Patent ID: 6190323
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61B,G10K

Abstract:
A method of imaging an object using a direct contact ultrasound scanner comprised of an ultrasound imaging mechanism that produces ultrasonic imaging waves, a radome adapted to directly contact the exterior surface of the object and permit passage of imaging waves between the scanner and the object, a waveguide having a transmission axis, a first end contacting the ultrasound imaging mechanism and a second end extending into a coupling medium that is contained by the radome and isolated from the ultrasound imaging mechanism, said method comprising:a. while holding the scanner in one hand, manipulating the scanner with the one hand to move the radome into direct contact with an external surface of the object;b. generating ultrasonic imaging waves using the imaging mechanism;c. conveying the ultrasonic imaging waves from the imaging mechanism to the object by passing the imaging waves through the waveguide into the coupling medium and out to the object through the radome;d. conveying reflected ultrasonic imaging waves from the object to the ultrasound imaging mechanism using the radome, the coupling media and the waveguide; ande. using the ultrasound imaging mechanism to generate an electronic image signal from the reflected ultrasonic imaging waves received from the object.