Ultrasound interface unit and method

Abstract

An interface unit (12) is provided for connection between an ultrasound sensing device (14) and a patient monitor (18) for providing ultrasound monitoring functionality of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters based on the processing of ultrasound data. The interface unit includes modules for processing the acquired ultrasound data to derive measurements of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters, and is configured to output the derived measurements to a coupled patient monitor unit, for example, for display and / or trending by the patient monitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an interface unit for an ultrasound system, particularly an interface unit for connecting an ultrasound sensing device to a patient monitoring system. Background Technology

[0002] The use of ultrasound in monitoring capabilities to monitor certain clinical parameters of a subject is an area of ​​increasing interest. Ultrasound data representing a subject can be acquired on a continuous basis and processed using one or more algorithms to derive measurements or parameters relevant to the subject. For example, the size of an anatomical body (e.g., the left ventricle of the heart) over time can be derived and monitored from ultrasound data for use in clinical assessments (e.g., cardiac function).

[0003] When ultrasound systems are used for monitoring capabilities, measurements from generated ultrasound images can be calculated based on ultrasound data and sent to a monitor for graphical trend display, which allows for interpretation by clinical experts. Ultrasound has the potential to become a ubiquitous monitoring tool in care settings.

[0004] Through one exemplary application, the medical community has proposed using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for continuous cardiac monitoring. In this context, TEE will be used not only for qualitative observation of dynamic cardiac motion via conventional ultrasound imaging but also for quantitative measurements such as left ventricular (LV) volume, stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO). Model-based segmentation (MBS) can be used to aid in this, for example, by automatically segmenting one or more cardiac chambers, thereby enabling anatomical quantification. Other quantitative measurement methods are also possible, such as performing a full MBS on the end-diastolic (ED) frame, followed by 2D or 3D tracking of the segmentation boundaries on other frames of the cardiac cycle.

[0005] Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is also used for cardiac assessment in some settings, more significantly in point-of-care and primary care settings, but potentially in other settings as well.

[0006] Patient monitors collect and display information from various sensors within the hospital setup, including but not limited to heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. The monitor acts as a central hub for accessing any information regarding a patient's vital signs. Information can be presented as trends over long periods in the monitor's database or transmitted to a higher level of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Monitors can also be configured to issue alerts in response to evaluations of certain measurements.

[0007] The use of ultrasound in a monitoring context places new demands on the functionality of equipment such as ultrasound systems and patient monitors. Measurements must be calculated from ultrasound data (e.g., ultrasound images) and preferably displayed in a meaningful manner for viewing by clinical staff in the room without interfering with current standards of care. For example, measurements (waveform or numerical data) generated from ultrasound data may need to be transferred to and displayed on a patient monitor.

[0008] In addition, the ultrasound sensing equipment must be controlled to continuously acquire ultrasound data in a format suitable for exporting and continuously monitoring clinical parameters of interest.

[0009] Document EP 3 494 895 A1 discloses a patient monitor control unit including a processor device adapted to receive a series of ultrasound measurements from a sensor including at least one configurable ultrasound transducer; process the series of ultrasound measurements to obtain hemodynamic data of a patient coupled to the sensor; control the patient monitor to display the hemodynamic data; evaluate the hemodynamic data to detect differences in the data; and generate a reconfiguration signal for the ultrasound transducer, such as causing a system adjustment of the ultrasound beam angle, wherein the timing of the generation is a function of the evaluation.

[0010] These requirements raise new technological demands beyond those offered by current ultrasound sensing and patient monitoring equipment, and are therefore being developed to facilitate this. These impose a significant cost burden on hospitals and other care facilities, and also require additional space within clinical rooms to accommodate the new systems.

[0011] Improvements in the field of ultrasound monitoring that can solve one or more of these problems would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, an ultrasound interface unit is provided that is communicatively coupled to an ultrasound sensing device and a patient monitoring unit during use, the ultrasound interface unit being configured in use to:

[0013] The ultrasound sensor receives acquired ultrasound data representing the object and processes the data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object.

[0014] Generate data output representing the exported parameters and transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit, and

[0015] The system performs a configuration function, which includes communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device to configure the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, the interface unit may also be configured to generate guidance information for guiding a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit of the ultrasound sensing device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. The interface unit may be configured to generate display output for use in controlling a display unit to display the guidance information.

[0017] The interface unit effectively provides a universal processor unit that allows ultrasound monitoring to be performed using any ultrasound sensing device and patient monitor. The interface unit includes processing functions required to derive and monitor measurement results from ultrasound data, and modules for transmitting these to the patient monitor for display and trending. It may also include modules for controlling the ultrasound device to acquire data in a mode, manner, or format suitable for deriving and monitoring these measurement results.

[0018] Therefore, the interface unit effectively allows any ultrasound and patient monitoring device to be used for ultrasound monitoring. This avoids the need to purchase and implement a dedicated ultrasound monitoring system, thus saving both space and clinical resources. A single ultrasound scanning and patient monitoring unit can be used for conventional ultrasound scanning and patient monitoring applications, and can also be used for ultrasound monitoring applications when needed.

[0019] In one example, the interface unit may provide modification capabilities, allowing existing ultrasound devices and patient monitors to be used for patient monitoring. The interface unit may be a plug-in unit configured to connect to separate ultrasound sensing devices and patient monitoring units. However, in other examples, the interface unit may be integrated, for instance, within the ultrasound device or patient monitoring unit to add ultrasound monitoring functionality to these devices.

[0020] The interface unit is preferably configured to cyclically receive ultrasound data from the ultrasound sensing device and cyclically determine the value of the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. In this way, the interface unit can perform monitoring of the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter.

[0021] In the context of this disclosure, monitoring means, for example, monitoring a parameter over a period of time (e.g., in an ongoing or continuous manner), such as cyclically determining the value of the parameter, and such as recording the value.

[0022] The interface unit may include a processing device, which includes one or more processors for performing one or more of the steps described above.

[0023] As mentioned above, the interface unit is arranged to communicatively couple with the patient monitoring unit during use. By way of example, the interface unit can be configured to connect to the patient monitoring unit via a wired or wireless connection. In some examples, it can be configured to connect via an institutional wireless LAN. In some examples, the interface unit may include a wired or wireless connection port to facilitate this. The interface unit is configured to transmit physiological and / or anatomical parameter measurements derived from the interface unit during use. These can be displayed, for example, on the patient monitoring unit screen and / or stored or cached at the patient monitoring unit. For example, they can be trended on the patient monitor's display, i.e., showing changes in parameters over time.

[0024] The interface unit is configured to perform configuration functions, including communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to induce adjustments to one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device to configure the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters. Different methods exist for implementing this, as will be discussed below.

[0025] In some examples, the ultrasound sensing device may include a local module for controlling ultrasound data acquisition in a manner suitable for performing ultrasound monitoring. For example, it may include one or more local operating settings or modes for operating ultrasound data acquisition in a manner suitable for performing ultrasound monitoring of the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. In this case, the interface unit can detect this and allow the ultrasound sensing device to operate according to the local settings or modes.

[0026] In some examples, the ultrasound sensing device may not include any dedicated settings or modes for acquiring suitable data for performing the ultrasound monitoring. In these cases, the interface unit can detect this and can itself be configured to guide the mode or manner of data acquisition by the ultrasound sensing device, such that data suitable for monitoring the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter is acquired.

