Ultrasound imaging systems and methods for detecting object motion
Inventors
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Assignees
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MAUI ImagingMAUI Imaging develops ultrasound-based medical imaging solutions designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasound, particularly in visualizing anatomy beyond bone, air, and metal barriers. Founded in 2006, the company has pioneered Computed Echo Tomography (CET) to enable diagnostic imaging in settings where conventional CT or MRI are impractical. With over 160 patents granted and FDA clearance for its K3900 system, MAUI Imaging targets applications in trauma medicine, critical care, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology, aiming to enhance timely diagnostics and interventions in both civilian and military environments.
MAUI Imaging develops ultrasound-based medical imaging solutions designed to overcome the limitations of traditional ultrasound, particularly in visualizing anatomy beyond bone, air, and metal barriers. Founded in 2006, the company has pioneered Computed Echo Tomography (CET) to enable diagnostic imaging in settings where conventional CT or MRI are impractical. With over 160 patents granted and FDA clearance for its K3900 system, MAUI Imaging targets applications in trauma medicine, critical care, neurosurgery, and interventional radiology, aiming to enhance timely diagnostics and interventions in both civilian and military environments.
Publication Number
US-12190627-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
Ping-based imaging systems may be used for tracking motion of hard or soft objects within an imaged medium. Motion detection and motion tracking may be performed by defining fingerprint points and tracking the position of each fingerprint point based on the echoes of multiple transmitted pings.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an ultrasound imaging method for motion detection and motion tracking using a series of unfocused ultrasound tracking pings. One or more transmit elements of an ultrasound transducer array transmit the series of unfocused tracking pings towards an object in a region of interest. A plurality of receive elements receive echoes from the series of unfocused tracking pings, and raw un-beamformed data are used to characterize the received echoes.
The method identifies a pattern of data in the raw un-beamformed data from the received echoes. Movement of the pattern of data is detected, and it is indicated that movement of the pattern of data has occurred. In described embodiments, the pattern is associated with identifiable data such as machine-identifiable peaks or a fingerprint pattern, enabling detection of position-in-time shift to indicate motion.
The approach supports motion tracking by defining fiducial regions and fingerprint points, and by monitoring fingerprints in raw data for changes after movement. Pre-movement beamformed fingerprint images can be used to locate initial fingerprint positions, and post-movement echoes are monitored within search regions to locate new fingerprint positions via pattern matching. Constraints can be applied to ping repetition rate using a free depth range to avoid overlapping echoes, thereby supporting reliable motion tracking within the motion processor workflow.
Claims Coverage
The document describes one independent claim, covering a motion-detection ultrasound imaging method based on unfocused tracking pings and detecting movement of a pattern in raw un-beamformed data. Several dependent claims refine how tracking pings are generated, how pattern movement is detected, and how results are indicated.
Unfocused tracking pings with raw un-beamformed pattern motion detection
Transmit a series of unfocused ultrasound tracking pings towards an object from one or more transmit elements; receive echoes with a plurality of receive elements; identify a pattern of data in raw un-beamformed data from the received echoes; detect movement of the pattern of data; and indicate that movement of the pattern of data has occurred.
Impulse-approximating tracking ping waveform
The method includes transmitting the series of unfocused ultrasound tracking pings using a waveform that approximates an impulse.
Triangular waveform for tracking pings
The method includes transmitting the series of unfocused ultrasound tracking pings using a triangular waveform.
Time shift in reflection peaks to determine movement
Identify a time shift in reflection peaks of received echoes to determine a change in distance between an object and an ultrasound transducer array.
Ping repetition rate relative to maximum round-trip travel time
Transmit the series of unfocused ultrasound tracking pings at a rate faster than the maximum round-trip travel time for a given ultrasound frequency.
Indicating movement on a display
Indicate that movement of the pattern of data has occurred by displaying it on a display.
Coverage centers on an ultrasound method that transmits unfocused tracking pings, analyzes raw un-beamformed echo data to identify a pattern, detects movement of that pattern, and indicates that movement occurred. Dependent refinements include impulse-approximating or triangular waveforms for the tracking pings, movement determination using time shift in reflection peaks, transmission timing constraints based on maximum round-trip travel time, and output indication via a display.
Stated Advantages
Enables motion detection by detecting movement of a pattern of data in raw un-beamformed data from received echoes.
Provides motion tracking by locating new fingerprint positions via pattern matching after movement.
Supports timing constraints for tracking pings using a free depth range to avoid overlapping echoes.
Documented Applications
Elasticity/elastography, including shear wave.
Fluid flow.
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