Patent attributes
An optoacoustic imaging system includes a handheld probe and a computing subsystem. The probe includes an ultrasound transducer array, the array being capable of receiving an acoustic return signal. The system further includes a light source capable of generating pulses of light and delivering the pulses to the handheld probe. The computing subsystem generates images from the acoustic return signal, and the subsystem is configured to store raw data frames in a buffer. Upon actuation of a playback mode via the user input device, the computing subsystem is caused to switch from a live mode wherein images from the acoustic return signal are displayed substantially in real time to the playback mode wherein images are generated from the frames stored in the buffer. One or more parameters affecting processing of the frames into an output image displayed upon the display can be enabled during the playback mode such that the output image varies from an image generated from the frame when the system is not in the playback mode. In this manner, the user can play back an area of interest using alternative filters that highlight different physiological features of the region of interest, alternative modes of display, and other alternative parameters.
