Acoustography.... Technique for bone imaging could be used for evaluation of soft tissues, blood, bone, etc.

BASIC PRINCIPLES....how acoustography works.... Acoustography* is a full-field ultrasonic imaging process where an acousto-optic area detector (AO detector) is employed to convert the ultrasound into a visual image in near real time. Acoustic images can be formed by simple shadow casting (analogous to radiography) or with acoustic lenses (analogous to photography or videography). In the through-transmission shadow mode of acoustography*,

Ultrasound is passed through the test component where it is absorbed, reflected, and scattered by material structure and any anomalies therein. The projection image of the material structure and anomalies is created by the ultrasound as it exits the test component. This projection image is converted into a corresponding visual image by the AO detector in near real time. A video camera and frame grabber can be used to digitize the image for computer storage and image enhancement.

*Nondestructive Testing Handbook, 2nd Edition: vol. 9, Special Nondestructive Testing Methods, Columbus, OH, American Society for Nondestructive Testing (1995), p278-284.

Links:

A New Invention: Vibro-Acoustography

Bone Imaging Using Tone-Burst Vibro-acoustography and Pulse Echo Ultrasound: A Qualitative Comparative Study PDF

Patents: