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Abstract

A method for creating multiple planar images of a volumetric region of an object without acquiring data from the entire volumetric region. The method includes sweeping a transducer across the volumetric region. At sampling positions during the sweep, ultrasonic beams from the transducer are transmitted into the volumetric region, which intersect one or more of a plurality of surfaces to be scanned. The number of transmitted beams during the sweep is fewer than the number of beams that would be transmitted to scan the entire volumetric region. Echoes from the volumetric region are received at the transducer in response to the transmitted beams. From the received echoes, planar images corresponding to the plurality of surfaces are formed. In a variation, the method includes receiving at the transducer fewer echoes from the volumetric region than the echoes that would be received from scanning the entire volumetric region. This enables the creation of planar images corresponding to buried surfaces within the volumetric region. Because only a finite plurality of surfaces of the region is being scanned rather than the entire volumetric region, planar images of high image quality and a broad field of view can be created and displayed in real-time.

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First Claim