Mixed sensor array devices are provided herein. Mixed sensor arrays as described herein include acoustic energy generating elements and optical fiber based acoustic sensors. Optical fiber based sensors may optical structures responsive to physical parameters including acoustic signals, pressure, and temperature, and are configured to detect and receive acoustic signals and other physical parameters and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, imaging, and other sensing capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.
A method of imaging may include receiving a first signal from one or more array elements of a first type in a mixed transducer array, receiving a second signal from one or more array elements of a second type in the mixed transducer array, where at least one of the first type or the second type is a tunable optical resonator and selectively configured to operate in different quality factor modes, generating a first image from the first signal and a second image from the second signal, and combining the first image and the second image to generate a compound image.
An apparatus may include one or more optical fibers, one or more optical waveguides, and multiple resonator nodes arranged in an array of sensing locations. Each resonator node may include an optical coupling between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber having a set of resonant frequencies at a respective sensing location. Each resonator node may be further configured to communicate a set of signals corresponding to at least one shift in the set of resonant frequencies in the optical fiber at the respective sensing location.
G02B 6/293 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
4.
WHISPERING GALLERY MODE RESONATORS FOR SENSING APPLICATIONS
Sensing apparatuses and method of making the sensing apparatuses are disclosed herein. In some variations, a sensing apparatus can comprise at least one optical waveguide, and at least one whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator configured to propagate a set of WGMs, where the WGM resonator communicates to the at least one optical waveguide a set of signals corresponding to the set of WGMs. In some variations, a polymer structure may encapsulate the at least one WGM resonator and/or the at least one optical waveguide. Furthermore, in some variations, the WGM resonator(s) may have one or more selectable modes with different bandwidth and sensitivity for sensing, which may, for example, enable tailoring the sensing apparatus to specific applications having certain bandwidth and/or sensitivity requirements.
G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G02B 6/293 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for acoustic imaging. The disclosed embodiments include a plurality of ultrasonic transducers configured to generate ultrasound signals. The disclosed embodiments include an optical sensor array comprising a first optical sensor. The first optical sensor may include an acoustic stack. The acoustic stack may include a backing layer that supports an optical layer. The optical layer may include an optical waveguide and a tuning device configured to tune the optical length of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may include a core region and one or more cladding regions. The one or more cladding regions may have optical refractive index less than the core region.
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for acoustic imaging. The disclosed embodiments include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include an acoustic stack. The acoustic stack may include a backing layer that supports an optical layer. The optical layer may include an optical waveguide and a tuning device configured to tune an optical propagation property of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide may include a core region and one or more cladding regions. The one or more cladding regions may have optical refractive index less than that of the core region.
A method for visualizing position of an object may include emitting acoustic beamforming pulses and acoustic beacon pulses from an ultrasound array, receiving acoustic beamforming signals corresponding to the acoustic beamforming pulses and acoustic beacon signals corresponding to the acoustic beacon pulses with one or more optical sensors arranged on the object, generating an ultrasound image based on the acoustic beamforming signals, and generating an object indicator based on the acoustic beacon signals. The ultrasound image and the object indicator may be combined, such as for display.
A compact mixed ultrasound transducer including a transducer case, a source array configured comprising at least one acoustic energy generating transducer and configured to transmit acoustic waves; and an optical receiver array including at least one optical sensor and configured to detect acoustic echoes associated with the acoustic waves is provided. The mixed ultrasound transducer may have a compact geometry facilitated by various features.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G01H 9/00 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means
A compact mixed ultrasound transducer including a transducer case, a source array configured comprising at least one acoustic energy generating transducer and configured to transmit acoustic waves; and an optical receiver array including at least one optical sensor and configured to detect acoustic echoes associated with the acoustic waves is provided. The mixed ultrasound transducer may have a compact geometry facilitated by various features.
Mixed sensor array devices are provided herein. Mixed sensor arrays as described herein include acoustic energy generating elements and optical fiber based acoustic sensors. Optical fiber based sensors may optical structures responsive to physical parameters including acoustic signals, pressure, and temperature, and are configured to detect and receive acoustic signals and other physical parameters and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, imaging, and other sensing capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.
