US extended-field-of-view imaging technology.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an ultrasound (US) extended-field-of-view scanning technique that combines the convenience of a real-time scanner with the spatial advantages of a static B-mode scanner and provides a panoramic image in real time without position sensors or cumbersome articulated arms.


METHODS
An image-registration-based position-sensing technique was used to track probe motion and reconstruct a large composite image during real-time scanning. The probe motion (translation and rotation) was estimated by combining multiple local motion vectors. This computationally intensive process required a special programmable image processor.


RESULTS
Large, resolution-preserved composite images up to 60 cm long were obtained. Measurement accuracy as determined with phantom experiments was better than 5%. The method could be applied to any probe or image format.


CONCLUSIONS
In addition to providing a panoramic image to expand diagnostic capabilities, extended-field-of-view US provides a more easily interpretable image and is an effective cross-specialty communication tool.
Weng
L
L
Ultrasound Group, Siemens Medical Systems, Issaquah, WA 98029-7002, USA.
Tirumalai
A P
AP
Lowery
C M
CM
Nock
L F
LF
Gustafson
D E
DE
Von Behren
P L
PL
Kim
J H
JH
D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D019212:Multimedia; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation; D012984:Software; D013679:Technology, Radiologic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013733:Testicular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation