(12) United States Patent
`Nguyen-Dinh et al.
`
`I 1111111111111111 11111 lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111
`US006645148B2
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,645,148 B2
`Nov. 11, 2003
`
`(54) ULTRASONIC PROBE INCLUDING
`POINTING DEVICES FOR REMOTELY
`CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS OF AN
`ASSOCIATED IMAGING SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: An Nguyen-Dinh, Valleres (FR); Aime
`Flesch, Andresy (FR)
`
`(73) Assignee: Vermon, Tours Cedex (FR)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 53 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/811,147
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 20, 2001
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2002/0138007 Al Sep. 26, 2002
`
`Int. Cl.7 .................................................. A61B 8/14
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................ 600/459; 600/462
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 600/459, 462,
`600/463-465
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,295,485 A
`
`3/1994 Shinomura et al.
`
`5,323,767 A
`5,351,692 A
`5,722,412 A
`5,738,099 A
`5,758,649 A
`6,135,958 A
`
`* 6/1994 Lafferty et al. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600/109
`* 10/1994 Dow et al. .................. 600/459
`3/1998 Pflugrath et al.
`* 4/1998 Chang ........................ 600/437
`* 6/1998 Iwashita et al.
`............ 600/459
`10/2000 Mikula-Curtis et al.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`JP
`
`139574
`9-56716
`
`* 5/1985
`* 3/1997
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-John A. Jeffery
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Larson & Taylor, PLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`An ultrasonic probe is provided for use in medical diagnos(cid:173)
`tic applications. The probe includes one or more ultrasonic
`transducers disposed in an external housing and a plurality
`of cables disposed in a common sheath. A pointing device,
`such as a trackball, rocking-key device or the like, is
`mounted on the probe housing for controlling a plurality of
`functions of a remote imaging system associated with the
`probe.
`
`22 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`0001
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 1 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 11, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`22?2.a,
`2~
`
`Fig.2
`
`3o
`
`34
`\__2J
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`Fig. 4
`
`0
`
`22u
`
`Fig.3
`
`Fig.6
`
`Fig.$
`
`0002
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 2 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 11, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`Fig. 7
`
`Fig. 9
`
`0003
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 3 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`1
`ULTRASONIC PROBE INCLUDING
`POINTING DEVICES FOR REMOTELY
`CONTROLLING FUNCTIONS OF AN
`ASSOCIATED IMAGING SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to ultrasonic probes used for
`diagnostic applications, and more particularly, for human 10
`body imaging.
`2. Related Art
`Diagnosing human organs using ultrasound is a well
`known procedure. Ultrasonic probes are used which employ
`ultrasonic transducers, with ultrasonic waves being directed
`from the transducer surface so as to travel through biologic
`structures under examination. Reflections are obtained each
`time the ultrasonic waves encounter impedance variation
`interfaces. As a result, returned echoes are received and 20
`processed by the imaging system. Summing all scanning
`lines received from the transducer provides an image, and
`the number of scanning lines and the depth of examination
`govern the scanning rate. Generally speaking, standard
`ultrasonic probes use a one dimensional (lD) transducer 25
`wherein the transducer elements are linearly arranged and no
`scanning control is implemented in the elevation direction.
`However, in some probe configurations, multi-dimensional
`probes (1.SD or 2D) are provided, and the transducer
`elements are thus arranged in a matrix so as to provide 3D 30
`steering capabilities.
