Multi-plane and multimode visualization in area where ultrasonic probe being collimated

Abstract

To provide a system including an ultrasonic probe and a controller unit configured to communicate with the ultrasonic probe.SOLUTION: A controller unit is configured to execute: selection of a collimation mode for an ultrasonic probe; selection of a first collimation mode plane, a scanning mode, or an imaging mode; selection of at least one additional collimation mode plane, a scanning mode, or an imaging mode; toggling between acquiring and displaying an ultrasonic image regarding a first collimation mode plane, the scanning mode, or the imaging mode, and between acquiring and displaying an ultrasonic image regarding at least one additional collimation mode plane, a scanning mode, or an imaging mode; receiving selection of a 3D scanning mode; and executing 3D scanning by using the ultrasonic probe in response to reception of the selection of the 3D scanning mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority information This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 567,962, entitled “MULTI-PLANE VISUALIZATION OF AN ARE OF INTEREST DURING AIMING AN ULTRASOUND PROBE,” filed October 4, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] An ultrasound probe may generate an ultrasound signal using a transducer, such as, for example, a piezoelectric or capacitive transducer, that converts electrical signals into ultrasonic energy and converts ultrasonic echoes back into electrical signals. Ultrasound probes are commonly used to identify target organs or other structures in the human body and / or to determine characteristics associated with the target organ / structure, such as the size of the organ / structure or the amount of fluid in the organ. In order for a user to properly scan the target organ / structure, the user may need to position the ultrasound probe in a specific location relative to the target organ / structure. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Accurate placement of an ultrasound probe can present a variety of challenges. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary ultrasound system according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B illustrates an example environment for the ultrasound system of FIG. 1A in accordance with one implementation described herein. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a first exemplary ultrasound probe according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second exemplary ultrasound probe according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 2C] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a third exemplary ultrasound probe according to one implementation described herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1B illustrates exemplary components of the controller unit of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4] FIG. 1B illustrates exemplary functional components of the system of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart of a process for multi-plane visualization during aiming according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of another process for multi-plane visualization during aiming according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary multi-plane visualization according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a first user interface according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a second user interface according to one implementation described herein. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a third user interface according to one implementation described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

[0006] An ultrasound probe may be placed on a patient's body to perform a three-dimensional (3D) scan of an area of ​​interest, such as a body organ, joint, blood vessel, and / or another type of area of ​​the patient's body. A 3D scan may include a set of B-mode images captured in different planes across the area of ​​interest. For example, a 3D scan may include B-mode images taken at specific angular intervals in a circle around the center of the area of ​​interest.

[0007] Before a 3D scan is performed, the ultrasound probe may need to be accurately positioned over the region of interest. To position the ultrasound probe, a user may select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe. During the aiming mode, the ultrasound probe may repeatedly perform B-mode scans in a particular plane to display a cross-section of the region of interest in that plane. Thus, the user may use the B-mode scan image from the aiming mode to move the ultrasound probe around and align the ultrasound probe with the estimated center of the region of interest. However, in many situations, the region of interest may have cross-sections that differ significantly in size in different planes. Thus, a single B-mode plane may not be sufficient to position the ultrasound probe in the desired 3D volume (e.g., to locate the target organ to be scanned), and clipping of the region of interest may be performed during the 3D scan. In other words, part of the region of interest may be excluded from the 3D scan, wasting time and resources.

[0008] Implementations described herein relate to multi-planar visualization of an area of ​​interest during aiming of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound system may be configured to select an aiming mode for the ultrasound probe, select a first aiming mode plane, and select at least one additional aiming mode plane without the user having to reposition the ultrasound probe. The ultrasound system may then toggle between acquiring and displaying ultrasound images associated with the first aiming mode plane and acquiring and displaying ultrasound images associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane using the ultrasound probe until a selection of a 3D scanning mode is made. When the ultrasound system receives a selection of the 3D scanning mode, the ultrasound system may perform a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe. Using multiple planes during the aiming mode may save time associated with a user attempting to position the ultrasound probe relative to the area of ​​interest.

[0009] In some implementations, the ultrasound images generated while in the aiming mode and / or during the 3D scan may correspond to B-mode ultrasound images. In other implementations, other types of ultrasound images may be used during the aiming mode, and the aiming mode may be followed by other types of images in addition to or as an alternative to the 3D scan. As an example, after selection of the aiming mode plane, the ultrasound system may toggle between acquiring and displaying a probability mode (P-mode) ultrasound image. A P-mode ultrasound image may correspond to an ultrasound image (e.g., a B-mode ultrasound image, etc.) in which each particular pixel is mapped to a probability that the particular pixel is within or part of a target organ / structure. As another example, the ultrasound system may toggle between acquiring and displaying a segmentation map ultrasound image. A segmentation map ultrasound image may correspond to an ultrasound image with a segmentation process performed on the captured ultrasound data. For example, in a segmentation map ultrasound image, different anatomy structures may be displayed in different colors (e.g., the bladder in yellow, background tissue in gray, etc.). As yet another example, after selection of the aiming mode plane, the ultrasound system may toggle between acquiring and displaying Doppler mode ultrasound images (e.g., power Doppler, continuous wave Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler, etc.), harmonic mode ultrasound images, motion mode (M-mode) ultrasound images, and / or any other type of imaging modality that uses ultrasound data. Additionally, 3D scanning may be performed using P-mode ultrasound images, Doppler mode ultrasound images, harmonic mode ultrasound images, M-mode ultrasound images, and / or any other type of imaging modality that uses ultrasound data.