The optical fiber with an acoustically sensitive fiber Bragg grating includes an optical fiber core with a pair of fiber Bragg gratings formed therein, such that each of the fiber Bragg gratings is spaced apart from the other. A cladding material is disposed on and surrounds at least a portion of the optical fiber core. The cladding material has at least one material property associated therewith, where the at least one material property may be a smaller Young's modulus than a Young's modulus of the optical fiber core, a larger photo-elastic coefficient than a photo-elastic coefficient of the optical fiber core, or combinations thereof. An ultrasound sensor includes at least one of the optical fibers embedded in a polymer layer, along with a backing layer and an acoustic matching layer.
Optical fiber based acoustic sensors are provided herein. The optical fiber based acoustic sensors described herein include acoustically responsive optical structures configured to detect and receive acoustic signals, including ultrasound signals, and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, and imaging capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.
G01H 9/00 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means
G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
13.
Transponder tracking and ultrasound image enhancement
Optical fiber based acoustic sensors are provided herein. The optical fiber based acoustic sensors described herein include acoustically responsive optical structures configured to detect and receive acoustic signals, including ultrasound signals, and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, and imaging capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.
The optical fiber with an acoustically sensitive fiber Bragg grating includes an optical fiber core with a pair of fiber Bragg gratings formed therein, such that each of the fiber Bragg gratings is spaced apart from the other. A cladding material is disposed on and surrounds at least a portion of the optical fiber core. The cladding material has at least one material property associated therewith, where the at least one material property may be a smaller Young's modulus than a Young's modulus of the optical fiber core, a larger photo-elastic coefficient than a photo-elastic coefficient of the optical fiber core, or combinations thereof. An ultrasound sensor includes at least one of the optical fibers embedded in a polymer layer, along with a backing layer and an acoustic matching layer.
Mixed sensor array devices are provided herein. Mixed sensor arrays as described herein include acoustic energy generating elements and optical fiber based acoustic sensors. Optical fiber based sensors may optical structures responsive to physical parameters including acoustic signals, pressure, and temperature, and are configured to detect and receive acoustic signals and other physical parameters and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, imaging, and other sensing capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices.
Systems and methods for detecting multiple physical features is described herein. The method may include receiving a sensor signal from a single optical sensor proximate to a measurement region, determining a plurality of sensor responses from the sensor signal, and generating a plurality of measurement signals from the plurality of sensor responses. Each of the measurement signals may correspond to a different respective physical signal of the measurement region.
An apparatus for imaging a target and a process of making the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an acoustic subarray on a first substrate configured to transmit acoustic signals toward the target. The distal portion includes an optical subarray on a second substrate, configured to detect acoustic signals from the target. The distal portion includes an input/output (I/O) region including one or more optical I/O channels. The one or more optical I/O channels is configured to bend optical signals between the optical subarray and the one or more optical I/O channels.
G01S 15/89 - Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
An apparatus for imaging a target and a process of making the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a distal portion. The distal portion includes an acoustic subarray on a first substrate configured to transmit acoustic signals toward the target. The distal portion includes an optical subarray on a second substrate, configured to detect acoustic signals from the target. The distal portion includes an input/output (I/O) region including one or more optical I/O channels. The one or more optical I/O channels is configured to bend optical signals between the optical subarray and the one or more optical I/O channels.
The optical sensor circuit is an optical circuit for routing input optical signals through an array of optical sensors. The optical sensor circuit includes an optical input port for receiving a plurality of input optical signals within a single input channel, where each of the input optical signals has a unique wavelength associated therewith. A wavelength-division demultiplexer is coupled to the optical input port to demultiplex the plurality of input optical signals, and a plurality of optical sensors are coupled to the wavelength-division demultiplexer for respectively receiving the plurality of input optical signals and outputting a corresponding plurality of output optical signals. A wavelength-division multiplexer is coupled to the plurality of optical sensors to multiplex the plurality of output optical signals into a single output channel, and an optical output port is coupled to the wavelength-division multiplexer for outputting the plurality of output optical signals in the single output channel.