[0027] In some examples, the patient monitoring unit may include one or more pre-configured or user-configured settings or modes for receiving and monitoring one or more ultrasound-derived physiological or anatomical parameters. The interface unit may be configured to perform the configured functions in use according to these settings or modes of the patient monitoring unit. For example, the patient monitor may transmit one or more specific parameters to be derived from the ultrasound data, and the interface unit may cause the configuration of the ultrasound operating parameters, such as enabling the acquisition of ultrasound data suitable for deriving these one or more parameters.

[0028] The patient monitoring unit may include a user interface module for receiving input from the user indicating one or more parameters to be acquired, and the interface unit may be configured to receive instructions of these one or more parameters from the patient monitoring unit during use, and configure the ultrasound operation parameters accordingly.

[0029] The above are merely exemplary methods, and many other specific methods are also possible, as will be explained and outlined in more detail in the following description.

[0030] According to a set of possible embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit can be configured to power the ultrasound sensing device during use to drive ultrasound transmission by the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound sensing device. This allows, for example, a separate peripheral ultrasound transducer unit (e.g., an ultrasound probe or scanner) to be used as the ultrasound device without requiring an additional power supply to drive the transducer unit. This allows for a very simple and streamlined setup because a complete diagnostic ultrasound system is not required; only a single peripheral ultrasound scanner or transducer unit is needed, which is powered by the ultrasound interface unit.

[0031] Therefore, in this case, the ultrasonic interface unit provides power to the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device.

[0032] By way of example, the ultrasonic sensing device may be an ultrasonic transducer unit comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers.

[0033] By way of example, the ultrasound interface unit can be configured to generate a drive signal to drive ultrasound transmission by the ultrasound transducer of the ultrasound transducer unit, wherein the configuration function includes configuring parameters of the drive signal. The drive signal is an electrical drive signal that excites the ultrasound transducer according to a desired transmission mode for acquiring ultrasound data of a suitable format or mode, so as to induce the acquisition of suitable ultrasound data. Therefore, the drive signal provides power to the ultrasound transducer.

[0034] The ultrasonic transducer unit is arranged to receive these drive signals from the interface unit. It does not require an additional power input connection.

[0035] The interface unit can be configured to receive RF echo signal data from the ultrasonic transducer unit and process the RF echo signal data to obtain one or more ultrasonic images.

[0036] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer will not necessarily need to perform beamforming on the acquired RF echo signals; these signals will be directly streamed to the interface unit, where appropriate signal summation / combination will be performed to obtain an ultrasonic image. This may help reduce the cost of the transducer, as a more extensive signal processing circuitry would not be required for such a transducer.

[0037] According to another set of embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit may be adapted to be communicatively coupled to an ultrasound sensing device including a local drive module for generating a drive signal for driving ultrasound transmission by a transducer of the ultrasound sensing device, wherein the configuration function includes communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to cause the ultrasound sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated drive signal. For example, the interface unit may be configured to communicate with a control unit of the ultrasound sensing device to cause the ultrasound sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated drive signal. The ultrasound sensing device may include an ultrasound transducer unit (e.g., an ultrasound probe), wherein the local drive module of the ultrasound sensing device is used to generate a drive signal for driving ultrasound transmission by a transducer included in the transducer unit.

[0038] The interface unit can issue control commands, such as causing the local transmission controller (control unit) of the ultrasound device to adjust ultrasound acquisition parameters (e.g., transmit or receive parameters). The control unit can communicate with the local drive module to cause the adjustment of the acquisition parameters.

[0039] The interface unit can be adapted to send control commands to the control unit of the ultrasonic sensing device in the form of one or more data signals or data messages. The control unit of the ultrasonic sensing device can communicate with a local drive module to induce adjustment of ultrasonic acquisition parameters (e.g., transmit / receive signals) based on the received data signals or data messages.

[0040] Therefore, in these examples, the interface unit does not directly drive the ultrasonic transmission performed by the transducer of the ultrasonic device. Instead, it communicates with the local control module of the ultrasonic device to cause the device to adjust transducer operating parameters, such as acquisition parameters. In this case, the ultrasonic device may include an ultrasonic system with a dedicated local transmit / receive control module.

[0041] According to a set of possible embodiments, the interface unit is capable of selectively operating in each of the two modes:

[0042] In the first mode, the interface unit is configured to supply power to the ultrasonic sensing device during use to drive ultrasonic transmission by the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device, and

[0043] In the second mode, the ultrasonic interface unit is adapted to be communicatively coupled to an ultrasonic sensing device, the ultrasonic sensing device including a local drive module for generating a drive signal to drive ultrasonic transmission by a transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device, and wherein the configuration function includes communicating with the ultrasonic sensing device to enable the ultrasonic sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated drive signal.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit may further include a display unit for displaying at least one derived anatomical or physiological parameter and / or for displaying one or more ultrasound images generated based on the acquired ultrasound data. Therefore, this provides a supplementary auxiliary display to the display of the patient monitoring unit, thereby allowing at least one derived and monitored physiological or anatomical parameter to be directly displayed on the auxiliary display.

[0045] As mentioned above, according to one or more embodiments, the interface unit may also be configured to generate guidance information to guide a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor of the ultrasound device relative to the object in order to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter.

[0046] The interface unit can be configured to generate information output including the exported information, for example, to a display unit coupled or coupled to the interface unit in use, or to a patient monitor, for example.

[0047] The guidance information may, for example, be information used to guide the user to correctly position the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor relative to the object in order to acquire optimal quality ultrasound data for deriving one or more desired physiological or anatomical parameters. The interface unit may use one or more algorithms to analyze the received ultrasound data to assess the quality level of the data used to derive the parameter of interest or measurement results.

[0048] The guidance information may include information for guiding the adjustment of the position of the ultrasonic transducer unit or sensor relative to the body. The interface unit may generate a display output to control a display unit to display the guidance information for adjusting the position of the ultrasonic transducer unit or sensor. For example, this may be graphical or visual guidance information.

[0049] In one set of examples, the ultrasonic sensing device may (also) include a display unit, wherein the ultrasonic interface unit is adapted to transmit the display output to the ultrasonic sensing device for displaying the guidance information on the display unit of the ultrasonic sensing device.

[0050] In one set of examples, the ultrasound sensing device may include a display unit, wherein the ultrasound interface unit is configured to communicate with the ultrasound sensing device to display at least one physiological or anatomical parameter derived by the interface unit on the display unit.

[0051] The configuration function includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the ultrasonic sensing device to configure it for acquiring ultrasonic data suitable for ultrasonic monitoring purposes. The operating parameters may, for example, include acquisition settings for the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device. These may include, for example, the transducer's transmit and / or receive frequencies, delay times for transmission and reception by the transducer (e.g., to adjust beamforming settings), the transducer's drive voltage, and / or the transducer's drive mode (e.g., to adjust beamforming). These may additionally or alternatively include, for example, transmit voltage, line density, beamwidth, 2D to 3D acquisition mode, field of view size, and / or frame rate.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound data received from the ultrasound sensing device may include ultrasound image data. For example, it may include one or more ultrasound images.

