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`US008914245B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Hopkins
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,914,245 B2
`Dec. 16, 2014
`
`(54) ULTRASOUND PROBE WITH
`ACCELEROMETER
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Andrew David Hopkins, Sutton
`Coldfield (GB)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 318 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/256,763
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Mar. 22, 2010
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT /GB2010/050480
`
`§ 371 (c)(l),
`(2), ( 4) Date:
`
`Sep.15,2011
`
`(87) PCT Pub. No.: WO2010/106379
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Sep. 23, 2010
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2011/0320143 Al
`
`Dec. 29, 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/161,910, filed on Mar.
`20, 2009.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G0JF 17100
`A61B 8/00
`A61B8/08
`A61B8/12
`GJ0K 11135
`G0JP 7100
`GOlS 15/89
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ................. A61B 8112 (2013.01); A61B 8/4254
`(2013.01); A61B 8/483 (2013.01); GJ0K 11135
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`(2013.01); A61B 2562/0219 (2013.01); G0JP
`7100 (2013.01); GOlS 15/8936 (2013.01)
`USPC .............................. 702/56; 600/300; 600/101
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`USPC ............................................................ 702/56
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,572,899 A *
`4,170,142 A *
`5,095,752 A *
`5,130,937 A *
`5,538,004 A *
`
`3/1971 Bell, Jr .......................... 359/311
`10/1979 Posakony et al. ............... 73/603
`3/1992 Suzuki et al. .............. 73/514.32
`7/1992 Kumar et al.
`................. 702/141
`7/1996 Bamber ........................ 600/443
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`1348385 Al
`
`10/2003
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`The International Search Report dated Jun. 23, 2010.
`
`Jonathan C Teixeira Moffat
`Primary Examiner -
`Assistant Examiner - Alvaro Fortich
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An ultrasonic probe (10) that scans a subject with beams of
`high frequency sound. The probe (10) includes a transducer
`(26) to produce high frequency sound waves, a means to steer
`the sound waves in the proper direction, a printed circuit
`board (22) with a non-volatile memory (38), a micro elec(cid:173)
`trico-mechanical accelerometer integrated circuit (32) and an
`outlet connector (19). The accelerometer (32) is configured to
`detect the movement of the probe (10) in from two to three
`axes when the probe (10) is rotated or moved in a linear
`direction to allow the probe (10) to detect images from more
`than one plane.
`
`20 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`0001
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 1 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 8,914,245 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,582,173 A *
`6,122,538 A
`6,142,947 A *
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`6,171,248 Bl*
`6,338,716 Bl
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`7,066,887 B2 *
`7,443,154 Bl*
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`2001/0051766 Al*
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`2004/0264707 Al *
`2005/0193820 Al*
`2006/0058676 Al*
`2006/0235316 Al*
`
`................................. 600/443
`12/1996 Li
`9/2000 Sliwa, Jr.
`11/2000 Tran et al. ..................... 600/459
`11/2000 Shima ........................... 340/692
`1/2001 Hossack et al. ............... 600/459
`1/2002 Hossack et al.
`4/2002 Blanc et al. ....................... 600/2
`6/2006 Flesch et al ................... 600/447
`10/2008 Merewether et al ............ 324/67
`2/2013 Slayton et al. ................ 600/439
`12/2001 Gazdzinski ................... 600/309
`9/2003 Gilbert et al. ................. 600/437
`12/2004 Yang et al. ...................... 381/77
`9/2005 Sheljaskow et al. ............ 73/649
`3/2006 Yagi et al. ..................... 600/459
`10/2006 Ungless et al.
`............... 600/509
`
`2007/0010742 Al*
`2007/0010747 Al*
`2007/0135807 Al*
`2008/0004528 Al*
`2008/0146932 Al
`2008/0146941 Al
`2008/0194951 Al*
`2008/0200807 Al *
`2008/0249418 Al*
`2009/0112089 Al *
`2009/0130642 Al *
`2009/0209860 Al *
`2009/0264754 Al*
`2009/0306509 Al *
`2010/0194692 Al*
`2010/0201573 Al*
`2011/0034806 Al *
`2011/0248603 Al *
`2012/0238875 Al*
`
`1/2007
`1/2007
`6/2007
`1/2008
`6/2008
`6/2008
`8/2008
`8/2008
`10/2008
`4/2009
`5/2009
`8/2009
`10/2009
`12/2009
`8/2010
`8/2010
`2/2011
`10/2011
`9/2012
`
`Torp et al ...................... 600/437
`Sabourin et al ............... 600/453
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 606/ l 7
`Knodel et al.