`Conventionally, ultrasonic probes are connected to a
`mainframe which is responsible for the processing of elec(cid:173)
`trical signals produced by the probe transducer. The system
`performs an image capture or rendering operation using data
`from the region being scanned, and the images so obtained
`are produced by the synthesizing of information based on a
`number of different parameters, e.g., the transducer
`geometry, the number of scanning lines, the depth of exami(cid:173)
`nation and the transducer frequency. In common practice,
`the mainframes are provided with large advanced image
`settings to produce a diagnosing scan in conformance with
`the organ structure being examined. Typically, by using a
`trackball or sensitive pad of an associated keyboard, the
`imaging system enables a user to access most of the controls
`for scanning characteristics such as the frame rate, number
`of focal points, depth, and angle aperture, as well as other
`settings regarding the mode of scanning, including, e.g.,
`CFM (color flow mapping), B-Mode, C-Mode, CW
`( continuous wave) and PW (pulsed wave) Doppler and the
`like, whereas other controls such as master gain, TGC (Time
`Gain Control), dynamic range, freeze, and measuring tools
`(for distance, surface, volume and the like) are often pro(cid:173)
`vided through activation of direct control buttons or by using
`cursors for rapid access. Given the complexity of image
`controls and the close attention that is required in making
`medical a diagnosis, ultrasound scanning of this kind can, in
`practice, be a very difficult task.
`Considering further prior art of interest, U.S. Pat. No.
`5,295,485 to Shinimura and U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,412 to
`Pflugrath both disclose a handheld device which includes, in
`the same casing, a transducer array, ASICs (Application
`Specific Integrated Circuit) or conventional signal process(cid:173)
`ing circuits and a display monitor. The device is battery
`powered and thus can be used at any desired location.
`However, integration of all of the various components
`necessary to the image processing operation results in an
`
`2
`apparatus which is heavy and has a reduced lifetime.
`Further, advanced image processing functionalities like
`those available in conventional mainframe-based systems
`cannot always be implemented so that only preliminary
`5 diagnostic procedures can be carried out with such prior art
`devices in attempting to determine the appropriate medical
`intervention needed by the patient. Accordingly, these
`devices are essentially dedicated to emergency use where
`portability and autonomy is required.
`In U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,958 to Mikula-Curtis, an ultrasonic
`scanner is equipped with a remote user interface, including
`a touch-pad pointing device, so the interface can be placed
`closer to the user and further away from the ultrasound
`machine. Such equipment raises the level of comfort in
`15 operation the equipment but the use of both hands is still
`mandatory.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the invention, in order to overcome the
`drawbacks of prior art devices discussed above, there is
`provided an ultrasonic probe that includes a pointing device
`mounted on the probe casing or housing so as to enable a
`user to remotely control the basic functions of the associated
`imaging system. This pointing device is, in essence, an
`extension of the original setting controls provided by the
`system keyboard, so that a user can, at his or her option,
`either access the major image settings from the remote
`pointing device or access all of the functions of the system
`using the system keyboard, the two system interfaces being
`operable in parallel.
`The probe and associated imaging system of the present
`invention reflect a new approach to operating ultrasonic
`apparatus. Unlike the conventional systems described above
`35 wherein the scanning probe and control interface are sepa(cid:173)
`rate units and a user must manipulate the ultrasonic instru(cid:173)
`ment with both hands ( one for moving and steering the
`acoustic wave and the other for controlling the image
`features) and unlike a handheld scanner wherein severe
`40 compromises must be made to provide a compact volume at
`the detriment of image quality, the present apparatus pro(cid:173)
`vides a user with an imaging system which comprises at
`least one ultrasonic probe equipped with a limited remote
`user interface so that the usual functions of the imaging
`45 system can be controlled from probe, thereby significantly
`improving the comfort level of one using the probe during
`an examination.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the user interface
`comprises a pointing device located on the probe casing, and
`50 the pointing device is a commercially available device as
`that used in a Notebook computer or in Gamepads or the
`like. Advantageously, the pointing device is located on a
`main face of the casing or the housing where there is more
`room to operate the device and easy access may be had to the
`55 device. In connecting the pointing device to the imaging
`system, a number of suitable techniques can be used includ(cid:173)
`ing such as single connecting wires or an IR (infrared) line.
