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Non-invasive subject-information imaging method and apparatus

  • US 20050187471A1
  • Filed: 03/31/2004
  • Published: 08/25/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A non-invasive subject-information imaging apparatus comprising:

  • a light generating unit which generates light containing a specific wavelength component;

    a light irradiation unit which radiates the light generated by the light generating unit into a subject to be examined;

    waveguide means for guiding the light generated by the light generating unit to the irradiation unit;

    a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed electroacoustic transducer elements which convert acoustic waves from the subject into electrical signals;

    transmission means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the subject by driving said plurality of electroacoustic transducer elements;

    reception means for generating a reception signal having reception directivity from said plurality of electrical signals converted by said plurality of electroacoustic transducer elements; and

    signal processing means for generating volume data about a living body function by processing a reception signal corresponding to acoustic waves generated in the subject by light radiated from the irradiation unit, and generating volume data about a tissue morphology by processing a reception signal corresponding to echoes generated in the subject upon transmission of the ultrasonic waves.

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