Patent ID: 8333704
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A device for handheld use comprising: an ultrasound transducer; a force sensor mechanically coupled to the ultrasound transducer and configured to sense an instantaneous contact force between the ultrasound transducer and a subject; a linear drive system mechanically coupled to the ultrasound transducer and including a control input, the linear drive system responsive to a control signal received at the control input to translate the ultrasound transducer along an actuation axis; and a controller electronically coupled to the force sensor and the control input of the linear drive system, the controller including processing circuitry configured to generate the control signal to the control input in a manner that maintains a substantially constant predetermined contact force between the ultrasound transducer and the subject, wherein the controller is programmed to vary the contact force according to a generalized tent map function.