`Of course, there are a wide variety of commercially avail(cid:173)
`able pointing devices, and the present invention can employ
`60 most, if not all of these, including, in accordance with
`preferred embodiments of the invention: a sensitive pad
`controlled by directional actions, a rocking key pointer
`device, scrolling devices, a track-ball or the like. Among the
`important manufacturers of these devices are Fujitsu,
`65 Techtronics, and InSolutions Corp.
`An important advantage of the present invention is the
`improvement provided thereby in working condition of the
`
`0004
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 4 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`3
`sonographers as well as in patient comfort, afforded by
`putting control of the basic settings of the system at the
`ready disposition of the user of the probe so as to permit him
`or her to deal better with the patient. Additional features of
`the invention include the provision of a one-touch image 5
`storage and of a control capability for other optional equip(cid:173)
`ment (e.g., a therapy system or drug delivery functions).
`Further features and advantages of the present invention
`will be set forth in, or apparent from, the detailed description
`of preferred embodiments thereof which follows.
`
`20
`
`4
`tude of the signals travelling through the propagation
`medium. Therefore, frequency filters, and variable gain
`compensation techniques are used in processing the RF
`signals.
`Others settings which are important in medical diagnosis
`are angle of view, the focus number and the depth of
`examination. Of course, control of most of these settings is
`provided by the system keyboard and this control may be
`effected by manipulation of various control buttons and/or
`10 trackball controls using scrolling menus. In practice, and in
`a manner designed to shorten the machine setup period,
`specific user diagnosis configurations are often stored in the
`system memory and then simply have to be loaded by the
`operator, so that, in normal use, only gain and focus controls
`15 are varied or adjusted during a diagnostic examination.
`However, depending on the morphology of the patient, the
`scanning area covered and the dynamic range must be
`adjusted during an examination to enhance the visual per-
`ception provided of the region of interest.
`With this background, it would be appreciated that the
`provision of a pointing device such as a trackball or the like
`directly mounted on the ultrasonic probe will afford major
`gains in comfort and ease of use to the operator, who will
`now be able to easily and rapidly access these controls and,
`25 therefore, better attend to the patient. Using a single hand,
`the operator is capable of simultaneously selecting the
`scanning planes, controlling the gain of the image and
`modifying the settings for dynamic range or focus without
`any manipulation of the system keyboard. These features are
`30 of even greater significance as applied to endocavity probes
`(e.g., endorectal or endovaginal devices) and surgical imag(cid:173)
`ing instruments such as endoscopes, laparoscopes or intra(cid:173)
`vascular devices, where particular skill in manipulating the
`instruments is required. Moreover, the invention when
`35 applied to NDT transducers enables an expanded field of use
`of the instrument such as in severe environmental conditions
`or adverse temperature conditions, and when applied to
`ultrasonic probes for controlling another apparatus such as a
`therapy or drug delivery unit, provides added versatility.
`Further, an ultrasonic probe in accordance with the invention
`is advantageously equipped with a video output connector
`compatible with a RGB video output or a S-video output
`which can be plugged into a LCD display or an additional
`monitor, so that the probe is capable of operating remotely
`from its associated mainframe.
`Before describing specific embodiments of the invention,
`the desirable characteristics of a suitable pointing device
`will be considered. It is to be understood that the pointing
`50 devices employed in accordance with the invention are
`preferably disposed on a main surface or face of the probe
`housing or case.
`Although a trackball device may be used, this type of
`device is generally to be avoided because cleaning thereof is
`55 difficult ( dust and dirt can contaminate the interstices
`between trackball and the casing so that sealed or otherwise
`completely covered devices are preferred for medical
`applications).