[0053] For example, the ultrasound sensing device may include a processing module for processing received data to generate one or more ultrasound images, and wherein the ultrasound data received from the ultrasound sensing device at the interface unit includes image data.

[0054] By way of a non-limiting example, the ultrasound sensing device includes an ultrasound imaging system comprising one or more ultrasound scanners or transducer units for acquiring ultrasound data, plus one or more processors for at least partially processing the data. For example, these local processors may process the ultrasound data to generate one or more images, and / or may perform beamforming, for example, based on delay and other methods.

[0055] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit may be adapted to receive input signals from the patient monitoring unit and may be adapted to configure the operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device based on the input signals.

[0056] Therefore, in this set of embodiments, the adjustment of the ultrasound acquisition (e.g., imaging) settings can be based on input from the patient monitoring unit. The patient monitoring unit can, for example, send a feedback signal to the interface unit in response to detecting changes in patient monitoring information (e.g., vital signs) that meet defined criteria, such as meeting or passing a predefined threshold.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the interface unit may also be configured to generate guidance information for guiding a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit of the ultrasound sensing device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter, wherein the ultrasound interface unit is adapted to receive input signals from the patient monitoring unit, and wherein the ultrasound interface unit is adapted to configure the guidance information based on the input signals.

[0058] Therefore, in this set of embodiments, the input signal may additionally or alternatively trigger adjustments by the user-guided interface unit. For example, it can enable the generation of a guiding output prompting the user to (re)acquire one or more imaging views for updated image acquisition. The guiding output can provide guidance for positioning the transducer unit relative to the object.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit may also be coupled in use to one or more medical sensors for measuring one or more physiological parameters, and the interface unit is configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors. The interface unit may, for example, be configured to derive the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter using the sensor data combined with the ultrasound data.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the interface unit may be configured to receive sensor data and / or physiological parameter data from the patient monitoring unit. For example, the patient monitoring unit collects this data via one or more communication-coupled sensors and then transmits or forwards the data in use to the interface unit.

[0061] The interface unit may, for example, be configured to derive the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter using the received sensor or parameter data combined with the ultrasound data. In some examples, the interface unit may display indications of the sensor or parameter data received from the patient monitoring unit on an optional display unit, for example, together with the parameter data acquired using ultrasound.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit can be configured to generate control signals to control a display unit to display at least one derived anatomical or physiological parameter and / or display one or more ultrasound images generated based on the acquired ultrasound data. In these examples, the interface unit can therefore be configured to control an external or auxiliary display to present the derived parameters and / or generated images, wherein the display may or may not be part of the interface unit itself. For example, the interface unit may be operatively coupled to an external display unit during use.

[0063] The interface unit may include a processing module for processing the received ultrasound data to generate one or more ultrasound images.

[0064] According to one or more examples, the ultrasound interface unit can be configured to control the display unit to display an ultrasound image superimposed with one or more derived physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0065] In some aspects, the ultrasound interface unit may be provided in combination with one or both of an ultrasound sensing device and a patient monitoring unit to provide an ultrasound system. Different options exist for providing an ultrasound system, depending on which components are included in the system and which components are external and operatively coupled to the system.

[0066] An example of one aspect of the present invention provides an ultrasonic system comprising:

[0067] Ultrasonic sensing device, and

[0068] An ultrasonic interface unit, according to any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, is communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensing device.

[0069] In some examples, the system may further include a patient monitoring unit capable of communicatively coupling to one or more medical sensors for receiving medical sensor data. Alternatively, the interface unit may be adapted to couple with the patient monitoring unit during use.

[0070] In one or more examples, the ultrasonic sensing device may include a base station, wherein the ultrasonic interface unit is integrated within the base station. For example, the interface unit may be physically located within at least a portion of the base station housing. The base station may, for example, include a processing module for processing ultrasonic data acquired by one or more ultrasonic transducers to generate one or more ultrasonic images.

[0071] In some examples, the ultrasonic sensing device may be a portable or mobile ultrasonic sensing device.

[0072] In some examples, the ultrasound sensing device may include a diagnostic ultrasound system or unit, such as a cart-type ultrasound unit including an ultrasound transducer unit, a processing module, a display, and user input devices (e.g., a keyboard and / or pointer devices).

[0073] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic system is provided, comprising:

[0074] A patient monitoring unit, which is communicatively coupled to one or more medical sensors to receive medical sensor data, and

[0075] The ultrasound interface unit, according to any of the examples or embodiments outlined above or described below, is communicatively coupled to the patient monitoring unit.

[0076] In some examples, the system may also include an ultrasonic sensing device. Alternatively, the interface unit may be adapted to couple with the ultrasonic sensing device during use. In either case, the ultrasonic sensing device may, in some examples, be any of the examples discussed above.

[0077] In one or more examples, the patient monitoring unit may include a base station, wherein the ultrasound interface unit is integrated within the base station, for example, physically located within at least a portion of the housing of such a base station. In one example, the base station may include a processing module arranged to receive the medical sensor data.

[0078] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic interface method is provided, comprising:

[0079] Receive acquired ultrasound data representing an object from an ultrasound sensing device, and perform processing on the data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object;

[0080] Generate data output representing the exported parameters and transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit; and

[0081] The configuration function includes communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device to configure the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments, the method may further include generating guidance information for guiding a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit of the ultrasound sensing device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter; and generating a display output for use in displaying the guidance information for adjusting the position of the ultrasound transducer unit on a control display unit.

[0083] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product including a code module is provided, the code module being configured to cause the processor to perform an interface method according to any of the paradigms outlined above or described below when run on a processor.

[0084] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments(s) described below and will be set forth with reference to the embodiments(s) described below. Attached Figure Description

[0085] To better understand the invention and to more clearly illustrate how it can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0086] Figure 1 An example ultrasound interface unit in use is illustrated schematically;

[0087] Figure 2 Another example of an ultrasonic interface unit in use is illustrated schematically;

[0088] Figure 3 An example ultrasonic interface unit in use is schematically shown, which is coupled to a separate ultrasonic transducer unit;

[0089] Figure 4 An example ultrasound interface unit in use is schematically shown, which is coupled to an ultrasound system with an ultrasound data processing module;

[0090] Figure 5 An ultrasound system including an ultrasound interface unit integrated with an ultrasound sensing device is shown; and

[0091] Figure 6 Another example ultrasound system is shown, which includes an ultrasound interface unit integrated with a patient monitoring unit. Detailed Implementation

[0092] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] It should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only when indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0094] This invention provides an interface unit for connecting an ultrasound sensing device and a patient monitor, the patient monitor providing ultrasound monitoring of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters based on the processing of ultrasound data. The interface unit includes modules for processing the acquired ultrasound data to derive measurement results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters, and is configured to output the derived measurement results to a coupled patient monitor unit, for example, for display and / or trend analysis by the patient monitor.

[0095] The interface unit may also include functionality to assist in the configuration or setup of an ultrasound sensing device used for monitoring one or more desired physiological or anatomical parameters. This may include, for example, modules for communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to induce adjustments to one or more operating parameters of the device. It may also include, for example, modules for generating user guidance information to guide a user in correctly positioning the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor relative to an object to acquire optimal quality ultrasound data for deriving one or more desired physiological or anatomical parameters. This guidance information may include information for guiding the adjustment of the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor position relative to the body. The interface unit may generate display output for displaying the guidance information for adjusting the position of the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor on a display unit.