`Fitzsimons et al ............ 600/439
`Chalana et al.
`Dala-Krishna
`Poland .......................... 600/437
`Wright et al. ................. 600/443
`Shikata et al.
`................ 600/459
`. .............. 600/443
`Barnard et al.
`Tada et al. ..................... 434/262
`Hasegawa et al. ............ 600/445
`Dahl et al.
`.................... 600/438
`Pedersen et al ............... 600/446
`Orr et al. ....................... 345/173
`Lannning ..................... 342/451
`Hartov et al.
`................. 600/443
`Tezuka et al. ................. 310/314
`Savitsky et al. ............... 600/443
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`0002
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 2 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 16, 2014
`
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`US 8,914,245 B2
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`DENTAL IMAGING
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 16, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 8
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`US 8,914,245 B2
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`FIGURE 2
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`0004
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`Exhibit 1108 page 4 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 16, 2014
`
`Sheet 3 of 8
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`US 8,914,245 B2
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`FIGURE 3
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`Exhibit 1108 page 5 of 15
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`Dec. 16, 2014
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`US 8,914,245 B2
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`Dec. 16, 2014
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`Sheet 8 of 8
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`US 8,914,245 B2
`
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`
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`0010
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 10 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 8,914,245 B2
`
`2
`FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the Micro electro-mechanical
`systems accelerometer integrated circuit(MEMS)
`FIG. 6 is side-by-side view taken at right angles to each
`other of a human bladder (Transverse and Sagittal planes)
`FIG. 7A is a graph showing a measurement of the acceler(cid:173)
`ometer graphically displaying velocity and distance traveled
`which shows that velocity is the integral of accelerometer.
`FIG. 7B is a graph showing that distance traveled in the
`integral of velocity (double integral of accelerometer).
`FIG. SA is a longitudinal view of an end cavity ultrasound
`probe with accelerometer.
`FIG. SB is longitudinal view of a sidefire ultrasound probe
`with accelerometer.
`
`PARTS LIST
`
`Ultrasound Probe
`Probe Switch
`Orientation spot
`Soft grips
`Longitudinal axis
`Fluid chamber
`Outlet connector
`Probe casing
`Interface Printed circuit board
`Motor
`Transducer
`Transducer cradle
`Scanner connector
`Micro electro-mechanical
`systems accelerometer integrated
`circuit (MEMS)
`Logic buffers
`Probe switch connector
`Non-volatile memory
`Transverse plane of bladder
`Sagittal plane of bladder
`
`10.
`12.
`14.
`16.
`17.
`18.
`19.
`20.
`22.
`24.
`26.
`28.
`30.
`32.
`
`34.
`36.
`
`42
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`1
`ULTRASOUND PROBE WITH
`ACCELEROMETER
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`This application is the 35 U.S.C. §371 national stage of
`PCT Application No. PCT /GB 10/050480, international filing
`date 22 Mar. 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 61/161,910, filed on 20 Mar. 2009, both of 10
`which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This application is a European application that claims pri-
`ority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application
`entitled, "Ultrasound Probe with Accelerometer", having Ser.
`No. 61/161,910, filed Mar. 20, 2009, which are entirely incor(cid:173)
`porated herein by reference.
`This present invention discloses an ultrasound probe with
`accelerometer for scamiing the outside or inside of the human
`body for producing visual images of various organs in the
`body.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`Handheld ultrasonic probes attached by a cable to a pro(cid:173)
`cessing unit and a display unit are known in the field. This
`invention incorporates an accelerometer in the probe to detect 30
`movement of the probe in three axes as the probe is rotated or
`moved in a linear direction. The accelerometer detects the
`rotation of the probe along the longitudinal axes of the probe.