The optical sensor circuit (10) is an optical circuit for routing input optical signals through an array of optical sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4). The optical sensor circuit (10) includes an input port (16) for receiving a plurality of input optical signals within a single input channel. A wavelength-division demultiplexer (22) is coupled to the input port (16) to demultiplex the plurality of input optical signals, and a plurality of optical sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) are coupled to the wavelength-division demultiplexer (22) for receiving the plurality of input optical signals and outputting a plurality of output optical signals. A wavelength-division multiplexer (24) is coupled to the plurality of optical sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) to multiplex the plurality of output optical signals into a single output channel. An output port (18) is coupled to the wavelength-division multiplexer (24) for outputting the output optical signals in the single output channel.
Optical fiber based acoustic sensors are provided herein. The optical fiber based acoustic sensors described herein include acoustically responsive optical structures configured to detect and receive acoustic signals, including ultrasound signals, and provide associated optical signals to a system for processing and interpretation to implement tracking, location, and imaging capabilities. Optical fiber based sensors provided herein may be disposed at ends of or along the length of optic fibers. Optical fiber based sensors may be included within various devices, including, for example, medical devices. Optical fiber based sensors may provide a compact technology with high sensitivity to visualize and track objects and provide anatomical imaging.
G01H 9/00 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means
G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
24.
Acoustic imaging and measurements using windowed nonlinear frequency modulation chirp
A method for performing acoustic imaging and measurements may include generating a nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM) chirp waveform based on a frequency response of at least one transducer. The method may further include generating an apodized signal by applying a window function to the NLFM chirp waveform. The method may further include exciting the at least one transducer with the apodized signal. The method may further include compressing received signals by using one or more matched filters.
Medical devices, apparatus, and instruments for use in the field of medical imaging, namely, medical needles; medical needle acoustic sensors; injection, biopsy or aspiration needles; acoustic sensors for injection, biopsy or aspiration needles; modules for visualizing acoustic sensor position; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy; modules for determining the position of acoustic sensors in relation to the patient anatomy; modules for a tracking position of needle during a diagnostic, therapeutic or surgical procedure; a needle tracking feature of an ultrasound system comprised of a probe, software for use therefor, a needle acoustic sensor for receiving acoustic probe signals and interfacing with the software and a display for visualizing patient anatomy and needle tracking.
Medical device, apparatus and instruments for use in the field of medical imaging, namely, acoustic sensors, modules for determining the position of acoustic sensor on a medical device in relation to the whole anatomy of a patient and visualizing thereof; ultrasound imaging system; acoustic sensor tracking and imaging system of an ultrasound system; acoustic sensors for medical devices including catheters, needles, surgical tools and diagnostic tools; modules for visualizing the acoustic sensor position; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy; modules for determining the position of acoustic sensors in relation to the patient anatomy; Medical ultrasound device and apparatus to assist in therapeutic, surgical and/or diagnostic procedures, namely, ultrasound imaging apparatus, non-therapeutic acoustic sensors to assist in guidance, placement or securing of medical devices in vivo.
A method of imaging may include receiving a first signal from one or more array elements of a first type in a mixed transducer array, receiving a second signal from one or more array elements of a second type in the mixed transducer array where at least one of the first type and the second type is an optical sensor, generating a first image from the first signal and a second image from the second signal, and combining the first image and the second image to generate a compound image.
