultrasonic image having a highest similarity to a reference image from among the ultrasonic images; storing a first parameter and a second parameter corresponding to a selected ultrasonic image; while the object is not positioned on the first surface, transmitting a second ultrasonic signal based on the first parameter from the ultrasonic sensor toward the first surface; and calculating the reference value of the ultrasonic sensor using the second parameter and a second ultrasonic echo signal.

Exemplary probes including longitudinal marker elements arranged parallel to the probe axis are provided for reducing or eliminating non-uniform rotational distortions (NURD) in imaging systems. Additional ring marker elements may also be provided to reduce or eliminate non-uniform linear distortion (NULD). These probes, as well as systems and methods of use provide for images having better image quality and reduced NURD.

A probe, in particular for ultrasound, having a cooling chamber which is fluidtight and at least partially filled with a dielectric heat-transfer fluid. An interface unit associated with an emitting and/or receiving element of the probe is located at least partially inside or in contact with the cooling chamber. The probe includes a dry chamber separated from the cooling chamber by a fluidtight wall, and a porous heat sink arranged at least partially inside the cooling chamber.

The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in different directions and the diagnostic apparatus body combines a plurality of images captured in the different directions of transmission and reception to produce an ultrasound image. In this process, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus measures the temperature of the ultrasound probe to change the ultrasound transmission and reception for producing a composite ultrasound image or makes the directions of transmission and reception in the last ultrasound image in one composite ultrasound image coincide with those in the first ultrasound image in its temporally adjacent composite ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus thus enables consistent ultrasound diagnosis against heat generated in the integrated circuit board of the ultrasound probe while simplifying the control of the ultrasound transmission and reception.

An electronic device including an array of ultrasonic transducers, a temperature sensor for determining a temperature of the array of ultrasonic transducers, and a control module communicatively coupled to the array of ultrasonic devices and the temperature sensor. The control module is for receiving the temperature and for controlling operation of the array of ultrasonic transducers based at least in part on the temperature.

The invention provides a system (1) for determining an identification characteristic of a medical device (3) carrying at least an ultrasound emitter/sensor element (321). The identification characteristic is based on a detection signal from the ultrasound emitter/sensor element (321) upon a drive signal. The system (1) can identify the medical device from a database (211,511) of known medical devices. Furthermore, the system (1) can update the duration and frequency of use of the medical device (3) and it can prohibit further use of the medical device (3) when a predetermined limit of use is exceeded.

Some disclosed methods involve acquiring, via an ultrasonic sensor system, first (reference) ultrasonic signals at a first time and acquiring second ultrasonic signals via the ultrasonic sensor system at a second time. Such methods may involve determining, based at least in part on a comparison of the first ultrasonic signals and the second ultrasonic signals, whether one or more layers reside on the cover glass at the second time. If it is determined that the one or more layers reside on the cover glass at the second time, some methods may involve determining one or more signal characteristics corresponding to properties of the one or more layers and determining, based at least in part on the one or more properties, whether the one or more layers are compatible with the ultrasonic sensor system. If so, the method may involve calibrating the ultrasonic sensor system.