`One pointing device that is particularly suitable for the
`purposes of the invention is a rocking key device such as that
`supplied by Fujitsu Takamisawa. The device is comprised of
`a small PCB (printed circuit board) on which are integrated
`a rocking key dome-type component and its associated
`electronic control circuits. This allows the device to be fitted
`to a digital controller to produce PS2 output similar to that
`of a conventional mouse. The dome-type pointing compo(cid:173)
`nent is sealed and provides both ballistic and acceleration
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view of a prior art
`ultrasonic imaging apparatus;
`FIGS. 2 to 6 are front elevational views of ultrasonic
`probes in accordance with different preferred embodiments
`of the invention;
`FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the embodiment of
`FIG. 5 in use;
`FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of yet another embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the invention; and
`FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a further embodiment
`of the invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Before considering the present invention in more detail,
`some general background will be considered. Ultrasonic
`probes of the type described here generally include a trans(cid:173)
`ducer or transducing part embedded in or housed within a
`shielded plastic case or housing. Commonly, the ultrasonic
`imaging transducers that are used employ either a moving
`transducing element or an electronic scanning array trans(cid:173)
`ducer. In the first case, the transducer is moved to scan a
`surface while, in the second case, an acoustic propagation
`path is produced by electronically switching the transducer
`elements or aperture along the array. It is noted that this
`electronic scanning technique using a transducer array is 40
`well known to those skilled in the corresponding art so that
`further description thereof will be dispensed with. In all
`cases, the probes have a front face made of acoustically
`transparent material in order to not disturb the ultrasonic
`propagation. Otherwise, moving transducing devices require 45
`a specific coupling arrangement to operate.
`Continuing the general description of the background of
`the invention, during a medical diagnosis using conventional
`ultrasonic imaging equipment the ultrasonic scanner is dis(cid:173)
`posed in the vicinity of the operator and, therefore, the
`patient. The imaging probe is then positioned on the region
`of body to be imaged. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted and
`received through the transducer and the region to be diag(cid:173)
`nosed is generally displayed in sliced planes (a lD image).
`The scanned section of organ is displayed in a gray scale
`image that is obtained by quantization of analog signals
`derived from returned echoes.
`As indicated above, in actual operation, the scanning
`process is substantially more difficult and less effective to
`carry out than just described. Indeed, the ultrasonic waves 60
`emanating from the transducer are frequency bounded and
`subject to physical restraints of acoustic wave propagation.
`As a consequence, attenuation and impedance interface
`mismatches must be taken into account in the signal pro(cid:173)
`cessing procedure. Accordingly, in order to display the 65
`image with equal contrast intensity, the imaging system must
`compensate for any attenuation of the frequency and ampli-
`
`0005
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 5 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`5
`control. The device uses magnetic detection technology and
`thus requires no mechanical contact, thereby guaranteeing
`long life and reliability. Moreover, such a pointing device is
`compatible with the all direction (360°) control that is
`particularly advantageous in many of the applications of
`importance.
`Another type of commercially available pointing device
`that is preferred for use in the present invention is the
`Digimouse device from Techtronic NS (Denmark). This
`device is a miniature input device specially developed for
`handheld applications that require a navigation key to scroll
`in the menu presented on an associated screen or display.
`Without shifting between buttons, a user may scroll up and
`down the menu, jump left or right and select or enter his or
`her choice. Each of the scroll, left, right, and select functions
`provides tactile feedback. The MTBF is specified for more
`than 750,000 cycles. Further, the device can be integrated in
`a water tight manner in the probe housing or case.
`Other pointing devices that can be used include a sensitive
`pad or a pointing button (similar to those used on a Note-
`book Computer), both of which are also available on the
`commercial market. It is noted that probes equipped with a
`sensitive pad are easier to clean or decontaminate because
`the pad has no prominent parts. However, a preferred
`embodiment includes the addition of a select or click button
`to complete the pointing device (it being noted that clicking
`on the sensitive pad and steering the probe can be a difficult
`task).
`Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a conventional com(cid:173)
`mercially available imaging system. The system or
`apparatus, which is generally denoted 10, includes a pair of
`user interfaces 12 and 14 located at the mid-height of the
`system. In general, interface 12 comprises a keyboard and
`the interface 14 comprises a trackball and associated click
`buttons. Disposed below the keyboard 12 are plugs 16 which
`are adapted to be connected to imaging probes. A monitor
`display 18 is located at the upper portion of the system 10
`and may be provided with color monitor compatible with the
`advanced imaging modes currently available (e.g., Doppler
`Color Flow Mapping (CFM), Power Doppler Imaging, and
`the like). The latest high-end ultrasound scanners are pro(cid:173)
`vided with Harmonic Imaging (HI) capabilities that signifi(cid:173)
`cantly enhance perception of tissue contrast.
