Transducer Array Imaging System

• US 20120085174A1
• Filed: 12/16/2011
• Published: 04/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Penrith Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Urbano, Joseph A., Randall, Kevin S., Cannon, Michael G., Schwartz Klessel, Jodi
• Granted Patent: US 8,695,429 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/602
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4422 related to hygiene or sterilisation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4438 Means for identifying the diagnostic device, e.g. barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4483 characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4494 characterised by the arrangement of the transducer elements devices for short-range imaging using particular transducer elements arrangements under G01S15/8909; arrangements of transducers in generation of mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency B06B1/0607
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52073 Production of cursor lines, markers or indicia by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52079 Constructional features constructional features of transducers B06B; mounting transducers G10K11/00; constructional features of ultrasonic medical diagnostic devices A61B8/44
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/5208 with integration of processing functions inside probe or scanhead

Abstract

The embodiments contemplate methods and devices for communicating an acoustic emission via an array of transducers and wirelessly communicating data via a transceiver, where the transceiver may be in communication with the array of transducers. Embodiments also contemplate providing power for the acoustic emission via a power source and providing information regarding a temperature sensor to the transceiver. The wirelessly communicated data may include the information regarding the temperature sensor. Embodiments also contemplate processing the wirelessly communicated data at a relatively remote location with respect to both the power source and the temperature sensor.

Claims

1. An ultrasound device, comprising:

an array of transducers, the array of transducers configured to communicate an acoustic emission;

a transceiver in communication with the array of transducers, the transceiver configured to communicate data wirelessly;

a power source, the power source configured to provide power for the acoustic emission;

a processor in communication with the transceiver, the processor located relatively remotely with respect to the power source; and

a temperature sensor in communication with the transceiver, the temperature sensor located relatively remotely with respect to the processor, the wirelessly communicated data including information regarding the temperature sensor.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator in communication with the processor, the indicator located relatively remotely with respect to the power source, the indicator configured to provide a status characteristic, and the status characteristic providing, at least in part, the information regarding the temperature sensor.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the indicator is at least one of a visual display or an audible annunciator.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the array of transducers, the transceiver, the power source, or the temperature sensor is located within a housing of a remote probe component of the ultrasound device, the housing having a surface.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the information regarding the temperature sensor includes information regarding a temperature inside the housing.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the information regarding the temperature sensor includes information regarding a temperature at or near the surface of the housing.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is a thermistor.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source is further configured to adjust the power provided for the acoustic emission based, at least in part, on the information regarding the temperature sensor.

9. The device of claim 2, further comprising a user interface, the user interface configured to communicate with the processor, and the user interface located relatively remotely from the power source, wherein the indicator is disposed proximate to the user interface.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery.

11. A method of using an ultrasound device, comprising:

communicating an acoustic emission via an array of transducers;

wirelessly communicating data via a transceiver, the transceiver in communication with the array of transducers;

providing power for the acoustic emission via a power source;

providing information regarding a temperature sensor to the transceiver, the wirelessly communicated data including the information regarding the temperature sensor; and

processing the wirelessly communicated data at a relatively remote location with respect to both the power source and the temperature sensor.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing an indication of a status characteristic at a relatively remote location with respect to the power source, the status characteristic providing, at least in part, the information regarding the temperature sensor.

13. The method of claim 12, further providing at least one of a visible indication or an audible indication to serve as the indication.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing at least one of the array of transducers, the transceiver, the power source, or the temperature sensor within a housing of a remote probe component of the ultrasound device, the housing having a surface.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the information regarding the temperature sensor includes information regarding a temperature inside the housing.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the information regarding the temperature sensor includes information regarding a temperature at or near the surface of the housing.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a thermistor, the thermistor serving as the temperature sensor.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the power provided for the acoustic emission, based at least in part, on the information regarding the temperature sensor.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

providing a user interface, the user interface being in communication with the processor;

locating the user interface relatively remotely from the power source; and

disposing an indicator proximate to the user interface.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising providing a battery, the battery serving as the power source.