[0096] Figure 1 An exemplary ultrasound interface unit according to one or more embodiments is schematically illustrated. Interface unit 12 is shown as being coupled to ultrasound sensing device 14 and patient monitoring unit 18 in use. Each of these components is illustrated only schematically to show the connection arrangement relative to interface unit 12.

[0097] By a non-limiting example, the ultrasonic sensing device 14 includes an ultrasonic imaging system comprising one or more ultrasonic scanners or transducer units for acquiring ultrasonic data, plus one or more processors for at least partially processing the data. For example, these local processors may process the ultrasonic data to generate one or more images, and / or may perform receive beamforming, such as based on delay and methods. In other examples, the ultrasonic sensing device may simply comprise a standalone ultrasonic sensor or an ultrasonic transducer unit comprising one or more transducers.

[0098] By way of example, the patient monitoring unit 18 can be configured to communicatively couple with one or more clinical or medical sensors in use for receiving medical sensor data from the sensors. By way of non-limiting example, such sensors may include pulse rate sensors (e.g., PPG sensors), blood pressure sensors, respiration sensors, blood oxygen saturation sensors, and / or body temperature sensors. The patient monitoring unit 18 may include a local display unit for displaying the results of the medical sensor data, for example, it may display the trend values ​​of the medical sensors over time, for example, in the form of a graph showing the progress of the medical parameters measured by the sensors. It may include a user input module for configuring settings of the patient monitor. It can be configured to receive and display sensor data belonging to a single object or patient or multiple objects and patients.

[0099] The ultrasound interface unit 12 is configured to receive acquired ultrasound data representing an object from the ultrasound sensing device 14.

[0100] The acquired ultrasound data transmitted to interface unit 12 can be “raw” RF ultrasound data, or it can be data that has been at least partially post-processed. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, in the field of ultrasound diagnostic imaging, acquired RF ultrasound data can undergo a series of processing steps to combine received RF signals, format and configure data, and then subsequently derive information from, for example, one or more images, or anatomical or physiological measurements or quantitative data. These steps may include any one or more of the following: beamforming, bandpass filtering, decimation, I and Q component separation, and / or harmonic signal separation of the received signal channels, which serves to separate linear and nonlinear signals in order to enable the identification of nonlinear (higher harmonics of the fundamental frequency) echo signals returning from tissues and microbubbles. The steps may also include additional signal enhancement (such as speckle reduction, signal recombination, and / or noise cancellation). After this, these steps may include scan conversion for converting the acquired ultrasound data into visual image data.

[0101] The ultrasound data received by the interface unit can be data from any point along such a series of processing steps.

[0102] The ultrasound interface 12 is configured to perform processing on the received ultrasound data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object.

[0103] The ultrasound interface 12 is also configured to generate data output representing at least one parameter of the exported data and to transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit 18.

[0104] The ultrasound interface unit 12 is preferably also configured to perform configuration functions, including communicating with the ultrasound sensing device 14 to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device for configuring the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters over time.

[0105] Operating parameters may include, for example, the acquisition settings of the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device. These may include, for example, the transducer's transmit and / or receive frequencies, the delay time for transmission and reception by the transducer (e.g., to adjust beamforming settings), the transducer's drive voltage, and / or the drive mode for the transducer (e.g., to adjust beamforming). These may additionally or alternatively include, for example, transmit voltage, line density, beamwidth, 2D to 3D acquisition mode, field of view size, and / or frame rate.

[0106] Interface unit 12 may include a memory storing a preferred set of one or more operating parameters for the ultrasound sensing device, and wherein the interface unit is configured to retrieve and apply the settings to the ultrasound sensing device 14 in use. Different sets of settings corresponding to different physiological or anatomical parameters to be derived may be stored. The preferred set of one or more settings may alternatively be stored remotely from the interface unit, and the interface unit is configured to communicate with, for example, a remote server, such as via the Internet or a network connection, to retrieve the settings.

[0107] This configuration feature allows the interface unit to be used with any ultrasound sensing or imaging unit, and by configuring the ultrasound acquisition function settings, ensures that the collected ultrasound data is optimal for deriving the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter.

[0108] Interface unit 12 may include one or more processors for performing any or more of the functions outlined above.

[0109] In an advantageous example, interface unit 12 may also include display unit 24 operatively coupled to interface unit. Figure 2An example of such an embodiment is illustrated schematically. The interface unit can be configured to control the display unit to display the result of at least one derived anatomical or physiological parameter. The display unit can additionally or alternatively be used to display one or more ultrasound images derived from the acquired ultrasound data. In this example, such images can be derived by the interface unit 12 or by a suitable processing module of the ultrasound sensing device 14.

[0110] In some examples, interface unit 12 can be configured to display on display unit 24 the results of one or more derived physiological parameters as a superimposed superimposed on a generated ultrasound image or volume. By way of example, where the ultrasound data received by the interface unit includes image data, the results of quantification of one or more parameters can be depicted as superimposed on or near the ultrasound image used to derive the measurement results.

[0111] As discussed, the ultrasound interface unit 12 is configured to process received ultrasound data to acquire one or more physiological or anatomical parameters relevant to the object. This process may also be referred to as measurement quantization in this disclosure.

[0112] Using ultrasound data to derive physiological or anatomical parameter measurements is a known concept. An exemplary method for processing ultrasound data to extract such measurements is outlined in: Diego Medvedofsky, Three-dimensional echocardiographic quantification of the left-heart chambers using an automated adaptive analytics algorithm: multicentre validation study (European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 47-58 (January 2018)).

[0113] Through a non-limiting example, the physiological or anatomical parameters that can be derived from ultrasound data by the interface unit in the example may include one or more of the following: left / right ventricular volume or external dimensions, blood flow through one or more vessels, heart rate, respiratory rate, maximum vital capacity, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Other parameters that can be monitored include the location and / or shape of any one or more of the following: mitral valve, tricuspid valve, atrial and / or ventricular septum, and left and / or right atrium. Through the example, the interface unit can perform any of the following: mitral and / or tricuspid valve tracking and / or segmentation, atrial and / or ventricular septum tracking and / or analysis, and left and / or right atrial segmentation.

[0114] The acquired ultrasound data can represent a specific anatomical region of the object. This data can then be processed to extract quantitative measurements associated with one or more anatomical entities within that region. For example, one or more ultrasound data frames representing a region of the heart can be received at one or more corresponding time points. This can be processed to determine the external dimensions of clinically relevant parts of the heart at different time points, such as the left ventricle. If frames are captured over a period extending over one or more complete cardiac cycles, a measure of the patient's cardiac output can be derived, for example.

[0115] In some paradigms, one or more suitable algorithms can be used to perform the processing of ultrasound data for deriving one or more physiological or anatomical parameters. These may include, for example, one or more machine learning algorithms. The machine learning algorithms can be trained on training data consisting of various paradigm frames or sets of frames that include ultrasound data, and these are labeled with the correct corresponding measures of physiological or anatomical parameters or measurements of interest.

[0116] In other examples, segmentation can be performed on the received ultrasound data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. For instance, the received ultrasound data may be ultrasound image data, along with a segmentation algorithm applied to that data to extract the dimensions of one or more anatomical bodies or entities represented within the data. In advantageous examples, model-based segmentation may be applied, for instance.