`As indicated above, the present invention primarily
`relates to electronic scanning ultrasonic imaging systems
`and inherently to array transducers. However, the invention
`can be extended to any kind of transducer technology, such
`as moving sector or matrix without major changes. The
`system of the invention is provided with ultrasonic probes
`which act as a physical interface between the mainframe and
`the object of interest. In general, the probes can be repre(cid:173)
`sented as a black-box capable of transforming electrical
`energy into mechanical waves and vice versa, similarly to an
`antenna.
`Referring to FIG. 2, there is depicted, in a schematic
`manner, an ultrasonic probe in accordance with a first
`embodiment of the invention. For purposes of simplicity, an
`external probe is shown and will be described. The probe,
`which is generally denoted 20, is composed of a plastic
`casing 26 having an opening located in the front face thereof
`wherein is mounted a transducer array 24. It will be appre(cid:173)
`ciated that the shape of the opening varies depending on the
`type of transducer (linear or curved) which is used. FIG. 2
`shows a linear transducer.
`The probe housing or casing is formed by at least two
`sections 22a, 22b which are of different shapes and propor-
`
`5
`
`20
`
`6
`tions. The transducer array 24 is housed or lodged in the
`section 22b so that this section is constructed based on the
`dimensions of the transducer array 24 and its associated
`components. On the other hand, section 22a is generally
`tailored to facilitate and improve assembly of the transducer
`arrangement. The housing section 22b is generally sized and
`spaced according to ergonomic considerations, and prefer(cid:173)
`ably should be of a smooth shape with bottleneck or other
`shaped portion in the region thereof adjacent the transducer
`10 section 22a. Inside section 22b are the interconnections
`connected between the transducer array 24 and the connect(cid:173)
`ing cables so that the actual volume therein, and thus the size
`thereof, may be minimized by using low profile connectors
`or direct flex-cable soldering techniques (i.e., techniques
`15 wherein coaxial cables are soldered on tracks of flexible
`PCB so no connector is needed). In addition, the housing
`section 22b includes, at the other end thereof, an outwardly
`extending cable strain-relief portion through which a cable
`30 passes.
`In the preferred embodiment illustrated, on one of the
`main surfaces of section 22b a pointing device 26 is pro(cid:173)
`vided for controlling the imaging settings of the system.
`Pointing device 26 is electrically connected in parallel with
`the system trackball so as to be capable of identical opera-
`25 tions. When pointing device 26 is further associated with a
`select button or click-button 28, the probe 20 is then capable
`of selecting and validating a number of functions of the
`imaging system, without user interfaces 12 and 14 of FIG.
`1. For example, the probe 20 may be held by an operator in
`30 such a way that the thumb of the operator is placed on the
`pointing device 26 at the same time as the forefinger is
`placed on the validation or select button 28. It will be
`understood that this operation has no influence on the
`manipulation of the probe, and, indeed, will allow the
`35 operator to control the image setting in determining and
`tracking the best scanning position for diagnosis. This
`feature is particularly powerful in severe scanning
`conditions, such as, for instance, when investigating moving
`organs such as the myocardium or in blood flow investiga-
`40 tions where the possibility of instantaneously freezing and/
`or saving selected scanning planes of the implicated region
`will greatly improve the comfort level of the diagnosis
`made. Further, having control access to the system without
`having to move is similar to the advantages provided by the
`45 remote control IR unit of a television.