[0010] Toggling associated with the aim mode may include toggling between two orthogonal ultrasound imaging planes (e.g., sagittal and transverse planes), continuously rotating between at least three different ultrasound imaging planes (e.g., planes separated by 60 degrees), or continuously rotating between a different number of ultrasound imaging planes separated by a particular angle. In some implementations, multiple aim mode planes may be displayed substantially simultaneously in real time or near real time (e.g., as each plane is scanned). In other implementations, a user may switch between different scan mode planes. For example, the ultrasound system may display a particular aim mode plane, detect activation of a toggle switch or input, and switch to displaying another one of the aim mode planes.

[0011] Additionally, toggling may include toggling between scanning modes. For example, rather than toggling between two or more imaging planes, a user may select to toggle between two or more scanning modes. The scanning modes may include single plane scanning, biplane scanning, triplane scanning, quad plane scanning, and / or scanning including another number of planes. As an example, a user may select to toggle between single plane scanning and biplane scanning. Thus, the ultrasound system may scan a single scanning plane, then toggle to biplane scanning and scan two planes (e.g., two orthogonal planes). As another example, a user may select to toggle between biplane scanning and triplane scanning, where the ultrasound system toggles between scanning two planes and scanning three planes.

[0012] Moreover, toggling may include toggling between imaging modes. For example, rather than toggling between two or more imaging planes, a user may select to toggle between two or more imaging modes. The imaging modes may include B-mode ultrasound imaging scans, Doppler mode ultrasound imaging (e.g., power Doppler, continuous wave Doppler, pulsed wave Doppler, etc.) scans, harmonic mode ultrasound imaging scans, motion mode (M-mode) ultrasound imaging scans, probability mode (P-mode) ultrasound imaging scans, segmentation map ultrasound imaging scans, and / or another type of imaging mode scans. Illustratively, a user may select to toggle between a B-mode imaging mode and a Doppler mode imaging mode. As another illustrative example, a user may toggle between a P-mode imaging mode and a segmentation map imaging mode.

[0013] Further, toggling between different planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be performed mechanically and / or electronically. For example, in some implementations, an ultrasonic probe may include a single element ultrasonic transducer, a vertical motor for moving the single element ultrasonic transducer into different ultrasonic imaging planes, and a horizontal motor for moving the single element ultrasonic transducer along a sector of a particular ultrasonic imaging plane. Toggling between aim mode planes may include controlling the vertical motor to move the single element ultrasonic transducer between different ultrasonic imaging planes. In other implementations, an ultrasonic probe may include an array of ultrasonic transducers and a vertical motor for moving the array of ultrasonic transducers into different ultrasonic imaging planes. Toggling between aim mode planes may include controlling the vertical motor to move the array of ultrasonic transducers between different ultrasonic imaging planes. In yet other implementations, an ultrasonic probe may include a two-dimensional (2D) array of ultrasonic transducers, and toggling between aim mode planes may include controlling the 2D array of ultrasonic transducers to generate ultrasound images in different ultrasonic imaging planes.

[0014] Moreover, toggling may be performed manually or automatically. By way of example, a user may view a first scan plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode and toggle to a second scan plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode by activating a toggle switch or toggle selection object on a touch screen, vocalizing a toggling command, and / or otherwise causing the ultrasound system to toggle to the second scan plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode. As another example, a user may select automatic toggling, and the ultrasound system may automatically toggle between the first scan plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode and the second scan plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode (and / or additional scan planes, scanning modes, or imaging modes) at a particular interval and / or rate. The particular interval and / or rate may be configurable by the user.

[0015] In some implementations, other types of processing may be performed additionally or alternatively on the 3D scan after the aiming mode. As an example, after selection of the aiming mode plane, toggling between acquiring and displaying ultrasound images for the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode may be used in relation to positioning a needle guide for needle insertion (e.g., to acquire a biopsy specimen, etc.). As another example, after selection of the aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode, toggling between acquiring and displaying ultrasound images for the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode may be used to measure the volume of the region of interest (e.g., bladder volume measurement, prostate volume measurement, uterine volume measurement, aorta size measurement, etc.). For example, two perpendicular aiming mode planes may be used to measure the volume of the region of interest.

[0016] 1A is a diagram illustrating an example ultrasound system 100 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 1A, the ultrasound system 100 may include an ultrasound probe 110, a base unit 120, and a cable 130.

[0017] The ultrasonic probe 110 may house one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to generate ultrasonic energy at a particular frequency and / or pulse repetition rate, receive reflected ultrasonic energy (e.g., ultrasonic echoes), and convert the reflected ultrasonic energy into electrical signals. For example, in some implementations, the ultrasonic probe 110 may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals within a range extending from about 2 megahertz (MHz) to about 10 MHz or higher (e.g., 18 MHz). In other implementations, the ultrasonic probe 110 may be configured to transmit ultrasonic signals within a different range. Additionally, the ultrasonic probe 110 may house one or more motors for controlling the movement of the ultrasonic transducers.

[0018] The ultrasound probe 110 may include a handle 112, a trigger 114, and a dome 118 (also referred to as a "nose"). A user (e.g., a physician, etc.) may hold the ultrasound probe 110 via the handle 112 and press the trigger 114 to activate one or more ultrasound transceivers and transducers located in the dome 118 to transmit ultrasound signals toward an area of ​​interest of the patient (e.g., a particular body organ, body joint, blood vessel, etc.). For example, the probe 110 may be positioned over the patient's pelvic region and over the patient's bladder.

[0019] The handle 112 allows a user to move the probe 110 relative to the area of ​​interest on the patient. Activation of the trigger 114 initiates an ultrasound scan of a selected anatomical portion while the dome 118 is in contact with the surface portion of the patient's body as the area of ​​interest on the patient is scanned. In some implementations, the trigger 114 may include a toggle switch 116. The toggle switch 116 may be used to toggle between different aiming planes, different scanning modes, different imaging modes, etc. during an aiming mode of the ultrasound system 100. In other implementations, the trigger 114 may not include a separate toggle switch 116 and the trigger 114 may be used to toggle between different aiming planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes. In still other implementations, the toggle switch 116 may be located at a different location on the ultrasound probe 110 and / or may be located on the base unit 120. In yet other implementations, the toggling function may be performed via touch screen buttons on the display of the base unit 120 and / or via another type of control, such as a microphone (e.g., via voice commands).