[0117] In some examples, ultrasound data can be acquired by the ultrasound sensing device 14 on an in-process, continuous, or cyclic basis and received in real time at the ultrasound interface unit 12. The interface unit can process this data (e.g., also in real time), allowing the cyclic or continuous measurement results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters to be derived over time. Thus, monitoring of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters is realized.

[0118] More generally, depending on the measurements to be derived, received ultrasound data can be processed in different ways. For example, and as explained above, in some cases, AI and model-based segmentation can be applied to the received data to extract and measure certain anatomical or physiological parameters (anatomical segmentation). In some examples, blood flow patterns can be additionally or alternatively quantified. In this case, for example, color flow analysis can be performed to derive flow velocities and, optionally, the spatial variances of these velocities.

[0119] According to some examples, additional modules may be provided to enable users to manually measure specific anatomical or physiological features (such as valves or chamber walls), for example, using screen calipers or other measuring tools. In some examples, the system may include modules for temporarily propagating the measurement results onto future image frames.

[0120] In an advantageous example, interface unit 12 can also be configured to generate guidance information for guiding the user to position the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor of the ultrasound device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. Thus, intelligent probe positioning functionality can be implemented.

[0121] Guidance information may include, for example, information used to guide the user in correctly positioning the ultrasound transducer unit or sensor relative to the object to acquire optimal quality ultrasound data for deriving one or more desired physiological or anatomical parameters. The interface unit can analyze the received ultrasound data using one or more algorithms to assess the quality level of the data used to derive the parameter of interest or measurement result.

[0122] The guidance information may include information for guiding the adjustment of the position of the ultrasonic transducer unit or sensor relative to the body. The interface unit may generate display output to control the display unit to display the guidance information used to adjust the position of the ultrasonic transducer unit or sensor. For example, this could be graphical or visual guidance information.

[0123] For example, the interface unit can be configured to analyze received ultrasound data and determine user feedback or guidance for positioning the ultrasound probe in an acceptable location to ensure sufficient quality of at least one derived physiological or anatomical parameter. For instance, the user can manipulate the ultrasound probe, and the interface unit provides real-time feedback on the quality measure or metric of the current ultrasound image, for example via a coupled display unit. Alternatively, the system can proactively guide the user to manipulate the probe position / orientation in a certain way to achieve the correct view. This can be based, for example, on a specific detected viewpoint captured within the data.

[0124] For example, if the parameters to be exported are related to the left ventricle of the heart, the interface unit can process the received ultrasound data using one or more algorithms configured to detect whether the left ventricle is within the ultrasound viewpoint, and if so, whether it is optimally centered within the viewpoint. If not, guidance information can be generated regarding how the ultrasound sensor or transducer unit should be moved to utilize viewpoint capture data that better represents the anatomy of interest (e.g., the left ventricle).

[0125] The examples demonstrate how image analysis and / or machine learning algorithms or techniques can be used to implement the generation of guiding information.

[0126] According to one or more examples, the interface unit may include one or more pre-stored algorithms or computer programs (e.g., stored on local memory) adapted to process received ultrasound data and generate guidance information for guiding the user based on the processing. In some examples, different algorithms or programs may exist for each of one or more possible anatomical or physiological parameters to be derived. In some examples, the interface unit may be adapted to establish a communication channel with a remote server storing one or more algorithms or programs for processing ultrasound data and generating output guidance information, and is adapted to retrieve at least one of the algorithms or programs for use in generating the guidance information.

[0127] In some examples, the ultrasound interface unit can be configured to receive positioning data representing the relative or absolute position or motion of the ultrasound sensor or transducer unit included in the ultrasound sensing device 14. The ultrasound device 14 may, for example, include one or more motion sensors incorporated within the ultrasound sensor or transducer unit of the device for detecting the movement and / or position of the sensor or transducer unit. In some examples, this movement and / or position data can be transmitted in real time to the ultrasound interface unit 12 for use in conjunction with ultrasound and / or vital sign data for use in deriving the user guidance information and / or ultrasound signal quality metrics.

[0128] As mentioned above, the interface unit can be adapted to generate display output for controlling the display unit to display guidance information. In a set of advantageous examples, the ultrasonic sensing device may further include a display unit, wherein the ultrasonic interface unit is adapted to transmit the display output to the ultrasonic sensing device for causing the guidance information to be displayed on the display unit of the ultrasonic sensing device. Alternatively, the interface unit may include a local display unit, wherein the display output is transmitted to the local display unit.

[0129] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit may be adapted to receive input signals from the patient monitoring unit and may be adapted to configure the operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device based on the input signals.

[0130] Therefore, in this set of embodiments, the adjustment of ultrasound acquisition (e.g., imaging) settings can be based on input from the patient monitoring unit. Patient monitoring can, for example, send a feedback signal to the interface unit in response to detecting changes in patient monitoring information (e.g., vital signs) that meet defined criteria, such as meeting or passing a predefined threshold.

[0131] Additionally or alternatively, the interface unit may also be configured to generate guidance information for guiding a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit of the ultrasound sensing device relative to an object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter, wherein the ultrasound interface unit is adapted to receive input signals from a patient monitoring unit, and wherein the ultrasound interface unit is adapted to configure the guidance information based on the input signals.

[0132] Therefore, in this set of embodiments, the input signal can additionally or alternatively trigger user-guided adjustments by the interface unit. For example, it can enable the generation of a guidance output that prompts the user to (re)acquire one or more imaging views for updated image acquisition. The guidance output can provide guidance for positioning the transducer unit relative to the object.

[0133] The benefit of this embodiment is that it allows for the generation of snapshots of relevant anatomical structures (e.g., the heart) near the time of detection of changes in one or more physiological parameters, thereby allowing clinicians to derive an improved understanding of the causes of the changes.

[0134] In an advantageous embodiment, the ultrasound interface unit may also be configured to receive non-ultrasound-based medical sensor data, such as subject vital sign data, and use the data to determine one or more physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0135] For example, the ultrasound interface unit can also be coupled in use to one or more medical sensors for measuring one or more physiological parameters, wherein the interface unit can be configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors. Alternatively, the interface unit can receive medical sensor data via a patient monitoring unit 18, which is operatively coupled to one or more medical sensors for receiving the medical sensor data.

[0136] By way of a non-limiting example, one or more physiological parameters measured by medical sensors may include patient vital signs such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, blood pressure and / or blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).

[0137] By way of example, vital sign data or other medical sensor data collected and displayed on the patient monitoring unit 18 can be sampled by the ultrasound interface unit 12 and used to derive one or more physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0138] Medical sensor data can also be used to facilitate additional or alternative functions. For example, in some paradigms, it can serve as the basis for triggering ultrasound data acquisition. For instance, the acquisition of ultrasound data and the derivation of at least one physiological or anatomical parameter from that data can be triggered solely in response to reaching or exceeding a certain threshold level of one or more parameters monitored by the medical sensor. For example, measuring cardiac output may be triggered solely in response to measuring a decrease or increase in pulse rate by a certain amount or to a certain absolute level.

[0139] When the ultrasound interface unit 12 includes a coupled display unit 24, the interface unit can be configured to display received medical sensor data on the display, whether it is received from an auxiliary medical sensor coupled to the interface unit 12 or via the patient monitoring unit 18.