A method of acousto-optic imaging may include receiving a first signal from a first sub-aperture of a sensor array. The first sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a first type. The method may further include receiving a second signal from a second sub-aperture of the sensor array. The second sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. In some variations, the first type of array element may be an acoustic transducer (e.g., piezoelectric transducer) and/or the second type of array element may be an optical sensor (e.g., optical resonator such as a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator). The method may further include combining the first signal and the second signal to form a synthesized aperture for the sensor array.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Modules for visualizing acoustic sensor position, namely, electronic display screens and computer hardware with preinstalled
software for determining location of acoustic sensor; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy, namely, electronic display
screens and computer hardware with preinstalled software for generating ultrasound image; all of the forgoing for use in the
medical industry on human patients Medical devices, apparatus, and instruments for use in the field of medical ultrasound imaging, namely, medical needles,
excluding medical needles for use with arthroscopes and/or arthroscopic procedures; medical needle acoustic sensors for
receiving acoustic probe signals for diagnosing medical conditions and use in surgical procedures; injection, biopsy and aspiration
needles, excluding injection, biopsy and aspiration needles for use with arthroscopes and/or arthroscopic procedures; acoustic
sensors for diagnosing medical conditions and performing surgical procedures for use with injection, biopsy and aspiration
needles not for use with arthroscopes and/or arthroscopic procedures; modules for visualizing acoustic sensor position namely,
medical ultrasound probes; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy namely, medical ultrasound probes; modules for
determining the position of acoustic sensors in relation to the patient anatomy namely, medical ultrasound probes; modules in the
nature of medical ultrasound probes for a tracking position of needle during a diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedure not
for use with arthroscopes and/or arthroscopic procedures; medical ultrasound probes for tracking a needle used with a medical
ultrasound apparatus, the ultrasound apparatus being comprised of a probe, software for use therefor, a needle acoustic sensor
for receiving acoustic probe signals and interfacing with the software and a display for visualizing patient anatomy and needle
tracking, not for use with arthroscopes and/or arthroscopic procedures; all of the forgoing for use in the medical industry on human
patients
Medical devices, apparatus and instruments for use in the field of medical imaging, namely, ultrasound imaging system, acoustic sensors for medical devices including catheters, medical instruments, surgical instruments, and diagnostic instruments; acoustic sensor tracking, position and imaging system of an ultrasound system ; modules for visualizing the sensor position; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy; modules for determining the position of acoustic sensors in relation to the patient anatomy; a medical device tracking feature of an ultrasound system comprised of a probe, software for use therefor, a medical device acoustic sensor for receiving acoustic probe signals and interfacing with the software and a display for visualizing patient anatomy and medical device tracking
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Modules for visualizing acoustic sensor position, namely, electronic display screens and computer hardware with preinstalled software for receiving acoustic probe signals; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy namely, electronic display screens and computer hardware with preinstalled software for receiving acoustic probe signals Medical device, apparatus and instruments for use in the field of medical imaging, namely, acoustic sensors for diagnosing medical conditions and use in surgical procedures; modules in the nature of ultrasound probes for determining the position of acoustic sensor on a medical device in relation to the whole anatomy of a patient and visualizing thereof for medical diagnostic purposes, diagnosing medical conditions and use in surgical procedures; medical ultrasound imaging probe and apparatus; acoustic sensor tracking and imaging device being parts and fittings of a medical ultrasound imaging apparatus; acoustic sensors for medical devices in the nature of catheters, needles for medical use, and surgical tools, and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus; modules for visualizing the acoustic sensor position, namely, medical ultrasound probes; modules for visualizing the patient anatomy, namely, medical ultrasound probes; modules for determining the position of acoustic sensors in relation to the patient anatomy, namely, medical ultrasound probes; Medical ultrasound device and apparatus to assist in therapeutic, surgical and diagnostic procedures, namely, ultrasound imaging apparatus, non-therapeutic acoustic sensors to assist in guidance, placement and securing of medical devices in vivo
32.
Acousto-optic harmonic imaging with optical sensors
An acousto-optic imaging system may include at least one transducer that transmits an ultrasound signal having a fundamental frequency f. The acousto-optic imaging system includes at least one optical sensor that may produce one or more optical responses upon receiving harmonic-related ultrasound echoes corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signal. For example, the one or more optical sensors may have a bandwidth ranging from at least f/M to Nf, where M and N are integers greater than 1.
An ultrasound device may include ultrasound transducer array that include one or more array elements of a first type and one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. The first type may include a transducer configured to transmit acoustic waves. The second type may include an optical sensor. The array elements of the first and second types are configured to detect acoustic echoes corresponding to the transmitted acoustic waves.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
34.
ULTRASOUND BEACON VISUALIZATION WITH OPTICAL SENSORS
A method for visualizing position of an object may include emitting acoustic beamforming pulses and acoustic beacon pulses from an ultrasound array, receiving acoustic beamforming signals corresponding to the acoustic beamforming pulses and acoustic beacon signals corresponding to the acoustic beacon pulses with one or more optical sensors arranged on the object, generating an ultrasound image based on the acoustic beamforming signals, and generating an object indicator based on the acoustic beacon signals. The ultrasound image and the object indicator may be combined, such as for display.