[0020] The dome 118 may surround one or more ultrasound transducers and may be formed from a material that provides a suitable acoustic impedance match to the anatomical portion and / or allows the ultrasound energy to be properly focused as it is projected into the anatomical portion. The dome 118 may also include a transceiver circuit including a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals. The probe 110 may communicate with the base unit 120 via a wired connection, such as via a cable 130. In other implementations, the probe 110 may communicate with the base unit 120 via a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.).

[0021] The base unit 120 may store and include one or more processors or processing logic configured to process reflected ultrasound energy received by the probe 110 to generate an image of the scanned anatomical region. Additionally, the base unit 120 may include a display 122 to allow a user to view images from the ultrasound scan and / or to allow operational interaction for the user during operation of the probe 110. For example, the display 122 may include an output display / screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) based display, a touch screen, and / or another type of display that presents text and / or image data to a user.

[0022] For example, the display 122 may provide instructions for positioning the probe 110 relative to a selected anatomical portion of the patient. Alternatively, the ultrasound probe 110 may include a small display (e.g., in the handle 112) that provides instructions for positioning the ultrasound probe 110. The display 122 may also display two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of a selected anatomical region. In some implementations, the display 122 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to select various features related to an ultrasound scan. For example, the display 122 may include selections (e.g., buttons, drop-down menu items, checkboxes, etc.) for selecting an aiming mode for the probe 110 and / or for initiating a 3D scan after the probe 110 is successfully positioned relative to the region of the patient. Additionally, the display 122 may include selections for selecting a particular type of ultrasound image to be acquired, such as a B-mode image, a P-mode image, a segmentation map mode image, a Doppler ultrasound image, a harmonic mode image, an M-mode image, and / or other types of ultrasound images. Additionally, the display 122 may include selections for selecting one or more aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes. Additionally, the display 122 may include selections for selecting whether to manually or automatically toggle between selected aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes.

[0023] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example environment 150 for an ultrasound system 100 according to one implementation described herein. The environment 150 illustrates the operation of the ultrasound system 100 relative to a patient 160. As shown in FIG. 1B, the patient 160 may be positioned such that a region of interest on the patient may be scanned. For example, assume that the region of interest corresponds to the patient's bladder 165. To scan the bladder 165, the ultrasound probe 110 may be positioned relative to a surface portion of the patient 160 proximate to the anatomical portion to be scanned. The user may apply acoustic gel 170 (or gel pad) to the skin of the patient 160 over the area of ​​the bladder 165 to provide an acoustic impedance match when the dome 118 is placed against the skin.

[0024] A user may select the aiming mode via the base unit 120 (e.g., by selecting an aiming mode button, menu item, etc. on the display 122, by speaking a voice command, etc.). Alternatively, the aiming mode may be automatically selected when the base unit 120 detects movement of the ultrasound probe 110 (e.g., via an accelerometer and / or gyroscope inside the ultrasound probe 110) or when the ultrasound probe 110 contacts the acoustic gel 170 or the skin of the patient 160. The ultrasound probe 110 may transmit an ultrasound signal 180 through the bladder 165 and receive a reflected ultrasound signal. The reflected ultrasound signal may be processed into an image that is displayed on the display 122.

[0025] In some implementations, a user may select one or more of the aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes. In other implementations, one or more of the aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be automatically selected without user input. In some implementations, the display 122 may automatically toggle between the selected aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes without user input and / or without the user changing the position of the ultrasound probe 110. In other implementations, a user may toggle between the selected aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes using the toggle switch 116. In still other implementations, one or more of the selected aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be displayed simultaneously on the display 122. The user may adjust the position of the ultrasound probe 110 based on the information displayed on the display 122 until the user is satisfied that the ultrasound probe 110 is positioned above the bladder 165. The user may then activate a 3D scan of bladder 165 by pressing trigger 114, by pressing a scan button on display 122, by speaking a voice command, and / or using another type of scan activation technique. Although FIGS. 1A and 1B show example components of ultrasound system 100, in other implementations ultrasound system 100 may include fewer components, different components, additional components, or components that are configured differently than those shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of ultrasound system 100 may perform one or more tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of ultrasound system 100.

[0026] For example, in other embodiments, the ultrasonic probe 110 may correspond to a self-contained device including a microprocessor stored within the ultrasonic probe 110 configured to operatively control one or more ultrasonic transducers and to process reflected ultrasonic energy to generate ultrasonic images. Thus, a display on the ultrasonic probe 110 may be used to display generated images and / or to view other information related to the operation of the ultrasonic probe 110. In yet other implementations, the ultrasonic probe 110 may be coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to a general purpose computer, such as a laptop, tablet, and / or desktop computer, that includes software that at least partially controls the operation of the ultrasonic probe 110 and / or that processes information received from the ultrasonic probe 110 to generate ultrasonic images.

[0027] 2A is a diagram of a first exemplary implementation of an ultrasonic probe 110 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 2A, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a single transducer element coupled to two rotary motors. In this implementation, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a base 210 connected to a dome 118, a theta motor 220, a spindle 230, a phi motor 240, and a transducer bucket 250 with a transducer 260. The theta motor 220, the phi motor 240, and / or the transducer 260 may include wired or wireless electrical connections that electrically connect the theta motor 220, the phi motor 240, and / or the transducer 260 to the base unit 120 via a cable 130 (not shown in FIG. 2A).

