Point source transmission and speed-of-sound correction using multi-aperture ultrasound imaging
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-12635989-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an ultrasound probe having a probe body housing a transducer array configured to transmit unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms into tissue. The probe includes position memory configured to receive position information for each transducer relative to a common reference point.
The probe establishes a transmit aperture spaced apart from a receive aperture of the transducer array, and the transmit aperture and receive aperture are not in a common scan plane. The disclosed geometry includes physical separation and aperture configurations not in a common scan plane, and different line-of-sight relationships are used.
The invention generates 3D ultrasound imaging datasets based on the unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms and the position information. The disclosed reasoning includes speed-of-sound variation/incongruence correction using image comparison/cross-correlation, displacement correction, sub-image/warping alignment, and coherent averaging limits.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers 2 inventive features centered on the core probe and imaging concept, including position information and a transmit aperture/receive aperture geometry that is not in a common scan plane, for generating 3D ultrasound imaging datasets.
Transmit unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms with spaced transmit and receive apertures not in common scan plane
A probe body housing a transducer array configured to transmit unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms into tissue, and at least one processor configured to establish a transmit aperture spaced apart from a receive aperture, wherein the transmit aperture and receive aperture are not in a common scan plane.
Position memory for each transducer relative to a common reference point to generate 3D datasets
A position memory configured to receive position information for each of the transducers relative to a common reference point, wherein the at least one processor generates 3D ultrasound imaging datasets based on the unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms and the position information.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on using unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound transmission with spatially separated transmit/receive apertures that are not in a common scan plane, together with per-transducer position information relative to a common reference point to generate 3D ultrasound imaging datasets.
Stated Advantages
Enables higher lateral resolution through increased effective aperture.
Documented Applications
3D ultrasound imaging datasets generated based on unfocused two-dimensional ultrasound waveforms and position information.
Tissue imaging contexts mentioned include fat, muscle, and blood vessels.
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