Time Difference p1 - Articles defining Medical Ultrasound Imaging

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Phased Array

A phased array probe applies voltage pulses to all elements as a group but with small time differences (phasing). The time difference is changed each time so that the sound pulses will be sent out in different directions.

Further Reading:

Basics:

Ultrasonic Testing Using Phased Arrays
by www.ndt.net

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Transit Time

A flowmeter derives an accurate measure of the transit time ; transit time (or time of flight) is the difference in time for an ultrasonic pulse to travel with the direction of flow and against it. With bi-directional illumination it is the time taken for an ultrasound pulse to travel from one transducer to another. This time is used to measure blood flow rate. The difference between the upstream and downstream measured transit times calculates the volume flow.

See also Echo Ranging.

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Pelvic Ultrasound

As far as ultrasound is concerned, 4D ultrasound (also referred to as live 3D ultrasound or 4B-mode) is the latest ultrasound technology - the fourth dimension means length, width, and depth over time. 4D Ultrasound takes 3D ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the progress so that a moving three-dimensional image is seen on the monitor. A 4D scan takes the same amounts of time as a 2D or 3D scan; the difference is the ultrasound equipment being used. One advantage of a 4D fetal ultrasound to a 2D-mode is that parents can see how their baby will generally look like. However, there are different opinions over the medical advantages.
To scan a 3D ultrasound image, the probe is swept over the maternal abdomen. A computer takes multiple images and renders the 3D picture. With 4D imaging, the computer takes the images as multiple pictures while the probe is hold still and a 3D image is simultaneously rendered in real time on a monitor.
In most cases, the standard 2D ultrasound is taken, and then the 3D/4D scan capability is added if an abnormality is detected or suspected. The 3D/4D sonogram is then focused on a specific area, to provide the details needed to assess and diagnose a suspected problem. A quick 4D scan of the face of the fetus may be performed at the end of a routine exam, providing the parents with a photo.
See also Obstetric and Gynecologic Ultrasound, Pregnancy Ultrasound, Fetal Ultrasound and Abdominal Ultrasound.

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4D Ultrasound

As far as ultrasound is concerned, 4D ultrasound (also referred to as live 3D ultrasound or 4B-mode) is the latest ultrasound technology - the fourth dimension means length, width, and depth over time. 4D Ultrasound takes 3D ultrasound images and adds the element of time to the progress so that a moving three-dimensional image is seen on the monitor. A 4D scan takes the same amounts of time as a 2D or 3D scan; the difference is the ultrasound equipment being used. One advantage of a 4D fetal ultrasound to a 2D-mode is that parents can see how their baby will generally look like. However, there are different opinions over the medical advantages.
To scan a 3D ultrasound image, the probe is swept over the maternal abdomen. A computer takes multiple images and renders the 3D picture. With 4D imaging, the computer takes the images as multiple pictures while the probe is hold still and a 3D image is simultaneously rendered in real time on a monitor.
In most cases, the standard 2D ultrasound is taken, and then the 3D/4D scan capability is added if an abnormality is detected or suspected. The 3D/4D sonogram is then focused on a specific area, to provide the details needed to assess and diagnose a suspected problem. A quick 4D scan of the face of the fetus may be performed at the end of a routine exam, providing the parents with a photo.

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Phase Shift

Phase in ultrasound describes where the sound wave is in its cycle of amplitude change. Different waves oscillate at different frequencies, so time is often not a suitable measure of phase.
The phase shift is a difference in the phase or the temporal offset of the peaks of a waveform along one scan line.

See also Coherence, and Histogram.

Further Reading:

Basics:

Phase (waves)
by en.wikipedia.org