[0028] The base 210 may house the theta motor 220 and provide structural support for the ultrasonic probe 110. The base 210 may connect to the dome 118 and form a seal with the dome 118 to protect the components of the ultrasonic probe 110 from the external environment. The theta motor 220 may rotate the spindle 230 relative to the base 210 longitudinally relative to the transducer 260 by rotating about a vertical axis, referred to herein as the theta (theta) rotation plane 225. The spindle 230 may terminate in a shaft 235 on which the phi motor 240 may be mounted. The phi motor 240 may rotate about a horizontal axis, referred to herein as the phi (phi) rotation plane 245, orthogonal to the theta rotation plane 225. The transducer bucket 250 may be mounted to the phi motor 240 and may move with the phi motor 240.

[0029] The transducer 260 may be attached to the transducer bucket 250. The transducer 260 may include a piezoelectric transducer, a capacitive transducer, and / or another type of ultrasonic transducer. The transducer 260, along with a transceiver circuit associated with the transducer 260, may convert electrical signals into ultrasonic signals at a particular ultrasonic frequency or range of ultrasonic frequencies, may receive reflected ultrasonic signals (e.g., echoes, etc.), and may convert received ultrasonic signals into electrical signals. The transducer 260 may transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in a signal direction 265 that is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the transducer 260.

[0030] The signal direction 265 may be controlled by the movement of the φ motor 240, and the orientation of the φ motor may be controlled by the θ motor 220. For example, the φ motor 240 may rotate back and forth through an angle less than 180 degrees to generate ultrasound image data for a particular plane, and the θ motor 220 may rotate to a particular position to acquire ultrasound image data for a different plane.

[0031] In the aiming mode, the θ motor 220 may remain stationary while the φ motor 240 rotates back and forth to acquire ultrasound image data for a particular aiming plane. In the aiming mode, the θ motor 220 may move back and forth between multiple aiming planes, and the φ motor 240 may rotate back and forth to acquire ultrasound image data. As an example, the θ motor 220 may move back and forth between two orthogonal planes while the aiming mode is selected. As another example, the θ motor 220 may rotate continuously through three planes at 120 degrees from each other during the aiming mode.

[0032] In a 3D scanning mode, the θ motor 220 may cycle through a set of planes one or more times to obtain a full 3D scan of the region. Within each particular plane of the set of planes, the φ motor 240 may rotate to obtain B-mode image data for the particular plane. The motions of the θ motor 220 and the φ motor 240 may be interlaced in a 3D scanning motor. For example, motion of the φ motor 240 in a first direction may be followed by motion of the θ motor 220 from the first plane to a second plane, then motion of the φ motor 240 in a second direction opposite the first direction, then motion of the θ motor 220 from the second plane to a third plane, and so on. Such interlaced motions may enable the ultrasound probe 110 to obtain smooth continuous volumetric scans and may improve the rate at which scan data is acquired.

[0033] 2B is a diagram of a second exemplary implementation of an ultrasonic probe 110 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 2B, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a one-dimensional (1D) array of transducer elements coupled to a rotational motor. In this implementation, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a base 210 connected to a dome 118, a theta motor 220, a spindle 230, and a transducer bucket 270 with a 1D transducer array 275. The theta motor 220 and / or the 1D transducer array 275 may include a wired or wireless electrical connection that electrically connects the theta motor 220 and / or the 1D transducer array 275 to the base unit 120 via a cable 130 (not shown in FIG. 2B).

[0034] The base 210 may house the θ motor 220 and provide structural support for the ultrasonic probe 110. The base 210 may connect to the dome 118 and form a seal with the dome 118 to protect the components of the ultrasonic probe 110 from the external environment. The θ motor 220 may rotate the spindle 230 relative to the base 210 in a longitudinal direction relative to the 1D transducer array 275 by rotating about a θ rotation plane 225. The spindle 230 may terminate in a transducer bucket 270. The 1D transducer array 275 may be attached to the transducer bucket 270. The 1D transducer array 275 may include a curved 1D array of piezoelectric transducers, capacitive transducers, and / or other types of ultrasonic transducers. The 1D transducer array 275 may convert electrical signals into ultrasonic signals at a particular ultrasonic frequency or range of ultrasonic frequencies, receive reflected ultrasonic signals (e.g., echoes, etc.), and convert the received ultrasonic signals into electrical signals. Each element of the 1D transducer array 275 may transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in a particular direction of a set of directions, shown as items 276 in FIG. 2B. Thus, together, the elements of the 1D transducer array 275 may generate ultrasonic image data for a particular plane.

[0035] In the aiming mode, the θ motor 220 may remain stationary while the 1D transducer array 275 acquires ultrasound image data for a particular aiming plane. In the aiming mode, the θ motor 220 may move back and forth between a plurality of aiming planes, and the 1D transducer array 275 may acquire ultrasound image data in each aiming plane. As an example, the θ motor 220 may back up between two orthogonal planes while the aiming mode is selected. As another example, the θ motor 220 may rotate continuously through three planes located 120 degrees apart from each other. In the 3D scanning mode, the θ motor 220 may cycle through a set of planes one or more times to acquire a full 3D scan of the area of ​​interest. Within each particular plane of the set of planes, the 1D transducer array 275 may acquire ultrasound image data for the particular plane.

[0036] 2C is a diagram of a third exemplary ultrasonic probe 110 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 2C, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a two-dimensional (2D) array of transducer elements. In this implementation, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include a base 210, a spindle 230, and a transducer bucket 280 having a 2D transducer array 285. The 2D transducer array 285 may include a wired or wireless electrical connection that electrically connects the 2D transducer array 285 to the base unit 120 via a cable 130 (not shown in FIG. 2C).