`Referring to FIG. 3, a further embodiment of the probe is
`shown wherein like elements have been given the same
`reference numerals as in FIG. 1. This practice is also
`followed in subsequent drawings figures. In FIG. 3, the
`50 probe 20 is equipped with scrolling touch device 32 dis(cid:173)
`posed on the main surface of the casing 22. The scrolling
`touch device 32 performs the same functions as the controls
`of FIG. 2. The probe 20 is held in the user's hand and the
`thumb or a finger is naturally placed on the scrolling touch
`55 device 32 to access the image controls. As in the embodi(cid:173)
`ment of FIG. 2, the scrolling touch device 32 is connected
`in parallel with the user interface trackball of the system, and
`is capable of controlling the same functionalities. Unlike the
`static pointing device described in connection with FIG. 2,
`60 the scrolling touch device 32 requires the finger to perform
`more actions in order to generate the desired command.
`However, the device 32 is more suitable for use with system
`software that includes a scrolling menu.
`In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the pointing device com-
`65 prises a planar touch sensitive pad 34, i.e., a device which is
`sensitive to contact by the fingers on the surface and wherein
`movement of a finger is automatically converted into dis-
`
`0006
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 6 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 6,645,148 B2
`
`5
`
`8
`7
`A pointing device 52 and a select or validate button 54 are,
`placement of a cursor (both respect to direction and dis(cid:173)
`placement amplitude). It is important to note the absolute
`in this embodiment, also located on the prominent portion
`44a of the handle 44 at the vicinity of steering or control
`position of the cursor is not considered, but rather only the
`wheels 48 and 50.
`direction and displacement data is transmitted and inter(cid:173)
`preted by the system. Such sensitive touch pads, correspond-
`With regard to the shape of the handle 44 and the location
`ing to pad 34, are based on capacitive detection and thus are
`of the pointing device 52, it is first noted that a planar
`more complex in construction than some other pointing
`sensitive touch pad is not recommended for use as pointing
`devices and more fragile and so must be manipulated with
`device 52 because the very high level of sterilization
`care. A valid command can be entered by promptly contact(cid:173)
`required for such instrument makes a touch pad unsuitable.
`ing the surface of device 34, and a requirement for an 10
`However, other types of pointing devices such as described
`previously can be used therein and can be placed either on
`additional validation touch can also be implemented if
`the prominent portion 44a of handle 44 or can be placed on
`desired. One advantage of this embodiment is that the
`the cylindrical portion thereof without inconvenience. If
`harmonious integration of the device 34 into the probe 20
`desired, a sealed video output connector can be provided on
`results in a probe with pleasing visual appearance or cos(cid:173)
`the handle 44 for connection to an additional control moni-
`metic aspect.
`15 tor.
`Referring to FIG. 5, the pointing device employed in this
`In an alternative embodiment, the pointing device and
`embodiment is a four direction steering device 36. Similarly
`selector validate command device can be similarly provided
`to a Gamepad command device, the device 36 is articulated
`on disposable imaging instruments such as those used in
`from a central point and a portion extending each cardinal
`intravascular imaging or intracardiac imaging. More
`direction may be touch activated independently, thereby 20
`specifically, the invention is of particular value as applied to
`enabling diagonal control of a cursor if two adjacent contact
`disposable instruments provided with a reusable steering
`portions are simultaneously touch activated. The contact
`control handle. The transducer and its associated inserting
`portions of device 36 are analog controlled so the amplitude
`tube would be removed from the handle after use, and would
`of the contact force exerted thereon is proportional to the
`be replaced by new sterile components for the next proce(cid:173)
`displacement speed of the cursor. This characteristic permits 25
`dure. Thus, it is worthwhile implementing a pointing device
`fine control of the direction of the cursor by exerting
`on the handle in order to provide improved user comfort.
`different pressures on the adjacent steering portions. The
`Referring to FIG. 9, an endocavity imaging probe 56 is
`steering device 36 can be easily sealed under a conformable
`shown wherein a transducer element 58 is mounted at the
`film or a protective flexible shell so that device 36 is
`distal tip of probe 56 and is typically of a curved shape
`compatible with medical use.
