Patent ID: 7338448
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. A method for improved compound ultrasound imaging, said method comprising: selecting a plurality of ultrasound imaging modes based on a plurality of non-zero steering angles, wherein a first ultrasound imaging mode is selected based on a first non-zero steering angle and a second ultrasound imaging mode is selected based on a second non-zero steering angle, wherein said second non-zero steering angle comprises a larger steering angle than said first non-zero steering angle producing more grating lobes and wherein said first non-zero steering angle comprises a smaller steering angle than said second non-zero steering angle producing few grating lobes; transmitting a plurality of ultrasound signals corresponding to said plurality of imaging modes at said plurality of non-zero steering angles, wherein said first ultrasound imaging mode is used to transmit at said first non-zero steering angle and said second ultrasound imaging mode is used to transmit at said second non-zero steering angle; receiving a plurality of echo signals based on said plurality of ultrasound signals; and spatially compounding said echo signals based on said plurality of ultrasound imaging modes and said plurality of non-zero steering angles to form a spatially compound ultrasound image.