[0037] The base 210 may provide structural support for the ultrasonic probe 110 and may secure the spindle 230. The spindle 230 may terminate in a transducer bucket 280. A 2D transducer array 285 may be attached to the transducer bucket 280. The 2D transducer array 285 may include a 2D array of piezoelectric transducers, capacitive transducers, and / or other types of ultrasonic transducers. The 2D transducer array 285 may convert electrical signals to ultrasonic signals at a particular ultrasonic frequency or range of ultrasonic frequencies, may receive reflected ultrasonic signals (e.g., echoes, etc.), and may convert received ultrasonic signals to electrical signals. Each element of the 2D transducer array 285 may transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in a particular direction of a set of directions shown as items 290 in FIG. 2C. Thus, together, the elements of the 2D transducer array 285 may generate ultrasonic image data for multiple planes to generate a 3D ultrasonic scan. In other words, the 2D transducer array 285 can be controlled to electronically tilt the ultrasound beam in a particular direction.

[0038] In the aiming mode, the 2D transducer array 285 may acquire ultrasound image data for one or more selected aiming planes. For a particular selected aiming plane, a linear 1D set of transducer elements from the 2D transducer array 285 may be selected to generate an ultrasound image for the particular selected aiming plane. As an example, two 1D sets of transducers may be selected for two orthogonal planes and alternate between acquiring ultrasound images for the two orthogonal planes. Alternatively, ultrasound images for the two orthogonal planes may be acquired substantially simultaneously. As another example, the 2D transducer array 285 may cycle through three planes located 120 degrees apart from each other, and three sets of 1D sets of transducer elements from the 2D transducer array 285 may acquire ultrasound images for the three planes. In a 3D scanning mode, the 2D transducer array 285 may cycle through the 1D sets of transducer elements one or more times to obtain a full 3D scan of the area of ​​interest. Alternatively, multiple sets of the 1D sets of transducer elements, or even all of the transducer elements of the 2D transducer array 285, may be activated substantially simultaneously to obtain a full 3D scan of the area of ​​interest. Although FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show example components of the ultrasonic probe 110, in other implementations, the ultrasonic probe 110 may include fewer components, different components, additional components, or components that are configured differently than those shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of the ultrasonic probe 110 may perform one or more tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of the ultrasonic probe 110.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components of a device 300 according to one implementation described herein. The ultrasound probe 110 and / or the base unit 120 may each include one or more devices 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the device 300 may include a bus 310, a processor 320, a memory 330, an input device 340, an output device 350, and a communication interface 360. The bus 310 may include paths that allow communication between the components of the device 300. The processor 320 may include any type of single-core processor, multi-core processor, microprocessor, latch-based processor, and / or processing logic (or family of processors, microprocessors, and / or processing logic) that interprets and executes instructions. In other embodiments, the processor 320 may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or another type of integrated circuit or processing logic. Memory 330 may include any type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and / or instructions for execution by processor 320, and / or any type of non-volatile storage device capable of storing information for use by processor 320. For example, memory 330 may include random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device, read-only memory (ROM) device or another type of static storage device, content addressable memory (CAM), magnetic and / or optical recording memory devices and their corresponding drives (e.g., hard disk drives, optical drives, etc.), and / or removable forms of memory such as flash memory.

[0040] Input device 340 may enable an operator to input information into device 300. Input device 340 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a microphone, a remote control, an audio capture device, an image and / or video capture device, a touch screen display, and / or another type of input device. In some embodiments, device 300 may be remotely managed and may not include input device 340. In other words, device 300 may be "headless" and may not include, for example, a keyboard.

[0041] Output device 350 may output information to an operator of device 300. Output device 350 may include a display, a printer, a speaker, and / or another type of output device. For example, device 300 may include a display, which may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying content to a customer. In some embodiments, device 300 may be remotely managed and may not include output device 350. In other words, device 300 may be "headless" and may not include a display, for example.

[0042] The communication interface 360 ​​may include a transceiver that enables the device 300 to communicate with other devices and / or systems via wireless communications (e.g., radio frequency, infrared, and / or visual optics, etc.), wired communications (e.g., conductors, twisted pairs, coaxial cables, transmission lines, fiber optic cables, and / or waveguides, etc.), or a combination of wireless and wired communications. The communication interface 360 ​​may include a transmitter that converts baseband signals to radio frequency (RF) signals and / or a receiver that converts RF signals to baseband signals. The communication interface 360 ​​may be coupled to an antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals.

[0043] The communication interface 360 ​​may include logical components including input and / or output ports, input and / or output systems, and / or other input and output components that facilitate transmission of data to other devices. For example, the communication interface 360 ​​may include a network interface card (e.g., an Ethernet card) for wired communication, and / or a wireless network interface (e.g., WiFi) card for wireless communication. The communication interface 360 ​​may also include a universal serial bus (USB) port for communication over a cable, a Bluetooth™ wireless interface, a radio frequency identification (RFID) interface, a near field communication (NFC) wireless interface, and / or any other type of interface that converts data from one form to another. As described in more detail below, the device 300 may perform several operations related to multi-plane visualization of an area of ​​interest during an aiming mode. The device 300 may perform these operations in response to the processor 320 executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as the memory 330. The computer-readable medium may be defined as a non-transitory memory device. The memory devices may be implemented within a single physical memory device or spread across multiple physical memory devices. Software instructions may be loaded into memory 330 from another computer-readable medium or from another device. The software instructions contained in memory 330 may cause processor 320 to perform the processes described herein. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software. Although FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary components of device 300, in other implementations device 300 may include fewer components, different components, additional components, or components that are configured differently than those illustrated in FIG. 3.Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of device 300 may perform one or more tasks that are described as being performed by one or more other components of device 300.