[0140] By way of example, waveforms and / or digital medical sensor data from patient monitoring unit 18 can be copied for display on display 24 of interface unit 12. In some examples, the interface unit can be used, for example, as a useful additional portable device (e.g., a clinician's handheld or mobile device) that can access patient monitoring information.

[0141] According to one or more examples, a given patient monitoring unit 18 can be paired with a given ultrasound interface unit 12 such that both are communicatively coupled to the other. In some examples, a near-field communication module can be provided within the interface unit 12 to facilitate such pairing. For example, pairing with a given patient monitoring unit can be triggered in response to a tap / touch on the patient monitor (e.g., the patient monitor screen), for example using a near-field communication (NFC) tag. If the patient monitor is stationary and difficult to access (e.g., mounted high on a wall), proxy NFC assignment via a different device is possible, for example using a peripheral pairing touchpad of the patient monitor that is closer to the ground and communicatively coupled to the patient monitor 18.

[0142] According to one or more embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit 12 may include a user input module for receiving user input commands. The interface unit may be configured to adjust or configure one or more operating settings based on the received user input. By way of example, the interface unit may be configured to utilize user input commands in performing the configuration function for configuring operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device. For example, the interface unit may allow input of preferred operating parameter settings for the ultrasound sensing device 14 via the user input module and may configure the ultrasound sensing device accordingly. By way of example, operating parameters may include acquisition interval, scan position (e.g., target position for beamform steering), and scan frequency. In the absence of user input, the interface unit may alternatively automatically determine the operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device, for example, based on stored default values, as discussed above.

[0143] User input can also be used to set at least one physiological or anatomical parameter, which is derived by the interface unit based on the received ultrasound data.

[0144] The ultrasound interface unit 12 is operable to derive any one or more of a range of different physiological or anatomical parameters from the received ultrasound data. In some examples, the ultrasound interface unit may be adapted to configure which parameters to derive from the acquired data based on received user input. In other examples, it may be determined automatically, for example, based on data from other medical sensors (as discussed above), or based on time of day, or, for example, based on patient history.

[0145] According to one or more examples, the ultrasound interface unit may include a communication module for communicating with another computer or system for exporting derived values ​​of at least one physiological or anatomical parameter. For example, interface unit 12 may be configured to output or export the exported physiological or anatomical parameter measurements to a cloud storage server or platform.

[0146] In some examples, the export of one or more anatomical or physiological parameters is based on the use of one or more machine learning algorithms or models. Interface unit 12 can be configured to export the exported parameter measurements to a remote server for archiving, such as a cloud server. An algorithm training facility can also be provided, wherein training of one or more machine learning algorithms is performed based on the archived parameter measurements. Updated algorithms or models can be passed to interface unit 12 and applied by the interface unit to future parameter exports. Such algorithm or model training can be performed on a patient-specific basis, enabling the algorithm to be trained and updated for each patient based on their own measurements, thus allowing for the development of a patient-specific algorithm.

[0147] There are different options for the physical configuration of the ultrasound interface unit 12. These options will now be outlined. Any of the features, functions, and options discussed above can be applied to any of the different embodiments discussed below.

[0148] According to one set of embodiments, the ultrasound interface unit 12 is provided as a separate, independent unit with connection ports for connection to each of the ultrasound sensing device 14 and the patient monitoring unit 18 during use. Therefore, it provides a bridge between the ultrasound sensing device 14 and the patient monitoring unit 18, effectively adding additional processing power to the patient monitor to allow the export and monitoring of physiological or anatomical parameters based on ultrasound data. Thus, in addition to other medical sensors that can be coupled to the patient monitor, it also allows the patient monitor to effectively utilize existing ultrasound sensing devices as additional patient monitoring inputs.

[0149] In this case, the ultrasound interface unit can provide modification capabilities, allowing any existing patient monitoring unit 18 and ultrasound sensing device 14 to be connected together and used for ultrasound monitoring of relevant parameters by means of the interface unit 12.

[0150] Interface unit 12 can be configured to connect to ultrasonic sensing device 14 via a wired or wireless connection. The interface unit may include a wired or wireless connection port to facilitate this connection. The ultrasonic device may stream ultrasonic data to the interface unit. Ultrasonic data may include, for example, ultrasound images or volumes. The ultrasonic device may have a module for locally deriving one or more measurement results from the acquired ultrasonic data. Optionally, in this case, the interface unit may be configured to also receive one or more such measurement results calculated by the ultrasonic device.

[0151] Interface unit 12 is configured to connect to the patient monitoring unit via a wired or wireless connection. In some examples, it may be configured to connect via an institutional wireless LAN. The interface unit may include a wired or wireless connection port to facilitate this. The interface unit is configured to transmit physiological and / or anatomical parameter measurements derived from the interface unit. These may be displayed on the patient monitor screen and / or stored or cached on the patient monitor. They may be trended on the patient monitor display, i.e., showing changes in the parameters over time.

[0152] There are different options for the ultrasonic sensing device 14.

[0153] Figure 3 An example is shown. In this example, the ultrasonic sensing device 14 includes a separate ultrasonic transducer unit 28 or sensor, such as a separate probe, which does not include an associated transducer drive module or signal processing module.

[0154] In this configuration, the ultrasonic interface unit 12 can be configured to provide power to the ultrasonic device for use in powering the drive of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, the interface unit acts as a power source for the ultrasonic device.

[0155] In a favorable example, the ultrasonic interface unit can generate and output drive signals for driving the ultrasonic transducer unit 28. The drive signals directly power the vibration of the transducer. Therefore, they carry the power used to drive the transducer, but also directly control signal transmission. Thus, the interface provides power and control to the ultrasonic sensing device transducer.

[0156] Therefore, in this set of examples, the configuration function performed by the interface unit 12 may include parameters for configuring these generated drive signals.

[0157] In this configuration, interface unit 12 can be configured to receive RF ultrasound data. The interface unit can be configured to process this data to derive post-processed data (e.g., scan-converted data and / or ultrasound images). Therefore, the interface unit can function as an ultrasound processing unit or an image forming processor.

[0158] By way of example, the standalone ultrasound transducer unit 28 may include a USB ultrasound probe designed for connection to an ultrasound system via a USB connection. This probe can be used by the interface unit to acquire suitable ultrasound data for monitoring one or more physiological parameters and output this data to the patient monitoring unit 18. For example, the USB probe can be directly plugged into a suitable connector socket on the interface unit 12. Although USB is mentioned, the ultrasound probe can alternatively be connected via any connection method (wired or wireless) using any communication or communication standard (e.g., Ethernet, serial, parallel, or any other).

[0159] Despite Figure 3 Not shown, but preferably, the interface unit also includes a coupling display unit 24. Preferably, when the connected ultrasound sensing device is a standalone ultrasound transducer unit 28, the display unit can be used to display real-time ultrasound data, such as generated ultrasound image data, to assist the user in locating and operating the ultrasound transducer unit. Thus, the display unit effectively acts as a primary ultrasound display, as may be found in a wider range of ultrasound diagnostic systems. Optional displays can be controlled to display US data and / or the results of at least one monitored physiological or anatomical parameter. The displays can switch intermittently between these two, or in some paradigms, measurement results can be overlaid on the generated ultrasound image (as discussed above).

