Patent ID: 6296613
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
An ultrasound imaging system for creating a three-dimensional ultrasound image of a patient body comprising:an ultrasound scanning head for acquiring a plurality of ultrasound images, each of the plurality of ultrasound images having a uniquely defined position relative to a spatial base defined by plural base points;a fixed control plane for determining position and orientation of the ultrasound scanning head relative to the spatial base by linear measurement, the fixed control plane freely selectable relative to the ultrasound scanning head and defined by plural control points;transmitters for emitting electromagnetic waves associated with one of the plural base points or the plural control points;receivers for receiving the electromagnetic waves located on the other of the plural base points or the plural control points; andan image processor for relating the plurality of ultrasound images to one another to create the three-dimensional ultrasound image of the body, wherein the electromagnetic waves are used to determine the position and orientation of the ultrasound scanning head to thereby position and orient the plurality of ultrasound images.