[0044] 4 is a diagram illustrating exemplary functional components of ultrasound system 100. The functional components of ultrasound system 100 may be implemented, for example, via a processor 320 executing instructions from a memory 330. Alternatively, some or all of the functional components of ultrasound system 100 may be implemented via hardwired circuitry. As shown in FIG. 4, ultrasound system 100 may include a user interface 410, an aim mode manager 420, an image generator 430, a 3D scan manager 440, and a data collector 450.

[0045] The user interface 410 may generate a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface) configured to display ultrasound images to a user via the display 122 and receive selections and / or commands from a user via a touch screen associated with the display 122, via one or more control keys located on the base unit 120 and / or on the ultrasound probe 110, via a microphone included in the base unit 120, and / or via another type of input method. For example, a user may select a type of ultrasound image, an aiming mode via the user interface 410, select one or more aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes, and / or select to perform a 3D scan once the user is satisfied with the position of the ultrasound probe 110 in the aiming mode.

[0046] The aiming mode manager 420 may manage the aiming modes associated with the ultrasound system 100. Illustratively, when a user selects to perform a scan, the ultrasound system 100 may automatically enter the aiming mode. As another illustrative example, a user may select an aiming mode using a selection and / or by executing a particular command. In some implementations, the aiming mode manager 420 may select a default set of aiming mode planes, such as, for example, two orthogonal planes. Additionally or alternatively, a user may select one or more aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes. Illustratively, a user may select a first aiming mode plane by specifying a particular plane (e.g., “sagittal”, “frontal”, etc.) and may select additional aiming mode planes by specifying each additional plane. As another illustrative example, a user may select a first scanning mode by specifying a first number of scanning planes and a second scanning mode by specifying a second number of scanning planes. As yet another illustrative example, a user may select a first imaging mode and a second imaging mode.

[0047] The aiming mode planes may be selected via name, via an angle offset (e.g., the second plane is the first plane +90 degrees), by selecting an aiming mode plane set (e.g., two orthogonal planes, three planes separated by 60 degrees, four planes separated by 45 degrees, two planes separated by 45 degrees, and a third plane orthogonal to the plane that bisects the angle between the two planes, etc.), by drawing or selecting each plane over a circle drawn around a graphical representation of the area of ​​interest on a touch screen of the display 122, and / or by using another technique. Scanning modes may be selected by specifying the number of scanning planes for each selected scanning mode. Imaging modes may be selected from a list of available imaging modes.

[0048] The aiming mode manager 420 may instruct the image generator 430 to generate an ultrasound image for the selected aiming mode plane using a particular type of ultrasound image, such as a B-mode ultrasound image, a P-mode ultrasound image, a Doppler ultrasound image, a segmentation map mode ultrasound image, a harmonic mode ultrasound image, an M-mode ultrasound image, and / or other types of ultrasound images. In some implementations, the aiming mode manager 420 may automatically toggle between the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode and display the ultrasound image associated with the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode on the display 122. The ultrasound images associated with different aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be displayed simultaneously, or the display 122 may toggle through displaying the different aiming mode planes, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode images. In other implementations, a user may toggle between different aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging mode images by pressing toggle switch 116 and / or otherwise selecting to toggle between different aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging mode images (e.g., by pressing a toggle button on the touch screen of display 122, by speaking a command, etc.).

[0049] Image generator 430 may generate an ultrasound image in a particular plane. For example, image generator 430 may instruct the data collector to acquire a particular type of ultrasound image, to move to a particular plane (e.g., a particular position of θ motor 220), and to generate a particular type of ultrasound image for the particular plane (e.g., using φ motor 240 and transducer 260).

[0050] The 3D scan manager 440 may generate a 3D scan of the region of interest in the patient's body. For example, in response to a user selecting to perform a 3D scan, the 3D scan manager 440 may instruct the image generator 430 to generate ultrasound images for a particular set of planes in a particular sequence. In some implementations, the 3D scan may be implemented with interlaced motion of the θ motor 220 and the φ motor 240. The number of planes scanned during a 3D scan (e.g., the number of different positions of the θ motor 220) may be configurable by the user. For example, the 3D scan may be set to scan a plane every 30 degrees, every 15 degrees, every 10 degrees, every 5 degrees, etc.

[0051] The data collector 450 may be configured to collect ultrasound image data from the ultrasound probe 110. The data collector 450 may include a φ motor controller 460, a θ motor controller 470, and a transducer controller 480. The φ motor controller 460 may control the φ motor 240. The θ motor controller 470 may control the θ motor 220. The transducer controller 480 may control the transducer 260 (or the 1D transducer array 275 or the 2D transducer array 285).

[0052] Although Figure 4 illustrates example components of ultrasound system 100, in other implementations, ultrasound system 100 may include fewer components, different components, additional components, or components that are configured differently than those illustrated in Figure 4. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components of ultrasound system 100 may perform one or more tasks described as being performed by one or more other components of ultrasound system 100.

[0053] 5 is a flow chart of a process for multi-planar visualization during aiming according to one implementation described herein. In some implementations, the process of FIG. 5 may be performed by ultrasound system 100. In other implementations, some or all of the process of FIG. 5 may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from ultrasound system 100.

[0054] The process of FIG. 5 may include selecting an aiming mode (block 510). By way of example, when a user selects to perform a scan and / or turns on ultrasound system 100, ultrasound system 100 may automatically enter aiming mode. As another example, a user may select the aiming mode using a selection and / or by executing a particular command. Additionally, a user may select a particular type of ultrasound image to be used during the aiming mode. For example, a user may select to use a B-mode ultrasound image, a P-mode ultrasound image, a Doppler ultrasound image, a harmonic mode ultrasound image, an M-mode ultrasound image, and / or other types of ultrasound images.