An apparatus may include one or more optical fibers, one or more optical waveguides, and multiple resonator nodes arranged in an array of sensing locations. Each resonator node may include an optical coupling between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber having a set of resonant frequencies at a respective sensing location. Each resonator node may be further configured to communicate a set of signals corresponding to at least one shift in the set of resonant frequencies in the optical fiber at the respective sensing location.
G02B 6/293 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
36.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL SIGNAL DETECTION WITH OPTICAL SENSORS
Systems and methods for detecting multiple physical features is described herein. The method may include receiving a sensor signal from a single optical sensor proximate to a measurement region, determining a plurality of sensor responses from the sensor signal, and generating a plurality of measurement signals from the plurality of sensor responses. Each of the measurement signals may correspond to a different respective physical signal of the measurement region.
Sensing apparatuses and method of making the sensing apparatuses are disclosed herein. In some variations, a sensing apparatus can comprise at least one optical waveguide, and at least one whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator configured to propagate a set of WGMs, where the WGM resonator communicates to the at least one optical waveguide a set of signals corresponding to the set of WGMs. In some variations, a polymer structure may encapsulate the at least one WGM resonator and/or the at least one optical waveguide. Furthermore, in some variations, the WGM resonator(s) may have one or more selectable modes with different bandwidth and sensitivity for sensing, which may, for example, enable tailoring the sensing apparatus to specific applications having certain bandwidth and/or sensitivity requirements.
G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G02B 6/293 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing a modularized acoustic probe that includes multiple acoustic transducers that have discrete substrates. A first acoustic transducer is configured to generate an acoustic signal and to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object. The second acoustic transducer is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal, which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal. The first and second acoustic transducers have respective discrete substrates. In an example, the second acoustic transducer may not be configured to generate acoustic signals. In another example, the first and second acoustic transducers may be in respective first and second rows of a two-row transducer array. In accordance with this example, the first and second acoustic transducers may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having respective first and second parameter values.
Techniques are described herein that are capable of providing a modularized acoustic probe that includes multiple acoustic transducers that have discrete substrates. A first acoustic transducer is configured to generate an acoustic signal and to transmit the acoustic signal toward an object. The second acoustic transducer is configured to detect a reflected acoustic signal, which results from the acoustic signal reflecting from the object, and to convert the reflected acoustic signal to an electrical signal. The first and second acoustic transducers have respective discrete substrates. In an example, the second acoustic transducer may not be configured to generate acoustic signals. In another example, the first and second acoustic transducers may be in respective first and second rows of a two-row transducer array. In accordance with this example, the first and second acoustic transducers may be designed to have an acoustic parameter having respective first and second parameter values.
G10K 11/34 - Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using electrical steering of transducer arrays, e.g. beam steering
G01N 29/14 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object using acoustic emission techniques
H04R 17/10 - Resonant transducers, i.e. adapted to produce maximum output at a predetermined frequency
G01N 29/12 - Analysing solids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
40.
ACOUSTIC IMAGING AND MEASUREMENTS USING WINDOWED NONLINEAR FREQUENCY MODULATION CHIRP
A method for performing acoustic imaging and measurements may include generating a nonlinear frequency modulation (NLFM) chirp waveform based on a frequency response of at least one transducer. The method may further include generating an apodized signal by applying a window function to the NLFM chirp waveform. The method may further include exciting the at least one transducer with the apodized signal. The method may further include compressing received signals by using one or more matched filters.
A method of imaging may include receiving a first signal from one or more array elements of a first type in a mixed transducer array, receiving a second signal from one or more array elements of a second type in the mixed transducer array where at least one of the first type and the second type is an optical sensor, generating a first image from the first signal and a second image from the second signal, and combining the first image and the second image to generate a compound image.
A method of imaging may include receiving a first signal from one or more array elements of a first type in a mixed transducer array, receiving a second signal from one or more array elements of a second type in the mixed transducer array where at least one of the first type and the second type is an optical sensor, generating a first image from the first signal and a second image from the second signal, and combining the first image and the second image to generate a compound image.
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
G06T 3/40 - Scaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting
G06T 3/4084 - Scaling of whole images or parts thereof, e.g. expanding or contracting in the transform domain, e.g. fast Fourier transform [FFT] domain scaling
43.
