System for remote evaluation of ultrasound information obtained by a programmed application-specific data collection device

Abstract

A system which includes at least one ultrasound data collection device which is programmable to carry out a specific ultrasound procedure. The resulting ultrasound data is transmitted via a local server to the internet and from there to a web database server which processes the raw ultrasound data and provides application-specific information, such as a three-dimensional model, which can be used for diagnostic interpretation of the body part imaged by the ultrasound.

Description

[0001] This is division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 445,244, filed on May 23, 2003, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 620,766, filed on Jul. 21, 2000.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates generally to medical diagnostic systems using ultrasound, and more particularly concerns application-specific medical ultrasound systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The majority of medical ultrasound examinations / -procedures are carried out using “general purpose” ultrasound machines, which produce images of a selected portion of the human body. These images are in turn interpreted by a trained specialists in ultrasound. Radiologists, sonographers and, in some cases, specially trained physicians, usually in certain specialties, are among those who are trained to read and interpret an ultrasonic image. The cost of a general purpose ultrasound machine, however, is quite high, as is the cost of interpretation. Accordingly, and ultrasound ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The cost of a general purpose ultrasound machine, however, is quite high, as is the cost of interpretation.

Accordingly, and ultrasound procedure is typically quite expensive.

This cost factor inherently limits the use of ultrasound, even though it is potentially a widely applicable, non-invasive diagnostic tool.

The significant disadvantage of application-specific ultrasound machines is that they are, in fact, just that—useful for just a single application.

It would be too expensive and too cumbersome for a physician, particularly a general practitioner, to maintain a large number of application-specific ultrasound machines, even though ultrasound is useful in a variety of diagnostic situations.

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