[0055] A first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode may be selected (block 520) and the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode may be scanned (block 530). In some implementations, the ultrasound system 100 may use a default plane (e.g., sagittal, transverse, etc.) as the first aiming mode plane, default scanning mode (e.g., single plane scan, etc.), and / or default imaging mode (e.g., B-mode, etc.). In other implementations, the user may select the first aiming mode plane by selecting a plane from a list of planes, by specifying a name of the plane, by specifying an angular offset (e.g., from the sagittal plane), by drawing or selecting a line across the region of interest displayed on the display 122, and / or by using another technique. Additionally or alternatively, the user may select the first scanning mode and / or imaging mode by selecting a scanning mode and / or imaging mode from a presented list of scanning modes and / or imaging modes. The ultrasound system 100 may scan and display the selected first aiming mode, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode in the display 122.

[0056] Additional aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be selected (block 540), and the selected additional aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may be scanned (block 550). For example, the user may select the additional aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes using one or more of the techniques described above, and the ultrasound system 100 may scan and display the selected additional aim mode, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode in the display 122 without the user having to change the position of the ultrasound probe 110. A determination may be made as to whether additional aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes are to be selected (block 560). For example, the ultrasound system 100 may continue to toggle between the selected aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes, and the user may select another aim mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode.

[0057] If it is determined that additional aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes are to be selected (block 560-yes), processing may return to block 540. If it is determined that additional aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes are not to be selected (block 560-no), a determination may be made as to whether to proceed to post-aim mode processing (block 570). By way of illustration, ultrasound system 100 may determine that a selection has been made to perform a 3D scan. 3D scanning may be selected, for example, by selecting a 3D scan button on a touch screen of display 122, by pressing a particular key on base unit 120 and / or ultrasound probe 110, by speaking a voice command, and / or using another technique. By way of another illustration, ultrasound system 100 may determine that a user has selected to place a needle guide, for example, by making a needle guide selection from a list of options provided on display 122. As yet another example, the ultrasound system 100 may determine that the user has selected to analyze the region (e.g., to measure the volume of the organ, measure the amount of fluid in the organ, measure blood flow through the region, etc.) by, for example, making an analysis mode selection from a list of options provided on the display 122.

[0058] If it is determined that the process does not proceed to post-aim mode processing (block 570-no), toggling between the selected aim mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode may be performed (block 580). For example, the ultrasound system 100 may continue to toggle between the selected aim mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode until 3D scanning is selected and / or a different mode is selected (e.g., the ultrasound system 100 is placed in an idle mode). If it is determined that the process proceeds to 3D scanning (block 570-yes), post-aim mode processing may be performed (block 590). Illustratively, after the user is satisfied with the alignment of the ultrasound probe 110 based on the information displayed through the multiple aim mode planes during the aim mode, the user may select to perform a 3D scan, and the ultrasound system 100 may perform the 3D scan.

[0059] In some implementations, the ultrasound system 100 may continue to toggle between the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode during the post-aiming process. By way of illustration, a user may select a needle guide mode. In response, the ultrasound system 100 may enter a needle guide mode that provides images and / or instructions to the user while the user manipulates the needle guide and while the ultrasound system 100 continues to toggle between the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode.

[0060] As yet another example, ultrasound system 100 may determine that the user has selected to analyze the region by selecting to measure the volume of the organ or cavity, by selecting to measure the amount of fluid in the organ or cavity, by selecting to measure blood flow through the region, and / or by selecting another type of analysis. In response, ultrasound system 100 may enter an analysis mode and perform the requested measurements while ultrasound system 100 continues to toggle between the selected aiming mode plane, scanning mode, and / or imaging mode.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of another process for multi-plane visualization during aiming, according to one implementation described herein. In the process of FIG. 6, when the ultrasound system 100 is activated and / or when an aiming mode is selected, the ultrasound system 100 may automatically toggle between two or more aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes without the need for manual toggling. In some implementations, the automatic toggling may be used as a default aiming mode and / or while the user is manipulating a needle guide and / or another type of medical device within the patient's body. In some implementations, the process of FIG. 6 may be performed by the ultrasound system 100. In other implementations, some or all of the process of FIG. 6 may be performed by another device or group of devices separate from the ultrasound system 100.

[0062] 6 may include selecting an aiming mode (block 610). By way of example, when a user selects to perform a scan and / or turns on ultrasound system 100, ultrasound system 100 may automatically enter the aiming mode. As another example, a user may select a particular aiming mode using a selection and / or by executing a particular command, such as by selecting a default aiming mode, a needle guide aiming mode, and / or another type of aiming mode.

[0063] Toggling between two or more aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may occur (block 620). For example, in response to a selected aiming mode, the ultrasound system 100 may automatically toggle between a particular set of aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes while the ultrasound system 100 is in the selected aiming mode. By way of example, the ultrasound system 100 may toggle between two orthogonal planes, such as a sagittal plane and a transverse plane. By way of another example, the ultrasound system 100 may rotate continuously through three planes at 120 degrees from one another in response to a selected aiming mode. By way of yet another example, the ultrasound system 100 may toggle between single-plane scanning and bi-plane scanning. By way of yet another example, the ultrasound system 100 may toggle between B-mode and P-mode images. The ultrasound system 100 may toggle between a set of aiming mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes at a particular toggling rate. The user may be given a selection object and / or voice command option to allow the user to increase or decrease the toggling rate.

[0064] The user may be enabled to switch between different image modes while in the aiming mode (block 630). For example, the ultrasound system 100 may provide a selection object and / or voice command option to allow the user to select a particular type of ultrasound image to use during the aiming mode, such as, for example, a B-mode ultrasound image, a P-mode ultrasound image, a Doppler ultrasound image, a harmonic mode ultrasound image, an M-mode ultrasound image, and / or other types of ultrasound images. By way of illustration, while attempting to find a target vessel for needle insertion using automatic toggling between two orthogonal B-mode images, the user may select to turn the Doppler on or off to more efficiently find the target vessel.