`This allows the projection of images of the reflected ultra(cid:173)
`sound waves from different angles. Images can be produced 35
`from the transverse plane and the sagittal plane. 3D images
`can be produced.
`The probe may have an electric motor to mechanically
`move the sound beam or it can have a number of transducer
`elements, such as piezoelectric crystals , which may arranged 40
`in an array to steer the sound beam. Either of these means can
`be used to steer the sound beam in the proper direction.
`The conventional ultrasonic probe has a fluid bulb at its
`forward end. By producing a probe that is cylindrical and of a
`uniform diameter, the probe can be used fortransrectal, pelvic 45
`floor and urethra scanning.
`This invention uses a three-axis digital accelerometer suit(cid:173)
`able with use with probe of this invention.
`The accelerometers used with the probe of this invention
`can be a low cost analog devices. The LIS3LV02DL acceler- 50
`ometer made by STMicroelectronics is preferred type of
`accelerometer because it has a programmable interrupt output
`when it detects movement. With this feature the processor
`does not have to waste time if there is nothing to see. A
`three-axes digital accelerometer is preferred over a two-axes 55
`accelerometer.
`
`Ultrasound probes normally consist of a piezoelectric ele(cid:173)
`ment which is driven by a high voltage pulse to produce a high
`frequency sound wave between 1-20 MHz. The piezoelectric
`element may consist of a number of elements as used in a
`phased array or electronic probe or a single or annular ele(cid:173)
`ment mechanically driven.
`FIG. 1 illustrates a front longitudinal view of the ultra-
`sound probe with accelerometer 10 of this invention. This
`ultrasound probe with accelerometer 10 as shown in the lon(cid:173)
`gitudinal cross-section of FIG. 4 consists of the piezoelectric
`element in a transducer 26, electric drive motor 24, interface
`printed circuit board (PCB 22, probe switch 12 and outlet
`connector (19).
`The transducer 26 is a piezoelectric transducer which con(cid:173)
`verts mechanical waves to electrical signals and vice versa.
`These transducers frequently incorporate a polycrystalline
`piezoelectric and may be based upon the composition
`Pb(Zr1_x,Tix)O3 , generally known as PZT. Other crystals
`which convert mechanical waves to electrical signals may
`60 also be used.
`The printed circuit board 22 shown in FIG. 5 acts as the
`interface between the incoming cable from the ultrasound
`scanner electronic and the probe element.
`The printed circuit board 22 contains the interface elec-
`65 tronics containing the non-volatile memory 38, the micro
`electro-mechanical systems accelerometer integrated circuit
`(MEMS) 32, and clock buffers. An accelerometer is a device
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG.1 is the front longitudinal view of the ultrasound probe
`with accelerometer of this invention.
`FIG. 2 is the back longitudinal view of the ultrasound probe
`of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is the bottom end view of the ultrasound probe of
`FIG. 1.
`FIG. 4 a longitudinal cross-section of the internal compo(cid:173)
`nents of the ultrasound probe of FIG. 1.
`
`0011
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 11 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 8,914,245 B2
`
`4
`
`20
`
`3
`that measures non-gravitational accelerometers. The acceler(cid:173)
`ometer is detected by mechanically accelerating the acceler-
`ometer via its casing.
`MEMS Physical Principles
`Under the influence of external accelerometers that are 5
`transmitted via the casing the MEMS sensor deflects from its
`neutral position. This deflection is measured in an analog or
`digital manner. Most commonly the capacitance between a
`set of fixed beams and a set of beams attached to the proof
`mass is measured. This method is simple, reliable and does
`not require additional process steps making it inexpensive.
`An accelerometer measures the non gravitational accelera(cid:173)
`tion it experiences. It is simplest to consider that the gravita(cid:173)
`tional forces accelerate the whole accelerometer equally, and 15
`therefore give no reading. Non-gravitational acceleration is
`produced by forces other than gravity or inertial forces. Such
`forces include all simple mechanical forces. These are trans(cid:173)
`mitted to the accelerometer device through mechanical stress
`on its mounting.