[0160] Figure 4 This illustrates another example.

[0161] In this example, the coupled ultrasonic sensing device 14 may be an ultrasonic system including one or more ultrasonic transducer units 28, and further includes a local drive module 30 for generating a drive signal for driving ultrasonic transmission by the transducers of the one or more ultrasonic transducer units 28. In this case, configuration functions include communicating with the ultrasonic sensing device to enable the ultrasonic sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated drive signal.

[0162] Therefore, in this configuration, the ultrasonic interface unit 12 does not need to supply power to the ultrasonic sensing device 14, nor does it need to generate drive signals to drive the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device 14. The interface unit can generate control signals or commands to cause the processing module 30 of the ultrasonic sensing device to adjust the operating parameters of the signal transmission, such as frequency, signal strength, beam control direction, or any other parameters.

[0163] The processing module 30 of the ultrasonic sensing device 14 may include a module for post-processing RF ultrasonic data received from one or more ultrasonic transducer units 28, such as for performing receive beamforming and / or for scanning and converting data to generate image data.

[0164] The processing module 30 can be configured to process ultrasound data received from at least one transducer unit 30 to generate one or more ultrasound images.

[0165] The ultrasound device 14 may include a local display unit 32 for displaying a representation of the received ultrasound data, such as displaying one or more generated ultrasound images.

[0166] The ultrasound device may include a user input module for allowing the user to enter user input commands to control the operating parameters of ultrasound acquisition and / or to label the acquired ultrasound data.

[0167] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, processing unit 30 also performs the function of a local drive module for supplying drive signals to the ultrasonic transducer. However, this is not necessary. A separate processing unit, in communication with the interface unit, and a separate drive module, communicatively coupled to the control unit, adapted to generate drive signals for driving the ultrasonic transducer, may exist.

[0168] The interface unit can be adapted to transmit control commands to the control unit of the ultrasonic sensing device in the form of one or more data signals or data messages. The control unit of the ultrasonic sensing device can communicate with the local drive module to induce adjustments to ultrasonic acquisition parameters (e.g., transmit / receive signals) based on the received data signals or data messages. The data messages or signals may include instructions or requests indicating desired changes to one or more properties of the ultrasonic data acquisition. These may relate to the properties of the acquired ultrasonic data, such as the ultrasonic field of view, or the depth level of the ultrasonic data, or the data acquisition mode (e.g., 2D / 3D, B-mode, C-mode), or may relate to the nature of the drive scheme used by the local drive module to drive the ultrasonic transducer.

[0169] According to a set of possible embodiments, the interface unit can selectively operate in either of two modes:

[0170] In the first mode, the interface unit is configured to supply power to the ultrasonic sensing device during use to drive ultrasonic transmission by the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device, and

[0171] In the second mode, the ultrasonic interface unit is adapted to be communicatively coupled to an ultrasonic sensing device, the ultrasonic sensing device including a local driving module for generating a driving signal for driving ultrasonic transmission by a transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device, and wherein the configuration function includes communicating with the ultrasonic sensing device to enable the ultrasonic sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated driving signal.

[0172] Depending on the type of ultrasound device connected to the interface unit, an appropriate mode can be selected. This mode can be automatically selected by the interface unit's controller, or in some cases, it can be selected by the user using the user interface.

[0173] The ultrasonic device can be in the form of a trolley mounted on casters or wheels, which carries the processing module 30 and an optional display 32.

[0174] Figure 5 Another embodiment is shown. Herein, an ultrasound system 40 is provided, which includes, for example, an ultrasound sensing device 14 according to any of the examples discussed above, and an ultrasound interface unit 12 according to any example or embodiment outlined above or described below, or according to any claim of this application.

[0175] In this set of embodiments, the ultrasonic interface unit 12 is provided as a component integrated into the ultrasonic sensing device 14. However, this is only an option and not necessary; the two units can be provided physically separately.

[0176] In an example, the ultrasound device may include a base station, and the interface unit 12 is at least partially integrated with the base station, for example, coupled to the base station.

[0177] exist Figure 5 In a particular example, the ultrasonic sensing device 14 includes a cart-type ultrasonic system as discussed above, comprising an ultrasonic processing module 30 and one or more coupled ultrasonic transducer units 28 or sensors. The ultrasonic device 14 optionally also includes a display unit 32. However, this is only one example, and in other examples, the ultrasonic device may take different structural configurations.

[0178] exist Figure 5In one example, the ultrasound interface unit 12 is provided coupled to the processing module 30 of the ultrasound sensing device 14. In other examples, the interface unit may be provided as integrated together with the processing module within a common housing. In yet another example, the interface unit may be provided as a removable module within the ultrasound device, for example, inserted into a receiving slot.

[0179] The processing module 30 and the interface unit 12 can be coupled via an external wired or wireless connection (e.g., LAN, HDMI, USB or others), or they can be coupled, for example, via concealed integrated internal wiring.

[0180] In some examples, the display unit 32 of the ultrasound sensing device 14 can be used to display the results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters derived from the interface unit 12. Switching can be implemented between a conventional US display (displaying the generated ultrasound image) and a monitoring display (displaying the physiological or anatomical parameters derived from the ultrasound data).

[0181] In some examples, an auxiliary display (not shown) communicatively coupled to the interface unit 12 may be provided, wherein the interface unit controls the auxiliary display to display the results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters derived by the interface unit. This may be alternative to or supplementary to displaying the results on the display of the patient monitoring unit 18.

[0182] In some examples, the interface unit 12 is not integrated into the ultrasound device 14, but is provided spatially separate from it. An auxiliary display may be physically provided for mounting to the ultrasound device 14, communicatively coupled to the interface unit 12 for displaying results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters derived from the interface unit 12. The auxiliary display may, for example, be implemented as an additional display adjacent to the main display 32 of the ultrasound device (where such a main display is included as part of the device). For example, the auxiliary display may be a rotatable display.

[0183] The interface unit 12 of system 40 also includes a connection port for connecting to the patient monitor 18 during use. This can be a wired or wireless connection port for wired or wireless connection. This connection allows measurement results derived from the interface unit to be transmitted to the patient monitoring unit 18 and trended on the patient monitor's display.

[0184] Figure 6 An example according to another embodiment is shown.

[0185] This set of embodiments includes an ultrasound system 42, which includes a patient monitoring unit 18 communicatively coupled to one or more medical sensors for receiving medical sensor data, and an ultrasound interface unit 12 according to any example or embodiment outlined above or described below or according to any claim of this application.

[0186] In the illustrated example, the ultrasound interface unit 12 is integrated as part of the patient monitoring unit 18. However, this is only an option and not necessary. In other examples, the two units can be provided physically separately.

[0187] In some examples, the patient monitoring unit may include a base station, and the interface unit may be integrated within the housing of the base station.

[0188] The patient monitoring unit includes a display for showing sensor data received from one or more medical sensors that may be coupled to the patient monitoring unit 18 during use. In the illustrated example, the patient monitoring unit includes a small, tablet-type device. However, in other examples, the patient monitor may include a larger, trolley-type configuration, including a base station mounted on the trolley, which has casters or wheels to allow wheeled movement of the trolley. The patient monitor may include a display and may include a user input module.

[0189] In either case, medical sensors can be coupled to the patient monitor via wired or wireless connections.