[0065] A decision may be made as to whether to proceed to post-aim mode processing (block 640). As an example, the ultrasound system 100 may determine that a selection has been made to perform a 3D scan. As another example, the ultrasound system 100 may determine that the user has exited the aim mode after successfully inserting a needle into a target area, such as, for example, a blood vessel. As yet another example, the ultrasound system 100 may determine that the user has selected to analyze the area (e.g., measure the volume of an organ, measure the amount of fluid in an organ, measure blood flow through the area, etc.), for example, by making an analysis mode selection from a list of options provided on the display 122.

[0066] If it is determined that the process should not proceed to post-aim mode processing (block 640-no), the automatic toggling between two or more aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes may continue to be performed (block 620). If it is determined that the process should proceed to 3D scanning (block 640-yes), post-aim mode processing may be performed (block 650). As an example, after the user is satisfied with the alignment of the ultrasound probe 110 based on the information displayed during the aim mode through two or more aim mode planes, scanning modes, and / or imaging modes, the user may select to perform a 3D scan, and the ultrasound system 100 may perform the 3D scan. As another example, the ultrasound system 100 may exit the aim mode without performing any additional processing.

[0067] 7 is a diagram of an example multi-plane visualization 700 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-plane visualization 700 may include a scan of an organ 165 of a patient 160 including two aiming mode planes, a first aiming mode plane 710 and a second aiming mode plane 720. The first aiming mode plane 710 may correspond to a transverse plane and the second aiming mode plane 720 may correspond to a sagittal plane. The first aiming mode plane 710 may be displayed as a first ultrasound image 715 on the base unit 120 (not shown in FIG. 7), and the second aiming mode plane 720 may be displayed as a second ultrasound image 725 on the base unit 120, such as on the display 122.

[0068] 8 is a diagram of a first user interface 800 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 8, in some implementations, a first ultrasound image 715 and a second ultrasound image 725 may be displayed together on the display 122 in real time or near real time. Thus, as the ultrasound probe 110 scans the first aim mode plane 710, the first ultrasound image 715 may be refreshed with a new image. The ultrasound probe 110 may then scan the second aim mode plane 720, and the second ultrasound image 725 may be refreshed with a new image.

[0069] 9 is a diagram of a second user interface 900 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 9, in other implementations, the display 122 may toggle between the first ultrasound image 715 and the second ultrasound image 725 at specific intervals or in response to the user pressing the toggle switch 116 (and / or another key or button associated with the ultrasound system 100). In still other implementations, the first ultrasound image 715 and the second ultrasound image 725 may be displayed in a tiled configuration, and toggling may change which tiles are brought to the front to be viewed by the user.

[0070] 10 is a diagram of a third user interface 1000 according to one implementation described herein. As shown in FIG. 10, in some implementations, the display 122 may toggle between a B-mode ultrasound image 1015 and a P-mode ultrasound image 1025 at specific intervals or in response to a user pressing a toggle switch 116 (and / or another key or button associated with the ultrasound system 100). In yet other implementations, the B-mode ultrasound image 1015 and the P-mode ultrasound image 1025 may be displayed in a tiled configuration, and toggling may change which tiles are brought to the front to be viewed by the user.

[0071] In the foregoing specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent, however, that various changes and modifications may be made thereto and that additional embodiments may be implemented without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are therefore to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0072] For example, although a series of blocks have been described with respect to Figures 5 and 6, the order of the blocks may be changed in other implementations. Additionally, non-dependent blocks may be performed in parallel.

[0073] Although the examples described above relate to scanning the bladder, other organs, joints, blood vessels, and / or body regions could be scanned and / or imaged in other implementations, such as the aorta, prostate, kidneys, uterus, ovaries, aorta, heart, etc. Additionally, in some implementations, obtaining the appropriate aiming mode and then proceeding to 3D scanning may be automatic based on the size of the image and / or another parameter.

[0074] It will be apparent that the present systems and / or methods, as described above, in the implementations shown in the figures, may be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and hardware. The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods is not limiting of the examples. Thus, the operation and behavior of the present systems and methods have been described without reference to specific software code. That is, it is understood that software and control hardware may be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description herein.

[0075] Furthermore, some of the above-described portions may be implemented as components that perform one or more functions. As used herein, a component may include hardware, such as a processor, ASIC, or FPGA, or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor executing software).

[0076] It should be emphasized that the term "comprise" / "comprising" as used in this specification is used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0077] The term "logic," as used herein, may refer to a combination of one or more processors configured to execute instructions stored in one or more memory devices, may refer to hardwired circuitry, and / or may refer to a combination thereof. Further, logic may be contained in a single device or distributed across multiple, possibly remote, devices.

[0078] For purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it is further noted that the term "substantially" is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also utilized herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic functionality of the subject matter at issue.

[0079] No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless expressly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on," unless otherwise specified.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. A method implemented by a computing device, comprising: selecting, by the computing device, an aiming mode for an ultrasound probe in response to a user selection of the aiming mode; selecting, by the computing device, a first aiming mode plane, a scanning mode, or an imaging mode; selecting, by the computing device, at least one additional aim mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode for the ultrasound probe; toggling, by the computing device, between a first process of acquiring and displaying an ultrasound image associated with the first aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode using the ultrasound probe and a second process of acquiring and displaying an ultrasound image associated with the at least one additional aiming mode plane, scanning mode, or imaging mode, the toggling being configured to be performed by activating a toggle switch or toggle selection object or to be performed automatically at a particular interval or rate, the toggling being performed until a three-dimensional (3D) scanning mode is selected; receiving, by the computing device, a selection of the three-dimensional (3D) scanning mode; performing a 3D scan using the ultrasound probe in response to receiving the selection of the 3D scan mode. The method includes:

Images