`The non-volatile memory 38 can be used to contain the
`serial number, probe characteristics, time gain characteris(cid:173)
`tics, last used settings for when probe is interchanged with
`other types of probe, i.e. abdominal, endocavity, linear etc.
`The accelerometer detects movement of the probe in three
`axes and allows detection of the probe 10 when rotated or
`moved in a linear direction. The probe 10 could be used to
`detect movement of the probe in two axes, but the results
`would be less accurate.
`90 Degree Scanning
`When scanning an organ (such as a bladder) as shown in
`FIG. 6 and the probe 10 is aligned in the normal direction for
`scanning that organ and the probe switch 12 is then pressed, it
`will save the image from that position and mark that position 35
`as O degrees. The pro be 10 is then rotated through 90 degrees
`as shown in the sketch below. When the 90 degree position is
`detected by the sensor, the information can be automatically
`saved or used to open a second window to display the sagittal
`view, which is the vertical plane passing through the standing 40
`body from front to back. The two views can also be used to
`calculate the organ volume (such as bladder volume) to a
`greater accuracy.
`180 Degree Scanning
`If the probe is rotated through 180 degrees, a complete 3D
`image of the organ will be obtained to allow greater accuracy
`in determining dimensions and volume.
`Linear Scanning
`If the probe is moved linearly across the organ a 3D image
`of the organ could be obtained. The velocity is the integral of
`the acceleration measured by the MEMS accelerometer 32
`and the distance traveled is the integral of the velocity. The
`linear displacement is interpolated from the accelerometer
`and deceleration and time of displacement of the probe 10.
`Bladder Scanning
`The image shown in FIG. 6 are two scans taken at right
`angles to each other of the bladder of a person (Transverse and
`Sagittal planes).By using both images a more accurate valu(cid:173)
`ation of the bladder volume can be made. By using the MEMS
`accelerometer 32 sensor the 90° turn in the probe 10 can be
`detected and the image automatically switched to the other
`window. This allows the two images to be shown side by side.
`Single Plane Scanning
`The scan can be started by either pressing the probe switch
`12 on the probe 10 or on the START button on the monitor
`screen as shown in FIG. 6, the maximum bladder size can be
`manually or automatically detected.
`
`Manual Detection
`Manual detection is achieved by the operator moving the
`probe 10 to visually maximize the image of the bladder. The
`operator places the probe 10 approximately over where the
`bladder should be and then moves the probe in the horizontal
`or vertical direction to centre the bladder, then moves the
`pro be angularly with the front end of the pro be as represented
`by the fluid chamber 18 remaining in the same position until
`the maximum bladder area is observed. When the operator
`10 finds the maximum bladder area, the operator presses the
`probe switch 12 or the STOP/Freeze button on the monitor
`screen to stop the scan and save the image and instigate the
`calculation for the bladder volume.
`Automatic Detection
`Automatic detection is achieved by the operator moving
`the probe 10 as described in the manual detection. During the
`scan each frame is compared to see if the image of the bladder
`area is larger than that in the preceding frame. The frame with
`the image of the largest bladder area is then stored.
`Pressing the probe switch 12 or the Stop/freeze button on
`the monitor screen to stop the scan would instigate the calcu(cid:173)
`lation for the bladder volume using the frame image stored
`with the image of the bladder with the maximum area
`obtained during the investigation.
`25 Orientation Spot
`The probe 10 of this invention has an orientation spot 14 as
`shown FIG. 1 which provides the operator with a starting
`point analogous to a GPS starting point or on a map direction
`website on the internet.
`30 Transverse and Sagittal Plane Scanning
`Pressing the probe switch 12 or the START button on the
`monitor screen starts the transverse scan, so that the maxi(cid:173)
`mum bladder size can be detected either manually as
`described previously or automatically. Automatic detection is
`achieved by moving the probe 10 to maximize the image of
`the bladder; each frame is compared to see if the image of the
`bladder area is larger than that in the preceding frame. The
`frame with the image of the largest bladder area is then stored.
`After having obtained the transverse scan, the sagittal scan
`can then be obtained manually when the operator rotates the
`probe 90° to the previous scan and repeats the process of
`scanning as just denote the sagittal scan position and another
`orientation spot or dot 14 or the start/stop button on the
`monitor denoting the transverse position. The operator moves
`45 the probe 10 to visually maximize the image of the bladder.