SYNTHETIC APERTURE IMAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MIXED ARRAYS
A method of acousto-optic imaging may include receiving a first signal from a first sub-aperture of a sensor array. The first sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a first type. The method may further include receiving a second signal from a second sub-aperture of the sensor array. The second sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. In some variations, the first type of array element may be an acoustic transducer (e.g., piezoelectric transducer) and/or the second type of array element may be an optical sensor (e.g., optical resonator such as a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator). The method may further include combining the first signal and the second signal to form a synthesized aperture for the sensor array.
A method of acousto-optic imaging may include receiving a first signal from a first sub-aperture of a sensor array. The first sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a first type. The method may further include receiving a second signal from a second sub-aperture of the sensor array. The second sub-aperture may comprise one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. In some variations, the first type of array element may be an acoustic transducer (e.g., piezoelectric transducer) and/or the second type of array element may be an optical sensor (e.g., optical resonator such as a whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator). The method may further include combining the first signal and the second signal to form a synthesized aperture for the sensor array.
An acousto-optic imaging system may include at least one transducer that transmits an ultrasound signal having a fundamental frequency f. The acousto-optic imaging system includes at least one optical sensor that may produce one or more optical responses upon receiving harmonic-related ultrasound echoes corresponding to the transmitted ultrasound signal. For example, the one or more optical sensors may have a bandwidth ranging from at least f/M to Nf, where M and N are integers greater than 1.
An ultrasound device may include ultrasound transducer array that include one or more array elements of a first type and one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. The first type may include a transducer configured to transmit acoustic waves. The second type may include an optical sensor. The array elements of the first and second types are configured to detect acoustic echoes corresponding to the transmitted acoustic waves.
An ultrasound device may include ultrasound transducer array that include one or more array elements of a first type and one or more array elements of a second type different from the first type. The first type may include a transducer configured to transmit acoustic waves. The second type may include an optical sensor. The array elements of the first and second types are configured to detect acoustic echoes corresponding to the transmitted acoustic waves.
An apparatus may include one or more optical fibers, one or more optical waveguides, and multiple resonator nodes arranged in an array of sensing locations. Each resonator node may include an optical coupling between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber having a set of resonant frequencies at a respective sensing location. Each resonator node may be further configured to communicate a set of signals corresponding to at least one shift in the set of resonant frequencies in the optical fiber at the respective sensing location.
An apparatus may include one or more optical fibers, one or more optical waveguides, and multiple resonator nodes arranged in an array of sensing locations. Each resonator node may include an optical coupling between an optical waveguide and an optical fiber having a set of resonant frequencies at a respective sensing location. Each resonator node may be further configured to communicate a set of signals corresponding to at least one shift in the set of resonant frequencies in the optical fiber at the respective sensing location.
G01N 29/06 - Visualisation of the interior, e.g. acoustic microscopy
G01N 21/77 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator
G02B 6/00 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
51.
WHISPERING GALLERY MODE RESONATORS FOR SENSING APPLICATIONS
Sensing apparatuses and method of making the sensing apparatuses are disclosed herein. In some variations, a sensing apparatus can comprise at least one optical waveguide, and at least one whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonator (1602a-c) configured to propagate a set of WGMs, where the WGM resonator (1602a-c) communicates to the at least one optical waveguide (1601a-c) a set of signals corresponding to the set of WGMs. In some variations, a polymer structure may encapsulate the at least one WGM resonator and/or the at least one optical waveguide. Furthermore, in some variations, the WGM resonator(s) may have one or more selectable modes with different bandwidth and sensitivity for sensing, which may, for example, enable tailoring the sensing apparatus to specific applications having certain bandwidth and/or sensitivity requirements.
G02B 6/293 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
G01H 9/00 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by using radiation-sensitive means, e.g. optical means
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
Medical products, namely, non-therapeutic acoustic sensors for use with ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, medical imaging apparatus, and X-ray diagnostic apparatus, all being for diagnostic purposes for use by hospitals and clinicians and not for dermatological or cosmetic purposes.
Medical products, namely, non-therapeutic acoustic sensors for use with ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, medical imaging apparatus, and X-ray diagnostic apparatus all being for diagnostic purposes for use by hospitals and clinicians and not for dermatological or cosmetic purposes