`30 designed to fit the anatomy of the organs to be imaged. The
`It will be apparent that FIGS. 2 to 5 depict ultrasonic
`angle of view of transducer element 58 may be positioned
`according to the specificity of examination to be carried out
`probes with different pointing devices for controlling image
`and is thus variable. In general, the probe 56 comprises a
`settings by means of the cursor of system display. However,
`substantially cylindrical handle 60 which is connected at one
`it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these
`35 end to a smaller tubular portion 62 that is terminated by the
`embodiments.
`transducer tip and is terminated at the other end by a cable
`FIG. 6 shows an ultrasonic probe 2 which is similar to that
`64 which extends outwardly therefrom. Handle 60 serves as
`of FIG. 3 but which is equipped with a video output
`a receptacle for the interconnections between the individual
`connector 38 so as to enable the video display provided by
`cables of cable 64 and the corresponding transducer con-
`the imaging system to be presented by another monitor that
`40 nections (not shown) as well as to provide a support for
`can be placed closer to the operator. This capability is
`biopsy attachment (not shown). The probe 56 is provided
`particularly useful when applied to NDT applications where
`with a pointing device 66 and, optionally, a select or validate
`the region of inspection is in a restricted area in which the
`button 68, for controlling the image setting directly from the
`mainframe is not visible by the operator. The video output
`probe 56 without requiring the user to share his or her
`from connector 38 can be in RGB or S-Video format having
`45 attention between the patient and the scanner. As previously
`NTSC or PAL standard so as to be compatible with a large
`described in connection with other embodiments, a video
`variety of display monitors. In FIG. 7, the probe 20 of FIG.
`output connector can be provided on probe 56 for plugging
`6 is shown connected to a remote control monitor 40 that
`the probe into an additional display monitor.
`displays the same image as that visible on the monitor 18 of
`the system mainframe 10 ( corresponding to that shown in
`In the embodiments of the invention described above, the
`FIG. 1). The other functions of the probe 20 of FIG. 7 are the
`50 probe is equipped with a pointing device capable of dupli(cid:173)
`cating certain functions of the scanner, thereby facilitating
`same as described above.
`the examination of the patient. In other embodiments, the
`Referring to FIG. 8, a surgical imaging instrument 40 is
`probe may also be provided with another further push button
`shown which is equipped with remote imaging setting
`or other control devices for remote control of an additional
`control capabilities as previously described. The instrument
`apparatus or instruments such as patient treatment equip(cid:173)
`40 depicted in FIG. 8 is an endoscopic probe but the 55
`ment or drug delivery equipment. This feature is of particu(cid:173)
`invention can be employed in other types of instrument such
`lar importance when the imaging probe is used to monitor
`as, e.g., laparoscopic probes. In FIG. 8, the instrument 40 is
`treatment of an organ in that information concerning starting
`comprised of an elongated flexible hollow tube 42 ( a rigid
`treatment can be transmitted by the imaging probe once the
`tube would be used in a laparoscope) having a plastic sheath
`and shielded with metallic braids. A handle 44 is affixed at 60 therapy equipment or instrument is properly positioned. In
`drug delivery, the transportation of capsules are detected by
`one end thereof to the tube 42 and is connected to an output
`imaging transducer and compressing or collapsing of the
`cable 46 at the other end thereof. A pair of steering control
`drug dispensing envelope is controlled from the imaging
`wheels 48 and 50 are mounted on a prominent or enlarged
`probe by changing the ultrasonic power applied to the
`portion 44a of the handle 44 and are secured to steering
`65 transducer.
`cables (not shown) that pass through the tube 42 to be
`Another aspect of the foregoing concerns protection of the
`attached to a conventional bendable coupler (not shown)
`which is in turn assembled to the transducer tip (not shown).
`quality of signal transmitted through the line. In this regard,
`
`0007
`
`Exhibit 1013 page 7 of 9
`DENTAL IMAGING