`Pressing the probe switch or the Stop/Freeze button on the
`screen will stop the scan and save the image and instigate the
`calculation for the bladder volume. However, it could also
`instigate the calculation for the bladder volume using the
`50 transverse and sagittal frame images stored showing the blad(cid:173)
`der with the maximum area.
`The sagittal scan can also be obtained automatically such
`that when the operator rotates the probe 10 by 90°. The
`MEMS 32 accelerometer sensor automatically senses when
`55 the probe 10 is rotated 90° to automatically display the sag(cid:173)
`ittal plane on the display either individually or side by side
`with the transverse scan.
`As the operator moves the probe 10 to visually maximize
`the image of the bladder the frame with the image of the
`60 largest bladder area is then stored. Pressing the probe switch
`12 or the STOP/Freeze button on the screen to stop the scan
`will start the calculation for the bladder volume using the
`images stored with the bladder with the maximum area for
`transverse and sagittal frames. This method can also apply to
`65 other organs such as the prostate.
`The non-contact method to measure accelerometer, veloc(cid:173)
`ity, and distance traveled is illustrated in FIG. 7 A. Velocity is
`
`0012
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 12 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 8,914,245 B2
`
`5
`
`5
`the integral of Accelerometer observed. When the operator
`finds the maximum bladder area, the operator presses the
`probe button or the STOP/Freeze button on the screen to stop
`the scan and save the image and instigate the calculation for
`the bladder volume.
`Automatic Detection
`Automatic detection is achieved by the operator moving
`the probe as described in the manual detection. During the
`scan each frame is compared to see if the image of the bladder
`area is larger than that in the preceding frame. The frame with
`the image of the largest bladder area is then stored.
`Pressing the probe button or the Stop/freeze button on the
`screen to stop the scan would instigate the calculation for the
`bladder volume using the frame image stored with the image
`of the bladder with the maximum area obtained during the
`investigation.
`
`ORIENTATION
`
`6
`Different Approaches to Accelerometer Sensing
`Piezo-film (Vibration, shock), AC Response only, Senses
`many things besides motion (sound, temperature, pressure)
`Electromechanical Servo (Tilt, Inertial) DC accurate, low
`frequency only.
`Piezoelectric (Vibration, Shock) Wide-dynamic range, AC
`Response only.
`Liquid tilt sensors (Tilt) DC response,
`Bulk Micromachined Piezo Resistive (Tilt, Vibration, Iner-
`10 tial) DC Response,
`Bulk Micromachined Capacitive (Tilt, Vibration, and Iner(cid:173)
`tial) DC Response, Good DC accuracy, low noise,
`Surface Micro machined Capacitive (Tilt, Vibration, and
`Inertial) DC Response, Standard IC form factors
`15 Endocavity Probes
`Endocavity probes as illustrated in FIGS. SA and SB are
`used for transrectal, pelvic floor and urethra scanning.
`In a similar mode to the abdominal probe scan of the
`bladder the prostate is usually scanned in the anteroposterior
`20 and sagittal planes and as described before for the abdominal
`probe, the 90° tum can be automatically detected using the
`MEMS 32 accelerometer sensor and the image automatically
`saved. Using an endfire endocavity probe as illustrated in
`FIG. SA an arc of sound is emitted in line with the shaft of the
`25 probe (A) (in the directions indicated by the arrows), for
`example to scan a prostate situated in front of the probe. If the
`probe is rotated through 180° (B) whilst scanning in this
`mode, then by using a MEMS 32 accelerometer sensor in the
`probe to sense the angular rotation, a 3D image can be built
`up.
`Using a side fire endocavity pro be as the sound is emitted at
`right angles to the shaft of the probe (C) to image the tissue
`surrounding the probe. To image the rectum for example,
`extracting the probe in a linear mode (D) whilst scanning, a
`3D image can be built up. The MEMS 32 accelerometer
`sensor is used to sense the linear motion. Although the sensor
`only detects the accelerometer, the linear displacement is
`interpolated from the accelerometer and deceleration and
`time of displacement of the probe.