[0190] Interface unit 12 is coupled to the patient monitor via any suitable wired or wireless connection. For example, this could be an external connection or via concealed integrated internal wiring.

[0191] Interface unit 12 can be coupled to ultrasonic sensing device 14 during use to receive ultrasonic data from the device. As discussed above, the ultrasonic data may include ultrasonic data at any point along a series of post-processing operations. In some examples, the ultrasonic data may include generated ultrasonic images. In some examples, the ultrasonic device may be configured to locally derive one or more measurements at the device and transfer these measurements to interface unit 12.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, an auxiliary display unit (not shown) coupled to the interface unit is provided, wherein the interface unit is configured to control the display unit to display one or more derived physiological measurements (as discussed above). By way of example, the results can be displayed as an overlay on the generated ultrasound image. For example, a segmentation map of one or more anatomical bodies can be shown as an overlay on an ultrasound image of the relevant anatomical region.

[0193] In some examples, the interface unit 12 is not integrated into the patient monitoring unit 18, but is provided spatially separate from it. An auxiliary display may be provided, physically mounted to the patient monitoring unit and communicatively coupled to the interface unit 12, for displaying results of one or more physiological or anatomical parameters derived from the interface unit 12. The auxiliary display may, for example, be implemented as an additional display adjacent to the main display of the patient monitoring unit. For example, the auxiliary display may be a rotatable display.

[0194] According to another aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic interface method is provided, comprising:

[0195] Receive acquired ultrasound data representing an object from an ultrasound sensing device, and perform processing of the data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object;

[0196] Generate data output representing the exported parameters and transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit, and

[0197] Performing configuration functions includes communicating with an ultrasound sensing device to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device for configuring the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters.

[0198] According to one or more embodiments, the method may further include: generating guidance information for guiding a user to position an ultrasound transducer unit of an ultrasound sensing device relative to an object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter; and generating a display output for controlling a display unit to display the guidance information for adjusting the position of the ultrasound transducer unit.

[0199] The implementation options and details for each of the above steps can be understood and explained based on the explanation and description provided above for the apparatus aspect (i.e., the ultrasonic interface aspect) of the present invention.

[0200] Any of the examples, options, or embodiment features or details described above with respect to the apparatus aspect (with regard to the interface unit) of the present invention may be applied, combined, or incorporated into the present method aspect of the present invention.

[0201] According to another aspect of the invention, a computer program product including a code module is also provided, which, when run on a processor, is configured to cause the processor to perform the methods described above.

[0202] As discussed above, various embodiments utilize one or more processors or processing modules to perform data processing. Processors or processing modules can be implemented in many ways using software and / or hardware to perform a variety of required functions. Processors typically employ one or more microprocessors that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. A processor can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware performing some functions and one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry performing other functions.

[0203] Examples of circuits that can be employed in the various embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0204] In various implementations, the processor may be associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memories, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform the required functions when run on one or more processors and / or controllers. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller or may be transportable, such that one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor.

[0205] By studying the accompanying drawings, disclosure, and dependent claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although specific measures are recited in different dependent claims, this does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. If a computer program is as discussed above, it may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided together with or as part of other hardware, but it may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. If the term "suitable" is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term "suitable" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured as." Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An ultrasound interface unit (12) capable of communicatively coupling with both an ultrasound sensing device (14) and a patient monitoring unit (18) during use, said ultrasound interface unit being configured in use to: The ultrasound sensor receives acquired ultrasound data representing the object and processes the data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object. Generate data output representing the exported parameters and transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit, and The system performs a configuration function, which includes communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device to configure the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters over time. It is characterized in that The interface unit is also configured to generate guidance information for guiding a user to position the ultrasound transducer unit (28) of the ultrasound sensing device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter, and wherein the interface unit is configured to generate display output for use in a control display unit to display the guidance information to adjust the position of the ultrasound transducer unit.

2. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic interface unit is configured to supply power to the ultrasonic sensing device (14) during use to drive ultrasonic transmission by the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic sensing device.

3. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to claim 2, wherein, The interface unit is configured to generate a drive signal to drive ultrasonic transmission by the ultrasonic transducer of the ultrasonic transducer unit (28), wherein the configuration function includes configuring parameters of the drive signal.

4. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to claim 1, wherein, The ultrasonic sensing device (14) includes a local driving module for generating a driving signal for driving ultrasonic transmission by a transducer included in the ultrasonic transducer unit of the ultrasonic sensing device, and wherein the configuration function includes communicating with the ultrasonic sensing device (14) to enable the ultrasonic sensing device to adjust parameters of the locally generated driving signal.

5. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ultrasound interface unit further includes a display unit (24) for displaying at least one derived anatomical or physiological parameter and / or for displaying one or more ultrasound images generated based on the acquired ultrasound data.

6. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ultrasonic sensing device includes a display unit, and the ultrasonic interface unit is adapted to transmit the display output to the ultrasonic sensing device so that the guidance information is displayed on the display unit of the ultrasonic sensing device.

7. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ultrasound sensing device includes a display unit, and the ultrasound interface unit is configured to communicate with the ultrasound sensing device to display the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter derived by the interface unit on the display unit.

8. The ultrasound interface unit according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ultrasound interface unit is adapted to receive input signals from the patient monitoring unit and to configure the operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device based on the input signals.

9. The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The ultrasound interface unit can also be coupled to one or more medical sensors for measuring one or more physiological parameters during use, and the interface unit is configured to receive sensor data from the one or more sensors.

10. An ultrasound system, comprising: Ultrasonic sensing device (14), and The ultrasonic interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-9 is communicatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensing device.

11. The ultrasonic system according to claim 10, wherein, The ultrasonic sensing device (14) includes a base station, which includes a processing module for processing ultrasonic data acquired by one or more ultrasonic transducers to generate one or more ultrasonic images, wherein the ultrasonic interface unit (12) is integrated within the base station.

12. An ultrasound system (42), comprising: A patient monitoring unit (18) capable of communicatively coupling with one or more medical sensors to receive medical sensor data, and The ultrasound interface unit (12) according to any one of claims 1-9 is communicatively coupled to the patient monitoring unit.

13. The ultrasound system (42) according to claim 12, wherein, The patient monitoring unit (18) includes a base station, which includes a processing module arranged to receive the medical sensor data, wherein the ultrasound interface unit (12) is integrated within the base station.

14. An ultrasound interface method, comprising: The ultrasound sensor (14) receives ultrasound data representing the object and processes the data to derive at least one physiological or anatomical parameter related to the object. Generate data output representing the exported parameters and transmit the data output to the patient monitoring unit (18); Perform a configuration function, which includes communicating with the ultrasound sensing device to cause adjustment of one or more operating parameters of the ultrasound sensing device to configure the ultrasound sensing device to acquire ultrasound data suitable for monitoring the physiological or anatomical parameters. The method is characterized in that, Generate guidance information to guide the user to position the ultrasound transducer unit (28) of the ultrasound sensing device relative to the object to acquire ultrasound data suitable for determining the at least one physiological or anatomical parameter; and A display output is generated, which is used to display the guidance information in the control display unit to adjust the position of the ultrasonic transducer unit.

15. A computer program product including a code module configured to cause the processor to perform the method of claim 14 when run on a processor.

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