Method and apparatus for positioning an ultrasonic transducer and a display screen

• US 5,617,864 A
• Filed: 08/04/1995
• Issued: 04/08/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/04/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: MWI Veterinary Supply Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Animal Ultrasound Services, Inc.
• Inventors: Liu, Yujun, Newman, Steven K., Stouffer, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/511,563
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 128/660.04, 128/660.05, 128/660.09, 128/660.1, 128/662.03
• US Class Current: 600/459
• CPC Class Codes: A22B 5/007 Non-invasive scanning of carcasses, e.g. using image recognition, tomography, X-rays, ultrasound analysing meat, e.g. search for foreign embedded objects G01N33/12; image analysis G06T7/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/0866 involving foetal diagnosis; pre-natal or peri-natal diagnosis of the baby
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/462 characterised by constructional features of the display
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52053 Display arrangements

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a system for positioning an ultrasonic transducer where the user can see the positioning device and a display of the image being generated at the same time. This system solves the problem of the user having to look away from the transducer to see the image. The method comprises positioning a display screen to show the ultrasonic image being generated to the user such that the user can see the positioning of the transducer and the image on the display screen at the same time. To accomplish this the display screen can be incorporated into or mounted directly mounted onto the transducer housing. Once the user properly positions the transducer and is satisfied with the image, a image capture signal can be sent by the user. Once the image is captured it can be sent to an associated computer for analysis, printed or saved for archiving, etc.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic transducer and display screen positioning apparatus, operatively connected to ultrasonic equipment capable of capturing a real time ultrasonic image of an animal or carcass comprising:

a) a handle;

b) a transducer housing connected to said handle for securing said ultrasonic transducer;

c) a display screen housing integral with said handle for securing said display screen connected to said transducer housing such that said display screen can display an image produced by ultrasonic scanning with said ultrasonic transducer in real time;

d) a signaling device operatively associated with said ultrasound equipment; and

,

e) a ultrasonic transducer capable of providing electrical data to said ultrasound equipment such that an image of said animal or carcass being ultrasonically scanned is displayed on said display when the ultrasonic transducer is actuated.

2. The positioning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for attaching a counter balance.

3. The positioning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for indicating a uniform position for said ultrasonic transducer upon each animal or carcass, such that each animal or carcass may be evaluated with said positioning device.

4. The positioning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ultrasonic transducer and said display screen are enclosed within a water tight housing.

5. The positioning apparatus of claim 4 wherein said ultrasonic transducer and said display screen are operatively associated with sealed electrical connectors.

6. The positioning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for securing a standoff guide to said transducer.

7. The positioning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means connected to said handle for providing coupliant fluid on a substrate to be ultrasonically scanned.

8. The method of using a positioning apparatus of claim 1 to position said ultrasonic transducer.

9. A method for capturing an ultrasonic image of an animal or carcass using, an ultrasonic transducer and display screen, operatively connected to ultrasonic equipment capable of capturing said image, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a handle with a transducer housing;

b) securing an ultrasonic transducer within said housing;

c) selecting a desired position for said ultrasonic transducer;

d) providing said display screen such that said display screen can display an image produced by ultrasonic scanning with said ultrasonic transducer and said display screen and said ultrasonic transducer can both be seen clearly by the operator of said ultrasonic scanner when said transducer is placed into said uniform position;

e) placing said ultrasonic transducer into said uniform position;

f) providing a signaling device operatively associated with said ultrasound equipment;

g) using said ultrasonic transducer to provide electrical data and a real time ultrasonic image of an animal or carcass such that an image of said animal or carcass being ultrasonically scanned is displayed on said display when the ultrasonic transducer is actuated; and

,

h) activating said signaling device whereby the image displayed on said display screen is captured.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:

a) viewing said image shown in said display screen after said ultrasonic transducer is placed into said uniform position; and

b) making any necessary adjustments to achieve a desired image so as to provide for real time video capture as well as storage of image information on computer equipment for later analysis or recall of said image.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing means for indicating a uniform position for said ultrasonic transducer upon each animal or carcass, evaluated with said positioning device.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of enclosing said ultrasonic transducer and said display screen within a water tight housing.

13. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing means for securing a standoff guide to said transducer.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising the step of providing means for providing coupliant fluid on a substrate to be ultrasonically scanned.

15. The method of claim 9 wherein said desired position is on an animal or carcass.

16. The method of claim 9 wherein said desired position is on a human.