`The above applies to both mechanical and electronic
`Endocavity probes. Other systems, methods, features, and
`advantages of the present invention will be or become appar(cid:173)
`ent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the fol(cid:173)
`lowing drawings and detailed description. It is intended that
`all such additional systems, methods, features, and advan(cid:173)
`tages be included within this description, be within the scope
`of the present invention, and be protected by the accompany(cid:173)
`ing claims.
`
`35
`
`The orientation of the probe 10 can be determined by
`placing an orientation spot or dot 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1
`and in the sketch below. It is analogous to the start position of
`GPS or map directions on some internet websites such as
`MapquestTM_
`Transverse and sagittal Plane Scanning
`Pressing the probe switch 12 or the START button on the
`monitor screen starts the transverse scan so that the maximum
`bladder size can be detected either manually as described
`previously or automatically. Automatic detection is achieved 30
`by moving the probe 10 to maximize the image of the bladder,
`each frame is compared to see if the image of the bladder area
`is larger than that in the preceding frame. The frame with the
`image of the largest bladder area is then stored. After having
`obtained the transverse scan, the sagittal scan can then be
`obtained manually when the operator rotates the probe 90° to
`the previous scan and repeats the process of scanning as just
`described for the transverse scan. The probe 10 is usually
`marked with a spot or dot on the probe to denote the sagittal 40
`scan position and another orientation spot or dot 14 or the
`start/stop button on the monitor denoting the transverse posi(cid:173)
`tion. The operator moves the probe 10 to visually maximize
`the image of the bladder. Pressing the probe switch or the
`Stop/Freeze button on the screen will stop the scan and save 45
`the image and instigate the calculation for the bladder vol(cid:173)
`ume. However, it could also instigate the calculation for the
`bladder volume using the transverse and sagittal frame
`images stored showing the bladder with the maximum area.
`The sagittal scan can also be obtained automatically such 50
`that when the operator rotates the probe 10 by 90°. The
`MEMS 32 accelerometer sensor automatically senses when
`the probe 10 is rotated 90° to automatically display the sag(cid:173)
`ittal plane on the display either individually or side by side
`with the transverse scan. As the operator moves the probe 10 55
`to visually maximize the image of the bladder the frame with
`the image of the largest bladder area is then stored. Pressing
`the probe switch 12 or the STOP/Freeze button on the screen
`to stop the scan will start the calculation for the bladder
`volume using the images stored with the bladder with the 60
`maximum area for transverse and sagittal frames. This
`method can also apply to other organs such as the prostate.
`The non-contact method to measure accelerometer, velocity,
`and distance traveled is illustrated in FIG. 7A.
`Velocity is the integral of Accelerometer as shown in FIG. 65
`7B. The distance is the integral of velocity ( double integral of
`accelerometer.
`
`Therefore, having thus described the disclosure, at least the
`following is claimed:
`1. An ultrasonic probe which scans a subject with beams of
`sound waves comprising:
`a transducer to produce sound waves;
`a means to steer the sound waves in the direction of a
`subject;
`a printed circuit board with a non-volatile memory;
`a micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated cir(cid:173)
`cuit;
`an outlet connector; and
`a logic device that is electrically coupled to the accelerom(cid:173)
`eter and transducer,
`wherin said micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer
`integrated circuit detects the movement of the probe in
`two to three axes when the probe is rotated or moved in
`a linear direction to allow the probe to detect images
`from more than one plane,
`
`0013
`
`Exhibit 1108 page 13 of 15
`DENTAL IMAGING
`
`

`

`US 8,914,245 B2
`
`7
`wherein the logic device instructs the transducer to produce
`the sound waves for scanning the subject and saves a first
`image from a first position based on the movement
`detection of the micro electrico-mechanical accelerom(cid:173)
`eter integrated circuit,
`wherein the logic determines that the ultrasonic probe is
`rotated to a second predetermined position relative to the
`first position based on the movement detection of the
`micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated
`circuit, and responsive to determining that the ultrasonic 10
`probe is rotated the second predetermined position, the
`logic device instruct the transducer to produce the sound
`waves for scanning the subject and saves a second image
`from the second predetermined position.
`2. The probe of claim 1 in which the probe can produce a 3d 15
`image of an organ of a subject when the probe is rotated 180
`degrees.
`3. The pro be of claim 1 in which the pro be can produce a 3d
`transverse plane scamiing of an organ of a subject and sagittal
`plane scamiing by linearly moving the probe across the body. 20
`4. An ultrasonic endocavity probe which scans a cavity of
`a subject having an end for inserting into the cavity compris(cid:173)
`ing:
`a transducer to produce sound waves;
`a means to steer the sound waves in the direction of a 25
`subject;
`a printed circuit board with a non-volatile memory;
`a micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated cir-
`cuit;
`an outlet connector; and
`a logic device that is electrically coupled to the accelerom(cid:173)
`eter and transducer,
`said micro electrico mechanical accelerometer integrated
`circuit detects the movement of the probe in two or three
`axes when the probe is rotated or moved in a linear 35
`direction to allow the probe to detect images from more
`than one plane, said probe being of a size and shape to
`enter the cavity of the subject,
`wherein the logic device instructs the transducer to produce
`the sound waves for scanning the subject and saves a first 40
`imagine from a first position based on the movement
`detection of the micro electrico mechanical accelerom(cid:173)
`eter integrated circuit,
`wherein the logic device determines that the ultrasonic
`probe is rotated to a second predetermined position rela- 45
`tive to the first position based on the movement detection
`of the micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer inte(cid:173)
`grated circuit, and responsive to determining that the
`ultrasonic probe is rotated the second predetermined
`position, the logic device instructs the transducer to pro- 50
`duce the sound waves for scamiing the subject and saves
`a second image from the second predetermined position.
`5. The probe of claim 4 in which probe emits an arc of
`sound forward (endfire) of the probe.
`6. The probe of claim 4 in which the probe emits an arc of 55
`sound at right angles (sidefire) to the longitudinal axes of the
`probe.
`7. The probe of claim 4 which also has clock buffers.
`8. The probe of claim 4 which has piezoelectric crystals in
`the transducer.
`9. An ultrasound imaging system comprising a hand held
`ultrasonic probe which scans a subject with beams of sound
`waves comprising:
`a transducer with a piezoelectric crystals to produce sound
`waves;
`a means to steer the sound waves in the direction of a
`subject;
`
`8
`a printed circuit board with a non-volatile memory;
`a micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated cir(cid:173)
`cuit;
`an outlet connector;
`said micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated
`circuit detects the movement of the probe in two or three
`axes when the probe is rotated or moved in a linear
`direction to allow the probe to detect images from more
`than one plane and a console processing and display unit
`coupled by a cable to the hand-held display, in which the
`piezoelectric crystals convert the ultrasonic reflected
`energy from the subject into electrical signals trans(cid:173)
`ferred from the probe over the cable to the processing
`unit,
`wherein the processing unit instructs the transducer to pro(cid:173)
`duce the sound waves for scanning the subject and saves
`a first image from a first position based on the movement
`detection of the micro electrico-mechanical accelerom(cid:173)
`eter integrated circuit,
`wherein the processing unit determines that the ultrasonic
`probe is rotated to a second predetermined position rela(cid:173)
`tive to the first position based on the movement detection
`of the micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer inte(cid:173)
`grated circuit, and responsive to determining that the
`ultrasonic probe is rotated the second predetermined
`position, the processing unit instructs the transducer to
`produce the sound waves for scanning the subject and
`saves a second image from the second predetermined
`position.
`10. An ultrasonic probe which scans a subject with beams
`of sound waves comprising:
`a transducer to produce sound waves;
`means to steer the sound waves in the direction of a subject;
`a printed circuit board with a non-volatile memory,
`a micro electric-mechanical accelerometer integrated cir-
`cuit,
`an outlet connector; and
`a logic device that is electrically coupled to the accelerom(cid:173)
`eter and transducer,
`wherein said micro electric-mechanical accelerometer
`integrated circuit detects the movement of the probe in
`all three axes when the probe is rotated or moved